AR-15 platform for whitetail deer hunting

[graysonbornhunter]

I currenlty have 2 AR-15 lowers and one .223 upper. I'm looking to buy another upper for my extra lower and would like to be able to use it on whitetail deer. I currently hunt with .30-06 and love that gun but just wanted to try something new. I've been reading about the 6.8? Suggestions?

 

[Tomcat47]

I shot a STAG 6.8 and I must say it was imressive. I would hunt with it confidently!

I dont have a feel for the AR platform for hunting though.

But I know a few people who love em in the woods for hunting whitetail deer.

 

[Freedom_fighter_in_IL]

I have been hearing a LOT of good things from deer hunters on that particular cartridge as well as the 6.5 creed. Both having very impressive results on whitetail sized game. I personally like the 7mm.08 a little better but you would have to have that on an AR-10 Platform I believe. No expert with the AR's just going by all the chatter. Good luck with whatever you choose.

 

[graysonbornhunter]

I would like to be able to stick with the AR-15 platform since I already have an extra lower and dont' have to spend the money on a new lower. Plus the AR-15 lowers way a lot less than an AR-10.

 

[sc1911cwp]

Check the 6.8 Forum. They have plenty of experience and suggestions. The 6.8 bullet is the same as the .270. Ballistics will get you to 200-300 yards with plenty of knock down power.

 

[graysonbornhunter]

What about the 6.5 Grendal? I had a local gun shop owner say he would go with the 6.5 because it has more bullet options?

 

[janobles14]

6.5 grendel is a deer slaying machine. i got to borrow one from a buddy and i am in love with it. i have been saving for one for over a year and will have one very soon (i so hope!). great short and long range ballistics. IMHO it tops the 6.8 for non-human game by a good margin.

 

[RudeMood]

Either 6.5 grendel or 6.8 spc would do the trick in a pinch. If you can afford to shoot either you can't go wrong.

 

[UpTheIrons]

You really want some knock-down power? Go for the .458 SOCOM upper and you have a gun that'll take care of anything from deer to small elephants. Well, maybe not elephants, but hogs for sure.

IIRC, you can use standard GI mags, too, but they'll only hold 10 rounds. Search around Flintknapper's posts for pics of his .458 SOCOM in use on both hogs and whitetails.

 

[kludge]

I'd go with a .243 WSSM or .25 WSSM, probably the latter, just not a 6mm fan i guess.

 

[mc223]

All of my deer from last season were taken with 223 Federal Fusion ammo from a Smith And Wesson 16 in carbine. Shots were generally less than a hundred yrds.
If you live in a state where 223 is not allowed, then the 6.8 would probably do well.

 

[Grunt Medic TXARNG]

Another option for hunting with an AR is the 7.62x39 round - many people are reporting good success with this loading (most are shooting it from SKS rifles). Advantages include the ability to use the cheap ammo that is currently flooding the market. My opinion only!

 

[Roughneck08]

If you venture on over to the Texasboars.com website they have countless stories and pictures of 6.8 slaying hogs and deer alike. The 6.8 has caught on very heavily in the hog hunting community. They like the Barnes TSX.

Also a member here R.W.Dale has experimented and has good experience with 7.62x39 AR's. Check out some of his hunting posts.

 

[Snowy Rivers]

The 50 cal AR's can be a real treat on deer, hogs and such