AR-10 build thoughts: .358 win or .45 raptor

[MISportsman]

I had a similar discussion on another thread, but I'm moving away no from the topic of that one so to keep confusion down I'm starting this. I was originally going to build an AR10 in .338 federal, but I have completely ruled that chambering out. I am looking at either
358 win or .45 raptor. The rifle will be used for black bear at no more that 200 yards.

 

[someguy2800]

My choice would be 45 raptor for no other reason than its cool.

 

[adcoch1]

Bigger holes make free'er souls. 45 raptor. Although for 200 and in, a 458 socom would fit the bill as well. Assuming you will be reloading.

358 Winchester would extend your range quite a bit, but the energy dump of a 458 at close range is hard to argue with.

 

[someguy2800]

Just because I can't shut up about them, if you contact Mad Dog Weapons Systems, they can build a 45 raptor on an AR15 platform using their oversize bolt and barrel extension.

 

[adcoch1]

Just because I can't shut up about them, if you contact Mad Dog Weapons Systems, they can build a 45 raptor on an AR15 platform using their oversize bolt and barrel extension.

I've been meaning to call them about a high pressure 458 socom, but the raptor would be even better with brass being so easy!

 

[MISportsman]

I really wish there was more support for the 375 raptor. That's what I would really like to go with but I can't even find reloading dies for it let alone any factory ammunition

 

[someguy2800]

I really wish there was more support for the 375 raptor. That's what I would really like to go with but I can't even find reloading dies for it let alone any factory ammunition

4HD makes 375 raptor dies but I believe they are made to order. I would say none of these are a good idea if you want factory ammo.

 

[greyling22]

Just because I can't shut up about them, if you contact Mad Dog Weapons Systems, they can build a 45 raptor on an AR15 platform using their oversize bolt and barrel extension.

I keep not buying their stuff, but I love it all. I keep eyeballing their 358 yeti. Like making a scaled up 300 blackout but out of a 308 case and .36 cal.

I built a 300 hamr, but I still kind of wish I had done. 277 wolverine.
I have a bolt action 223 that is begging to become a 6mm mongoose or 257 ocelot......

 

[Nature Boy]

Being a big fan of the .358 Win. I’ll go with that

 

[someguy2800]

I keep not buying their stuff, but I love it all. I keep eyeballing their 358 yeti. Like making a scaled up 300 blackout but out of a 308 case and .36 cal.

I built a 300 hamr, but I still kind of wish I had done. 277 wolverine.
I have a bolt action 223 that is begging to become a 6mm mongoose or 257 ocelot......

I have a 358 yeti and love it. I have been trying to justify an AR15 based 45 raptor to go with it but the 358 really does what I need.

 

[BigBlue 94]

I built a 300 hamr, but I still kind of wish I had done. 277 wolverine.
I have a bolt action 223 that is begging to become a 6mm mongoose or 257 ocelot......

I was recently messing around with 223 cases and a 256 win mag die. L to R: 223 case, trimmed 223 ran into a 256WM sizer w/ 100gr SP, heavily trimmed 223 to make a 256WM rimless.

Ive since settled on using a 458 socom bolt with 22-250 cases shortened and sized in a 257 roberts die. Same 100 gr SP as above (second from left). 257 Bob on the far right.

As for the OP, i would go 45 Raptor. More lead is always better for up close situations.

 

[mavracer]

I would say none of these are a good idea if you want factory ammo.

I would think it would be better to just build a 450 Bushmaster with a MDW bolt and extension you're basically limited to the same OAL by the mag on a 15.
Of course I also think standard pressure 450 would be adequate for 200 yard black bear.

 

[Mark_Mark]

have you consider 50 Beowolf? Bear will drop like a bear being shot by a bazooka

 

[Mk-211]

Pretty sure the 45 Raptor is more powerful than the 50 Beowulf, 458 SoCom or the 450 Bushmaster.

So that bear would feel like it was hit by a 120mm round from an Abrams.

 

[Mark_Mark]

Pretty sure the 45 Raptor is more powerful than the 50 Beowulf, 458 SoCom or the 450 Bushmaster.

So that bear would feel like it was hit by a 120mm round from an Abrams.

We should ask OP… what kinda Bear are you dropping?

 

[Driftertank]

Built a 16" .358 Win on Aero M5 receivers a few years back. Sold it to a buddy because he would get better use out of it.

It would run 200 Hornady FTX @ 2500, or 225 Partitions @ 2400 with Ramshot Tac over #34 primers, and make cloverleafs at 100. Called it "Thumper."

Something kinda nifty about a rifle that swings like a .223 carbine but flings big old rocks.

 

[MISportsman]

I would think it would be better to just build a 450 Bushmaster with a MDW bolt and extension you're basically limited to the same OAL by the mag on a 15.
Of course I also think standard pressure 450 would be adequate for 200 yard black bear.

I have a .450 bushmaster already. In fact that is what I was going to use on my bear hunt. I got a killer deal in an aero M5 lower so I want to build another .35 caliber+ thumper with it.

 

[Mk-211]

There's also the 500 auto max, not sure if BIG Horn Armory sells just the upper.

 

[MISportsman]

I was going through one of my reloading manuals last night just to see if there was any short action cartridges I overlooked and I found one that really peeked my interest. .350 rem mag. It was designed for a short barrel carbine so barrel length would not be an issue! If I could find a magnum bcg and have a barrel made I would have an AR-10 with the performance of the .35 whelen! Sounds like the hammer of Thor to me!

 

[mavracer]

350 Rem Mag is belted. Don't know if anybody makes a bolt or extension that would work.

 

[someguy2800]

Noreen Firearms might be able to help.

 

[mavracer]

You could get pretty close to 350 Rem Mag ballistics with a 35-284 Winchester wildcat, I know that's been done. I'd probably just do a 358 Win.

 

[troy fairweather]

I really like the 358 win, know experience with the raptor but like to try one. I'm kinda glad I don't have an ar-10 there's probably 100 cartridges I'd like to try lol.

 

[BigBlue 94]

Pretty sure the 45 Raptor is more powerful than the 50 Beowulf, 458 SoCom or the 450 Bushmaster.

So that bear would feel like it was hit by a 120mm round from an Abrams.

45 Raptor operates at 62kPSI. 450 Bush, 458, and 50Beo operate around 33k to 36k PSI. As such, the 45 Raptor imparts over 30% more energy: 3700 Ft/lbs compared to 2700 for the 450 Bush.

 

[MISportsman]

I will probably end up going with one of the 2 calibers I was talking about, but hypothetically speaking, with a magnum bcg from kak industries and a custom barrel from McGowan and maybe slightly opening the ejection port in the upper, would the .350 rem mag build be possible?