Long Range AR-15 Caliber: Which One?

[gvnwst]

Hi guys,

I am in the market for another AR upper, and i want a long range cartridge so i can shoot in matches. (among other things) Other than the 6.5 Grendel, what are some good LR cartridges for the AR-15 platform? I do not want a AR-10, as i already have a '15 lower.

I'm thinking along the lines of a 6mmAR Turbo, but there is also the WSSM family. If it is a wildcatt, i do not care, as long as it is easily formable. Good excuse to get more equipment too Have any advice? Also, any experiance with any of the cartridges would be greatly appreacted.

Thanks.

 

[shevrock]

isn't .223 a good long range caliber?

 

[rrflyer]

.223 will go to 1,000 with 1/8 twist.

I believe DPMS makes a .243 and a 260.

 

[Jimmie]

243 and 260 are AR-10s. The Turbo is about as good as any.

 

[gvnwst]

isn't .223 a good long range caliber?

something with a bit better ballistics, less wind drift, ect

 

[Armueller2001]

.223 will go to 1,000 with 1/8 twist.

Doesn't .223 lose most of its effective power in a few hundred yards?

 

[taliv]

effective power

so i can shoot in matches.

*cough*


can you get a 6.5x47 L in an AR?

 

[gvnwst]

i wish. something like 6.5x47 equivilent in a ar (not actual equiv, a "scaled down" version)

 

[Deer Hunter]

6.5 Grendel?

 

[Z-Michigan]

I do not want a AR-10, as i already have a '15 lower.

Most of your cost is in the upper, not the lower. Fully equipped lowers for an AR-15 are only $200 or so, compared to the $500-1000+ cost of a barreled upper with BCG (depending on caliber and quality level). While the interchangeability is neat, IMHO there is little point in buying separate uppers alone vs. just buying complete new rifles.

 

[gvnwst]

i like the interchangability, and the use of the same trigger, ect...

 

[gvnwst]

6.5 Grendel?

just wondering if there were more options.

 

[rangerruck]

243, 243 ai, 260, 6x47, 6mmx45(with a long bbl) , 6.5 creedmoor, I think they do it in a 6.5x284 as well...

 

[gvnwst]

other than the 6x45, none of those fit into a AR 15

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

Probably the Olympic in .25 WSSM or .243 WSSM are the best calibers for long-range shooting, particularly the .25 WSSM, *IF* they are accurate - but I don't think they're known for that, so you'd probably have to accurize them. So in reality, rather than in a vacuum based solely on ballistics, a quality 6.5 grendel upper is likely your best bet. But you could run with 6x45mm, 6.8 Rem SPC, 6.5 grendel, .243 WSSM, .25 WSSM - any of those are nice flat shooters without having to delve into crazy bullets and twist rates. At 400 yards or less, I'd just go with a 5.56x45mm.

 

[SimpleIsGood229]

I think you'll find the Grendel to be about the best one. I suppose you could neck it down to .224, but that would be a barrel burner.

I still think 6.5 Grendel is the best option.

 

[Howard Roark]

There is nothing on an AR15 platform that will out perform a 6BR or 6BRX for competition.

A friend has one that I modified the upper, made and installed a charging handle on the bolt. We have shot this rifle at 300 yards and the groups are fantastic.

 

[gvnwst]

how does the 6mm BRX compare to the 6mmAR turbo 40?

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

There is nothing on an AR15 platform that will out perform a 6BR or 6BRX for competition.

Upon reviewing that, I'd have to take Mr. Roark's advice on the 6 BR or 6 BRX - looks good!

 

[gvnwst]

yep. the bigger bolt and modified carrier is looking sweet too

 

[Howard Roark]

Turbo 40 case water capacity, 38 grains.

BRX, 43 grains.

It will push Berger 105 at 3000fps.

 

[gvnwst]

that is .243 levels. in a AR-15!!

 

[Howard Roark]

The best thing about the 6BRX is that all you have to do to make brass is load a 6BR and pull the trigger. No screwing around with necking up or down and neck turning. Use Lapua brass on the 600 yard line and Rem at 200 and 300 yards.

 

[Howard Roark]

that is .243 levels. in a AR-15!!

I played with the 243 WSSM. It's a great round but is a real barrel burner. The BR is much better.

 

[gvnwst]

I played with the 243 WSSM. It's a great round but is a real barrel burner. The BR is much better.

i have heard other, much worse things about the .243 WSSM... that is why i didn't buy one already.