What is the next step up from a 223

I am very interested in this topic as well. I will be building an AR once the madness settles (already have lower) and am having trouble deciding what caliber I want to go with. .223 seems to be the most obvious choice, but this will be the last firearm "purchase" I intend to make for a very long time. I would like whatever caliber I chose to round out my gun-cabinet.

Currently I have an A-Bolt in .30-06, 10/22, 22/45, S&W 6904 (9mm), and an Ithaca Model 87 (12 Gauge).

I am not convinced that .223 is the best choice to round out the calibers I already have. I am also not convinced that .223 will every really go back down in price to the point that it is the clear economic choice that it once was.

Time is running out to decide on a caliber, as magazines are becoming increasingly difficult (and may become impossible) to find.

magazines are becoming increasingly difficult (and may become impossible) to find.

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For 1000 yard shooting I'll take a single shot anyway. I have a Savage right bolt, left feed rifle that will load rounds very fast for a single shot rifle. You pop them out with the right hand drop a new cartridge in the left side and slide it up the chute into position. I can load a new round in just a few seconds if I have my rifle on a rest or sandbags. For anything 1000 yards away it loads plenty fast.

IMHO .308 is a perfect choice LR cartridge. It will take you from entry level to competitor without a lot of unnecessary expense.

gym said:

Can I buy an upper for my AR that is in 308, and try that first? This way everything else is already on the rifle.

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AR15 ? no, Ar10 yes

Can I buy an upper for my AR that is in 308, and try that first? This way everything else is already on the rifle.

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Which renders most of the responses in this thread useless.

TIMC has it right -- especially if you like the way your .223 handles!

The 6.5 Grendel fits in the AR-length action and exhibits better trajectory and wind drift than even the .308 Winchester. About the only way to beat the Grendel's wind drift with a .243 Winchester is to use handloaded heavy bullets and 8-twist barrels.