AR-15 Alternative Calibers?

2506 Views 8 Replies 0 Participants Last post by mcb, Mar 3, 2007

Discussion Starter · Mar 2, 2007

Since I seem to like having 2-3 perpetual gun projects going on, it was with some remorse that I purchased the last parts needed to finish my (latest) AR-15 project. Now I have a hankering to start another project.

The current AR was built as a "tactical entry" type of gun that I would be comfortable shooting out to a few hundred yards. I also want something in my mini-arsenal that'll reach out a little farther, and do it with some knock-down power and good accuracy. I originally planned on a .308 bolt-gun as my next endeavor, but all this talk of AWB II started me thinking about maybe building an AR-10.

The AR-10 is cool and all, but the parts are pretty darned expensive, and there aren't a whole lot of choices for a "build-it-yourselfer". So, I started looking into some of the alternative (and wildcat) cartridges that use a normal AR-15 receiver(s).

So far the 6.5 Grendel has caught my eye, but I'm a bit worried about ammo cost and availability. Does anyone here have first had experience with this setup? How about another setup that you'd recommend? Should I just save myself some time and money and buy a Savage 10FP?

By the way - We really need a dedicated "Evil Black Rifle" board here at XDTalk

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Discussion Starter · #2 · Mar 2, 2007

The 6.8 is a solid round. The ammor is available but expensive.

If you want long range/flat shooting and aren't necessarily tied to a larger bullet, the .204 Ruger is phenominal, though the power on man-sized targets is lacking.

If you want cheap ammo and a .30 cal type platform, there is always the 7.62x39. I haven't found the reliability problems with it that some have.

All around though, I think the best all around option of long range, decent power, and ammo availability is the 5.56. If only we could get an AR upper in 5.45 x 39, which is an impressive little round.

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Discussion Starter · #3 · Mar 2, 2007

Hooz,

I've been waiting for someone to ask that question. Robinson Arms has a patform I have been waiting for.

http://www.robarm.com/xcrtm_modular_weapon_system.htm

It will be able to interchange between the 5.56, 6.5 grendel, 6.8mm SPC and the 7.62x39mm all based on the same lower. It will be my next purchase as I already have an AR-10 .308.

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Discussion Starter · #4 · Mar 2, 2007

i really would be intrested in that cobb .338 lapua mag ar if it wasnt so expensive but if funds arent much of an issue....

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Discussion Starter · #5 · Mar 2, 2007

I have two bushy lowers,,one I bought complete with their "predator" upper,the other I bought as a complete lower with a m4 6 position stock and assembled with my 300fireball upper from model 1 sales.

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Discussion Starter · #6 · Mar 2, 2007

RRA is coming up with their own FAL mag AR-10 like thingy.

I'm gonna wait for real customer range reports on the up coming Kel-Tec .308

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Discussion Starter · #7 · Mar 2, 2007

I've been doing some research, and the 6.8 SPC looks VERY interesting.

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Discussion Starter · #8 · Mar 2, 2007

Hooz said:
I've been doing some research, and the 6.8 SPC looks VERY interesting.

It is that. I am thinking that I want one in a flat top varminter style platform. Seems like it might be a hell of an Antelope rifle (not that I have $ for an antelope hunt right now, but I'll take any excuse I can get for a new rifle

)

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Discussion Starter · #9 · Mar 3, 2007

458 SOCOM looks pretty cool.

mcb

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