Help me choose a non-.223 DPMS AR...

[Joe Link]

I'm looking to buy a DPMS AR in either .243 or .308 for under $1k before fees. I see them quite often around this price, so that's not a problem. My problem is deciding which caliber and barrel length to choose.

I want this rifle for long range 800+ yard accuracy. I was originally going to go with a standard 24" LR-308 with a nice scope and a bipod, but now I'm not so sure. After looking at their SASS setup, I see it's only an 18" barrel, and with a barrel that short it would really make the rifle much more versatile. I need to know how much accuracy I'd be giving up when going from a 24" barrel to a 20" barrel. The LR-243 only comes in 20" and the LR-308 comes in 16" (not interested), 18", and 24".

About the calibers, I can't deny my love for the .243 round and I'm extremely excited to find DPMS build an AR in this caliber. With the price of .308 surging, that's not as much of a factor anymore. I already have a .243 hunting rifle and I plan on reloading.

So, what do you guys think?

 

[benzy2]

In terms of accuracy I doubt you loose anything. The problem is you will loose some velocity which makes wind drift and drop more exaggerated. You need to be better at reading the conditions but the rifle will still be good to go. The only question I really have for shooting at 800+ yards is the twist of the barrels and the length you can load into the magazine. You will want the really heavy .243 bullets for that distance. The VLDs get pretty long. Maybe you would be single loading anyways and it doesn't matter any. Twist is something though you need to watch for. I think they come in a 1:10 twist in .243. That certainly isn't setup for long range high BC bullets. Ive got a 1:9.25 twist and it won't handle the real long guys. The .308 is a 1:10 twist as well which will stabilize heavier bullets. To me I would personally go .308 due to the twist. You don't need the biggest BC .243 bullets to shoot a long ways but it doesn't hurt. The .308 is a better long range round and with good bullets holds against the wind fairly well. Because of the twist I would go .308.

 

[rangerruck]

If you are reloading, I would say , if they make it in 260, then get that; a legitimate thumper over both the 243, and 308, while using the same brass.