Deer Hunting on AR15 platform?

[Balrog]

What caliber would you use if using an AR 15, not an AR 10?

Assume shots of 100-150 yards.

 

[db_tanker]

6.5, 6.8 or 300 should do just fine at those ranges when looking at white tail.
some states allow 223 for hunting as well but I'd use only 70+ grain bullets IMO.

 

[troy fairweather]

most any that are based on the 7.62x39 case. i am liking the 358 yeti.

 

[MTMilitiaman]

5.56 is legal in MT. I've used 62 gr Barnes to decent effect. I imagine the 70 gr TSX would be even more of the same, as would many of the heavier JSP, like the 60 gr Partition.

If I was getting an AR for hunting it would be a 6.8 SPC. Probably stick with the heaviest Barnes load I could find.

I really would eventually like to build an AR pistol in .458 SOCOM. Love to see what that could do, and again, I would probably start with the heaviest Barnes I could find.

 

[horsemen61]

I just bought an 18 inch 6.5 Grendel upper for this purpose I can’t wait to find out

 

[Hookeye]

IN allows HP rifle on private land only, and .24 cal or larger.
But PCR is legal on private AND public.
PCR spec is 1.16 to 1.8" case length and .35 cal or larger.

.450 BM and .458 Socom fit the bill.

 

[25-20 WCF]

While I used the .233 in my personal AR to good effect on Kodiak Island blacktails, if choosing specifically for deer it would be either the 6.8 SPC or .300 BO. No need for special bullets for either cartridge.

.

 

[Balrog]

Does an AR in 6.8 SPC use regular AR mags?

 

[jmr40]

Any decent bullet from a 223 is more than adequate at those ranges on deer. I've taken deer with that combo, and have no issue with someone else wanting to do so as long as they accept the range and game size limitations. I prefer a bigger gun because I don't want to limit my options.

If I just had to use an AR platform I'd choose the 6.5 Grendel for bigger game and longer ranges. With the military looking hard at a 6.8 rifle that may prove to be the better choice. Just have to wait on that. But if buying TODAY I'd buy the 6.5 Grendel. In a few years I might change my mind.

I don't see where the 45 caliber options offer any advantage over the 6.5 or 6.8 options other than some states legal requirements. The 300 BO is a step down from 223.

 

[horsey300]

Either the grendel or Valk if 22s are legal, if not, then throw the spc in 2nd place. You're not asking much of any of them on these terms just use a proper bullet and put it where it needs to be.

 

[Varminterror]

Does an AR in 6.8 SPC use regular AR mags?

It can, but really needs a specific mag.

 

[LoonWulf]

Ive done with with the .223, 6.5Grendel, 7.62x39, and the .458 Socom.
Tho I didnt use the .223 or x39 in an AR, one was a bolt gun, the other an SKS.

The .223 is plenty when used correctly, and with 55-60gr soft point, and the heavier target bullets kills can be surprisingly quick, BUT I prefer to uses 64-70gr soft points for most of my hunting, the 65gr sierra sgks, and the 70gr speer semi spitzers were my favorites.

I think the Grendel is the best "general purpose" option of the bunch

The x39 is effective at the ranges your considering.

The .458 is more than enough for any deer that walks imo. I punched a 405gr remington soft point clean thru an 800lb feral bull on a shoulder shot with mine.

Of the lot id choose the Grendel, just because its the best balanced imo.

 

[mcb]

I am partial to 450 Bushmaster, but any of the big bore AR cartridges, 450 Bushmaster, 458 SOCOM, or 50 Beowulf would fulfill the OP needs.

 

[<*(((><]

6.8 SPC II

But if strictly max distance 150 yards, one of the heavies such as 450 bushmaster, 458 SOCOM would work fantastic I would imagine.

 

[mustanger98]

Another thought... there was mention of the AR-10. Not only are they generally available in .308/7.62x51, they can also be had in .243Win.

 

[Bfh_auto]

I would start with 224 valkrye because it's close to 22-250 which is awesome for whitetails. Next would be 6.5 Grendel because I have killed deer with 7.62x39 and it is a step up from that.
7.62x39 would be next, then 223.
While a 300 BO will work, it's near handgun velocity because it was designed for subsonic use. I would rather have a larger diameter bullet if I'm running that slow.

 

[Bfh_auto]

Another thought... there was mention of the AR-10. Not only are they generally available in .308/7.62x51, they can also be had in .243Win.

He said "not an ar10"

 

[Rembrandt]

The big bodied (300-to-400 lb) Whitetails primarily reside in the upper Midwest, typically the shotgun only states. In recent years nearly all have changed to allow straight walled cartridges, no necked rifle rounds. That pretty much limits options to the 450 Bushmaster. Its a incredibly accurate round out to 200-300 yards. While other calibers will get the job done, it boils down to what your states restrictions are and the size of deer in those states.

 

[Varminterror]

6.5 Grendel or 6.8 SPC. The Grendel has the lead position for logistics right now, so it makes the most sense. The big bores are fun, but don’t have the range capabilities of the 6.5/6.8. I have a 6mm Grendel variant barrel cooking right now to give me a little flatter trajectory, which will still happily and authoritatively knock down deer without any compromises.

 

[Fine Figure of a Man]

I used a 450 Bushmaster this year and it worked great. Three deer at about 50, 100 and 150 yards. If 6.5 Grendel was legal I'd have used it but out to 150 yards I don't think it would make any difference.

 

[jmorris]

458 socom, 6.5 Gren or 300blk, just sold my 450 BM upper to a friend but it worked well on the hog I shot with it a couple weeks ago, no doubt would work on deer at thoes ranges. Don’t need a very “flat” round to reach out to 150.

 

[Steve S.]

All calibers listed above will work just fine on deer; I take deer with the 6.8 but that is just one caliber of many. The neat part is personal preference and lots of choices - use what you like the best.

 

[someguy2800]

223 is below my comfort level unless there are no other options available.

This is what I did this year.

https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...case-7-62x39-for-hunting-with-cfe-blk.843198/

When they are available again I will be getting a 358 Yeti and plan to make it my primary hunting rifle.

I’m also building an AR10 in 6.5 Creedmoor but not sure I’ve warmed up the AR10 like I have my AR15’s.

 

[someguy2800]

While a 300 BO will work, it's near handgun velocity because it was designed for subsonic use. I would rather have a larger diameter bullet if I'm running that slow.

This is really not correct. My 300 blackout shot 2400 FPS from a 16” barrel with a 125 hp, which matches factory 7.62x39 ammo step for step.

 

[ColoradoMinuteMan]

6.8 SPC II

But if strictly max distance 150 yards, one of the heavies such as 450 bushmaster, 458 SOCOM would work fantastic I would imagine.

Even many 6.8 SPC SAAMI factory loads will give you performance out to 300 yards on your average deer. Unless required by statute or regulation, there is really no benefit to .450 Bushmaster or .458 SOCOM over 6.8 at the OP’s stated range and logistically 6.8 SPC has the edge. Really, almost any centerfire AR15 cartridge will do it at that range, though 5.56/.223 is often statutorily inadequate and leaves little margin for error. For your average Joe who has no interest in ammunition loading and wants easy factory support, .224 Valk or 6.5 Grendel are probably the best choice. .224 Valk is a bit of a gamble in that it’s near the front of the hype cycle. 6.5 Grendel is past the hype cycle and settling in with some staying power. Having a bit of a resurgence in fact.