Want to make my AR10 a 300 WSM but I would love some guidance!

[Josh45]

Hi all, As the title states, Im looking to building a AR10. I have the lower already, Aero M5 DPMS style. Im gonna get the upper from Aero since its high profile (".210") and want to make sure its a fit. If you have any suggestions here, I would love to hear them.

Now, The thing is Im reading quite a bit about making a AR10 into 300 WSM a PITA it seems. Mags are hard to find and metal ones are better. Issues with feeding. Hardly anyone makes barrels or BCG for them. I have found DeadShot barrels and there up to 10 weeks for one. KAK makes the BCG it seems. Still researching things.

Any of you guys make an AR10 in 300 WSM recently? How did that go? Im not to worried about time. Ill be looking for more info and sales since I want this to be my "nice rifle".
One of the reasons I want this to be in 300 WSM is because I already reload .300 Blk and 30-06 SPRG. I wanted to keep with the .308 bullets if possible. I also thought it was just cool to have a mag cartridge in a AR platform.
That being said, If its a major PITA, I could go another route but I dont know which way.

I didnt wanna do .308 since I have 30-06 and I feel like its the same thing in a way. I never cared for 6.5 CM yet it seems much better for long shots, shoots flatter ETC.
Opinions? Thoughts?

 

[jmr40]

A 300WSM will beat best 30-06 loads by about 150 fps and come up about 50 fps slower than 300 WM. While 300 WSM doesn't have a belt, the cases are fatter than 300 WM. It might be difficult to make them work in an AR-10 magazine. I've never heard of anyone trying this. Probably a good reason why.

FWIW, I do like the 300 WSM and had a rifle chambered in it for a while. It's just more gun than I need and I sold it. I have a 30-06, but almost never use it anymore. My 308 is now my big gun and the 6.5CM and 223 do anything else I need.

If it were ME, I'd push the easy button and go 308. With 150-165 gr bullets it really does anything 30-06 does. In fact most factory 308 loads will be exactly the same speed as most factory 30-06 loads if you run them over a chronograph. Forget what they print in the charts. The 30-06 only starts to show an advantage with 180 gr and heavier bullets.

But at the same time some guys just have to tinker. If you're one of those good luck with your project.

 

[Josh45]

A 300WSM will beat best 30-06 loads by about 150 fps and come up about 50 fps slower than 300 WM. While 300 WSM doesn't have a belt, the cases are fatter than 300 WM. It might be difficult to make them work in an AR-10 magazine. I've never heard of anyone trying this. Probably a good reason why.

FWIW, I do like the 300 WSM and had a rifle chambered in it for a while. It's just more gun than I need and I sold it. I have a 30-06, but almost never use it anymore. My 308 is now my big gun and the 6.5CM and 223 do anything else I need.

If it were ME, I'd push the easy button and go 308. With 150-165 gr bullets it really does anything 30-06 does. In fact most factory 308 loads will be exactly the same speed as most factory 30-06 loads if you run them over a chronograph. Forget what they print in the charts. The 30-06 only starts to show an advantage with 180 gr and heavier bullets.

But at the same time some guys just have to tinker. If you're one of those good luck with your project.

I am one of those guys haha but Im also willing to listen to reason. Ive seen ppl on youtube do it successfully. The price alone for it tho is up there. Easy way would be .308, Youre not wrong. I think IM just looking for a project/toy more than anything.
I appreciate your input!

 

[Varminterror]

If you're after a 300WSM upper, you won't be satisfied by a 308. Kinda like a dude shopping for a V10 Viper settling for a V8 Mustang... It just ain't the same thing...

Admittedly, I'm not a huge Deadshot fan, just for some of the stuff I've read on their FB and webpage, but it seems like the barrels are doing what they're supposed to do. But you're on the right hunt - Deadshot + KAK, don't expect it to feed perfectly without tweaking mags. I'd prefer a Rifle+2 gas system and absolutely get an AGB. It's a RELATIVELY known road, not forging a new trail. If you can build an AR-15 that runs, you should be able to build an AR-10 that runs, and if you can build an AR-10 that runs, you can figure out how to build a WSM-10 that runs.

 

[rdnktrkr]

I've been looking at building an AR10 also but going the other direction with a 6 Creedmoor for a flatter shooting option, I also have 30-06s and haven't run into a time when hunting when I felt under gunned and there are a lot of people that feel the 308win does 90% of what a 30-06 does but I'm still old school.
I would defiantly be looking at metal mags to start with to tweak the lips for consistent feeding. maybe Deadshot can give you some pointers on your build (hopefully they have built some) and if not, maybe there are other suppliers that will.