Non-223 AR option opinions...

[cbuttre835]

Wanting to branch out and be different, and maybe pick up a new upper.

I do some handloading.

My options are narrowed to

.458 SOCOM
Pros - .45-70 ballistics in the lighter rounds.
I don't have to stock another bullet.
No new magazines.
Cons - licensing.
not really popular.
really need a different buffer and spring (so I've read).

.300 AAC Blackout
pros - commercially adopted (sort of, I've read the threads)
I don't have to stock another bullet.
No new magazines.
Cons - kind of a short range round
sort of low energy

6.8 SPC
pros - flatter than the 2 above
???
cons - I don't currently have anything that uses that dia bullet
cartridge specific magazines


6.5 Grendel
pros - flatter
???
cons - I don't currently have anything that uses that dia bullet
cartridge specific magazines
licensing?

7.62 x 39, 9mm, the "others" are out - don't reload those at all and have anything much in those calibers anyway. plus I read that AR mags just don't handle 7.62x39 well.

Y'all's thoughts?

 

[Robert]

458 SOCOM or 300 Blackout. Man that is a tough one. I really like the idea of a big bore auto loading mortar but the 300 seems to be pretty dang cool as well. I'd say get one of each but that would be sort of silly. I'd get one and starting saving for the other.

 

[MistWolf]

Of all the alternate calibers suitable for the AR, I find onloy two interesting- the 300 BLK and the 204 Ruger.

The 300 BLK has my attention because it delivers the same performance as the 7.62x39 without the problems associated with running it in an AR. The 300 BLK uses standard AR magazines, the bolt isn't weakened by being opened up.

204 Ruger shoots pretty dang flat at very impressive velocities. It's probably best in 20" barrels though.

Of the two, I'd go for a 300 BLK carbine. The slippery bullets of the 6.5 Grendel do let it shoot pretty flat at longer ranges, but if you're shooting to far enough ranges the 6.5 has a real advantage over the 300BLK, why not just go with 260 Remington or 6.5 Creedmore?

 

[gshipps]

6x45?

Haven't got mine yet but can't wait for it to get here. Factory mags, cheap/free brass. I'm sure you have some 6mm bullets sitting around.

 

[Ranger30-06]

.300 Blackout or .458 SOCOM because of the magazine interchangeability alone. Buying new mags for each caliber racks up the dough really quickly.

The true question is do you want a .30 caliber AR, or a .45-70 AR? Each has their uses, but their usefulness is limited solely by the shooter.

 

[gotigers]

Yeah, it must have same mags. I also like the idea of the same bolt. So, .300 blackout for me. But the price of .300 blackout is still an issue. If wolf would start making it, i might build a 300BLK.

The 6.5 grendal is cool. But if i want to shoot distance like that, i will go .308.

The 6.8 spc has great numbers, but new mags, new bolt and expensive ammo. All that for just a bit better performance, doesn't sound like a deal for me.

I am planning on building a 9mm. Even though it needs other mags and bolt, the ammo is cheap enough to warrant getting a 9mm AR.

 

[Ranger30-06]

.300 BLK ammo is cheaper than factory 6.5 and the same price as 6.8... Just sayin... You can get .300 BLK uppers for as little as $350 without the bolt (just reuse the one from your .223 upper.) It's really not that expensive for what your getting...

 

[68wj]

I started using a 6.8 SPC last year after researching several options and really like it. Accuracy is great and I am confident using it for hunting at ranges farther than I have ever had the opportunity to take an animal.

Much of the criticisms of the cartridge seem largely overblown. Magazines are available and cheap, there are several ammo makers with lots of options at comparable prices from 85gr to 120gr, and from carbine barrels most loads maintain optimum expansion velocity and 1000 ft/lbs of energy to +300 yards.

When reloading, there are very good .277 bullets to choose from and several powder options. The new AA2200 is getting great accuracy and velocity while old standbys like H322 and Rl10x work very well.

In the end, you have to be honest with your needs. Are you looking for a hunter, a range blaster, what is your needed range capability, etc. For any cartridge, I don't recommend swapping bolts between barrels either. If you get an upper, most come with bolts anyway. If you are just swapping barrels, get one with a headspaced paired bolt.

 

[Taurus 617 CCW]

Don't forget the 5.7x28. Top load 50 round magazine, ejection out the magwell.

 

[JohnnyK]

I have AR in 7.62 x 39.... I did have 2 mags go out at once during a 3-gun match which SUCKED.... they were C-products that have lifetime warranty and they replaced the mags for free... I also got more mags and haven't had a problem since... I love how cheap the 7.62 x 39 is to shoot!

 

[Cecil Sharps]

300 blackout

I really like the idea of this round. 30-30 ballistics out of an ar15.

 

[Big Bad Bob]

458 Socom components are not cheap, brass over at Midway is $78 for 100 thats pretty steep for brass and factory ammo is around $50 to $70 per 20 !!!!

300 BLK is the cheaper option, on brass and bullets and supposedly factory ammo from UMC is going to be around $13 a box. I will be using mine for ranges under 150 yards. Within that it will do just fine on hogs and deer.

6.8, 6.5 grendel, the only detractor is buying a different bolt and magazine but again ammo and reloading components arent cheap.


7.62x39 is a whole nother mess, and it does not feed reliably.

 

[cbuttre835]

458 Socom components are not cheap, brass over at Midway is $78 for 100 thats pretty steep for brass and factory ammo is around $50 to $70 per 20 !!!!

that right thurr I think is the reason to not get one right now.

If price were not an option, I'd hafta go with the autoloading .458 caliber that takes factory mags.

Leaning towards the .300 blk I guess. I had kinda forgotten about $50 a box corbon .458 SOCOM ammo...

that five-seven is cool too. don't stock bullets that light; but it is a neat concept.

 

[rsilvers]

Yeah, it must have same mags. I also like the idea of the same bolt. So, .300 blackout for me. But the price of .300 blackout is still an issue. If wolf would start making it, i might build a 300BLK.

http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=93946

Bil Alexander got Wolf to make 6.5 steel-cased ammo, and now he says he has prototype 300 BLK steel cases.

In any case, the UMC ammo will be $10.80 per box by February, it seems.

 

[rsilvers]

10 cents a case:

http://www.allweatherarms.com/1000-...out-Brass-1000-Pcs-Processed-300-Blackout.htm