Hunting with an AR15 type rifle?

I don't have a list, but it is legal in almost all states here. There are a few states that are shotgun only and no rifles are allowed. Only one state, Pennsylvania, does not allow semi-autos. Out of the rest of the states that allow rifles there were only 4 of 50 do not allow 223. Those states have a minimum caliber of 24.

There are other calibers on the AR platform, but 223 will kill deer just fine with big game bullets. I wouldn't hunt anything larger I'd avoid FMJ and varmint bullets. The conversions shooting 6.8 caliber seem to be the only option that is an improvement over 223. The 308 versions are based on the AR10 platform. It is a larger heavier rifle and would be a better option for game larger than deer.

If you get one for the purpose of hutning overseas, can you still shoot it and practice with it there? If you get it for that purpose, is there a certain amount of time in which you have to actually go overseas and hunt with it? I was just wondering how they enforced that.

It's pretty much considered a minimum for deer size game at somewhat close range here by many, and considered inadequate by some for deer. That topic is very controversial and is sure to bring up heated deabte. It is a popular long range varmint round. If you hold out for something in .308, you won't find any argument from anybody about its adequacy for deer size game and larger. If I was going to the trouble and expense of traveling overseas to hunt, I'd rather use a caliber that I'm not questioning.

Plenty of people kill white tail deer with the 223 cartridge and there are rounds designed specifically for that purpose. I personally have never used the 223 for deer but I know several people that hunt using a standard AR-15. They are also commonly used to take wild hogs/feral pigs. I have an AR that is set up for hunting and sighted using "deer" ammo (can't recall exactly which I have) but I have never used it for hunting.
My home state is Alabama where the cartridge is perfectly legal and there are no magazine restrictions. The people I know that use an AR use a 10 round mag while hunting.

Here in Oklahoma it's legal to hunt deer with an AR15 but the magazine capacity cannot exceed 5 rounds. They are also used for wild hogs and varmints. For deer hunting the AR10 in 308 would be a better choice. By the way, my grandfather was born on Bornholm so you can call me a halfswede.

Here in Arkansas a .223 AR-15 would be legal for deer, hogs, and coyote. There is no magazine restriction.

Florida legal.....five round limit except for hogs.

Here in texas it is legal

.223 not deer legal in Indiana.
.450 BM and .458 SOCOM and some .358WSSM rigs used (legal).
.223 popular for yotes and chucks though.

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he conversions shooting 6.8 caliber seem to be the only option that is an improvement over 223.

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The 6.5 Grendel is also a good hunting round that works in the standard 223 size receivers. Wolf also has steel case ammo for about half (35-40 cents/rd) what hunting type 6.5 Grendel or 6.8 loads cost. I think both are a great step up in hunting performance capabilities over 223. You can also swap uppers and use the less expensive 223/5.56 ammo for practice.

The 308 AR's are heavier and usually more expensive guns compared to the 223/5.56 size. To me, unless one is fixated on the AR type for some reason, I'd as soon have a bolt action in the 308 class of cartridge for hunting. Just my opinion.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/6.5mm_Grendel


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/6.8mm_Remington_SPC

I think I'm the only person in Texas that hunts with a normal bolt action hunting rifle...especially for hogs. I don't like 'em, personally, prefer my bolt guns. To each his own, though.

What amuses me is all the goofy calibers they invent to try to make an AR powerful enough to hunt big game with. Everything is named after Nordic monsters or dragons and such. These guys brag about calibers that make less umph than the 7.62x39. Oh, AND, you can get ARs in 7.62x39. Of course, there are the piston guns AR10 based that shoot .308. They tend to be a bit heavy, though.

I just don't like the ergos for hunting. Hard to carry these things in the field ready without a sling that makes you look like a mall ninja. Too much hanging out the bottom and the pistol grip is best on a pistol. To each his own, though. If I were to get one, I wouldn't hunt with it. I've got better sporting rifles. It'd just collect dust like my SKSs do.

In general I'm with you on the handiness (or lack of) the AR's for carrying around much compared to a bolt gun or even lever gun.

The 6.5 Grendel/monster caliber is a definite step up from the 7.62x39, especially regarding range. The 6.8 seems to be working well overall in its caliber class also (same as 6.5). Both seem fine in the deer class, maybe a bit more for careful shooters. I'd as soon have a 260 bolt action, or something similar though.

Still, if its what somebody likes, then I say go for it and enjoy it. I like Winchesters, single action revolvers, and Smith revolvers. Percussion pistols are also interesting and fun. Not as practical or make much sense to some, but they are fun for me, so,.....

Malamute....thanks for the info on the 6.5 Grendel. Everyone touts .300 BLK now days. I looked up the ballistics and was quite unimpressed. They seem to have a long OAL and can be loaded up to 200 grains of bullet which I suppose is okay with a suppressor, probably subsonic, but where are ya going to find a 200 grain .30 caliber bullet that expands at 900 fps? Sounds like the 6.5 might be a better choice for the AR fanatics.

Yeah, lever guns are the HANDIEST of rifles, but I only have one, a Rossi 92 in .357 magnum. I don't see iron sights as well now days and I really don't like lever guns with scopes, can't wrap my hand around 'em which is what makes 'em so bloomin' handy. But, now, I wouldn't mind owning a scoped BLR. Being a right hander who has to shoot lefty, I could appreciate the more ambidextrous rifle, just that I don't have a problem with right handed bolt guns, really.

And, yeah, I love my cap and ball and my muskets, like to hunt with BP. The Tacticool kids hate me and call me names like Luddite. Hey, I can probably outshoot most of those kids with a rifle, AR or otherwise. If you don't like the fact that I prefer my bolt guns, sue me.

Yeah, a .357 carbine isn't a long way from what you can do with the 300 blk at reasonable ranges the 6.5 would be a good one as well as the big bore rounds for hunting.

More often than not I use bolt guns too though.

Fredericianer,

The AR pattern rife has been killing man-sized targets with efficiency for decades. Generally no problem for similar sized critters.

And as an aside, business took me to Stenlose several times. Nice country, nice people.

Malamute said:

The 308 AR's are heavier and usually more expensive guns compared to the 223/5.56 size. To me, unless one is fixated on the AR type for some reason, I'd as soon have a bolt action in the 308 class of cartridge for hunting. Just my opinion.

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As someone who uses an AR-10, I actually agree with this opinion.

I like mine for night-time hog hunting, but I don't carry it over great distances and I utilize a monopod to support the weight when I'm actually shooting. It is a heavy rifle. When I'm hunting during daylight, meaning I'm walking greater distances, I carry a lighter weight bolt-action rifle with standard optics.

You can hunt with .223 (I prefer 5.56mm velocity) 55-70 grain copper HP bullets like Barnes TSX or Hornady GMX are best. Better for the smaller deer here in the southeast US <80kg.

I love the AR platform when hunting Texas pigs however, my crowning glory was a huge boar (350+ pounds) that i took with my single shot Handi Rifle in 300 Blackout.....one shot....one beautiful big stinky hog.

Come to Wisconsin, fredericainer! .223 is legal; My son is using his AR this fall. He took 11 deer with a Savage Axis bolt action last year. (Obviously not at the same time, and he could shoot deer for others in his hunting party.) Plus the area is just like Denmark, you'll feel right at home with all the Swedes, Norweigians, Swiss and Germans (and Danes) here!

As someone who uses an AR-10, I actually agree with this opinion.

I like mine for night-time hog hunting, but I don't carry it over great distances and I utilize a monopod to support the weight when I'm actually shooting. It is a heavy rifle. When I'm hunting during daylight, meaning I'm walking greater distances, I carry a lighter weight bolt-action rifle with standard optics.

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Interesting comment, thanks.

That extra step up into the 308 size AR seems to be just a bit over the point I want to carry one much. I think they are great guns, just not what I want to carry.

I enjoy the AR's, mainly for recreational shooting (I dont kick in doors for a living, and otherwise dont operate, in or out of operational environments), but the chamberings theyve worked out (6.5 and 6.8) have added some spark to my level of interest, especially the cheaper plinking ammo in the 6.5. It makes them more practical general purpose field guns I think, using the smaller/lighter frame 5.56 size with the different chamberings.

I know this might ruffle some feathers but......I,personly wouldn't hunt with one.
ONLY because those suckers are ugly. I know they are accurate and pretty much user friendly. But gawd awful in the looks department.

If I have offended anyone by calling your rifle ugly, I do appolgize. this is my personal oppinion. Now if someone makes one with a walnut stock and blued steel in say .35 rem... that would be an AR I could hunt with.

Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against hunting with ARs. I believe I read somewhere on this forum "Life is to short to hunt with an ugly gun". Or something like that.

Growing up and watching my Grandfather throw tools into the back of a brand new truck while saying "The first scratch is the toughest one." I tend to base my opinions of things based on performance more than looks but I understand. Fake boobs are neat to look at, even if they are not good for much else.

Arkansas allows you to hunt with .223 in some of the zones for deer. You can use what you want for coyote and pigs.

I have killed several of deer, coyote, and pigs with the AR-15 in .223/5.56.

The .223 55 gr soft point ammo is very capable up to 200 yards with proper shot placement of taking 250 lb deer. It is legal in Minnesota. I have shot a few with it and it is as lethal as any other modern centerfire but you have to be more careful of shot angles. It blows up the heart lung area of deer pretty well. Heavier bullets are available and may extend range. I do agree that a lightweight bolt action like my Tikka in 7-08 is less awkward to carry and shoot and gives better range and power. But the .223 as proven effective for skilled hunters.
It is legal for all big game up to deer size in this state.