ColoradoMinuteMan
Member
- Joined
- May 8, 2015
- Messages
- 702
I ended up getting a deal on a Aero Precision "M5" blem lower. I've been wanting to build a 308 AR for a while now so I figured I'd give it a try. I've been an iron sights guy my whole life but I have an eye condition that is progressed to the point where precision beyond 25 yards is difficult without magnification.
My main purpose for this rifle will be to train myself on optics. I realize I could just as easily do this with my AR15, but if I'm going to train myself from 100-500 yards I want to be lethal at all ranges. I also realize there are flatter shooting cartridges than 308 for that range and beyond that I could use in my M5, but I'm choosing 308 for compatibility with 30-06 projectiles since I'm a reloader.
I'm having a hard time deciding on a barrel. The more I read the more I see very little difference between the accuracy and velocity produced between a 16 and 18 inch barrel when it comes to 308. Due to the fact I may one day get the itch to use this for hunting I'd like to keep it relatively light. That would probably leave me with a medium or "government" profile 18 inch barrel if I went with 18. If I went with the 16 I could use a heavier barrel and get comparable weight with the lighter 18. Does anyone see a real advantage in an 18 inch barrel over a 16 that might put me over the edge? Also, does anyone have experience with a medium or "government" profile on an 18 inch 308 AR barrel. I'm curious about accuracy in relation to heat in particular.
One barrel that has my interest is the Ballistic Advantage 16" .308 BA Hanson Midlength Premium Barrel. I've also been eyeing the 18 inch medium contour from Ballistic Advantage. Anyone with experience with either of those that can share some insight?
The next question is optics. I been about a variable rifle scope. What has caught my eye are the Vortex Viper 2.5-10x44 in either HS or PST. I looked through the PST at Sportsman's Warehouse and was really impressed with the glass compared to similar prices Leupolds in the case. In new to scopes and am still deciding if I need the exposed tactical dials or not. It I did love the glass. Does anyone know I the PST and HS have the same glass or not? What are your thoughts on the 2.5-10 magnification range for a 308 with a 100-500 target range? Remember that my eyes aren't perfect two the so I probably need an "x" or so magnification compared to those who can correct to 20/20 vision because I can only correct to 20/40.
Thanks for the help.
My main purpose for this rifle will be to train myself on optics. I realize I could just as easily do this with my AR15, but if I'm going to train myself from 100-500 yards I want to be lethal at all ranges. I also realize there are flatter shooting cartridges than 308 for that range and beyond that I could use in my M5, but I'm choosing 308 for compatibility with 30-06 projectiles since I'm a reloader.
I'm having a hard time deciding on a barrel. The more I read the more I see very little difference between the accuracy and velocity produced between a 16 and 18 inch barrel when it comes to 308. Due to the fact I may one day get the itch to use this for hunting I'd like to keep it relatively light. That would probably leave me with a medium or "government" profile 18 inch barrel if I went with 18. If I went with the 16 I could use a heavier barrel and get comparable weight with the lighter 18. Does anyone see a real advantage in an 18 inch barrel over a 16 that might put me over the edge? Also, does anyone have experience with a medium or "government" profile on an 18 inch 308 AR barrel. I'm curious about accuracy in relation to heat in particular.
One barrel that has my interest is the Ballistic Advantage 16" .308 BA Hanson Midlength Premium Barrel. I've also been eyeing the 18 inch medium contour from Ballistic Advantage. Anyone with experience with either of those that can share some insight?
The next question is optics. I been about a variable rifle scope. What has caught my eye are the Vortex Viper 2.5-10x44 in either HS or PST. I looked through the PST at Sportsman's Warehouse and was really impressed with the glass compared to similar prices Leupolds in the case. In new to scopes and am still deciding if I need the exposed tactical dials or not. It I did love the glass. Does anyone know I the PST and HS have the same glass or not? What are your thoughts on the 2.5-10 magnification range for a 308 with a 100-500 target range? Remember that my eyes aren't perfect two the so I probably need an "x" or so magnification compared to those who can correct to 20/20 vision because I can only correct to 20/40.
Thanks for the help.