AR10 caliber help

S

Skrap

New member
Wasn't sure where to put this so I thought this section was most fitting.

In the past I have not been too interested in ARs. The last year I have warmed up to them quite a bit and am looking to get an AR10 variant. Currently I have a Mini 14 .223, Rem 788 .243, Rem 788 Carbine 7m-08 and Mod 70 30-06 for my rifles. The bolt guns get used for my deer hunting which I've been doing for about 15 years. My .243 shoots well but haven't spent as much time with it. My Mod 70 is my go to deer rifle when the weather is wet and it shoots great. However, my 788 in 7m-08 is my favorite gun and is very accurate. I also, just bought 200 rounds of quality hunting ammo in 7m-08 for .65/round on sale.

Here is the question: I have the desire to build an AR 7m-08 and use it for multiple roles, one being predators I know the 7m-08 is overkill for predators but if I am not selling the fur does it really matter? I may have a few of the good furs tanned to keep and don't mind an exit hole. One of my goals is to keep my rifles as ammo compatible as possible.

The other option is to build an AR in .243. I assume this would be a little bit better round for predators and varmints but I don't shoot my bolt .243 as often not to mention anything above whitetail it begins to loose capability, IMO.

I could use my Mini 14 as it is setup with a nice Vortex PST 1-4x. It shoots OK but I also haven't put much bench time into it either. For $300 or so I can have it sent to a smith who specializes in Minis and let him give it the work-over for better accuracy.

I have no desire to get an AR in .223 or .308 at this time. What is your opinion on the 7m-08 AR and does this caliber make any sense for predators? .243 make more sense? Thanks for the help.
 
I would hold off on having anyone work on the mini. For $300 you can get 1/2 way to a complete ar15 in 223. If it were me I give the choices that you are looking at I would go with a 243 in ar10 due to the fact that you could drop down to 58gr and go up to 100gr for larger game. It will do just fine on deer.
 
Since no one has done it yet, I'll suggest a different caliber than you listed.
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the 260 rem. A couple companies make them already or you can go custom. Factory ammo is surprisingly easy to find or you could neck up your 243 or neck down your 7mm08. Very versatile caliber. From 85-142 grains. Very high BC on the longer bullets. Will smack them yotes and does very nicely on deer. Of the calibers listed, definitely 243. Way more versatile than the 7mm08. Not sure I've ever even heard of an AR 10 in 7mm08.
 
Originally Posted By: Suppressed in SDSince no one has done it yet, I'll suggest a different caliber than you listed.
tongue_smilie.gif
the 260 rem. A couple companies make them already or you can go custom. Factory ammo is surprisingly easy to find or you could neck up your 243 or neck down your 7mm08. Very versatile caliber. From 85-142 grains. Very high BC on the longer bullets. Will smack them yotes and does very nicely on deer. Of the calibers listed, definitely 243. Way more versatile than the 7mm08. Not sure I've ever even heard of an AR 10 in 7mm08.

YEP!
 
I have or have had AR's in 243, 260, and 308. I currently have the 260, but want another 243. My only experience with 7mm-08 is a couple of bolt rifles that the in-laws use for deer hunting. They shoot great and it's a sweet round.

But predator hunting screams 243. For normal calling distances you can shoot light bullets really fast and not worry about drop. I love the 260 but it's more of a rig where you range and dial up the scope and that's not ideal in most calling situations IME.

That being said if you want a 7mm-08 you can do it with a barrel from BHW, don't let anyone talk you out of what you want.
 
I agree with 204AR. I have several calibers in various AR configurations. One recommendation would be to go somewhere and handle a fully set up AR10. They can be very bulky/heavy. That doesn't bother me, but it is cumbersome to many. I have a 243WSSM that works very well for me and keeps the weight down, although the brass is ever increasingly difficult to find for reloading. If you have to have a specific caliber, then by all means, get what you want because you'll never truly be really happy with anything else.
 
I see no issues with a 7mm-08 in the ar10 platform. Std 308 bcg, there are a few suppliers of the barrel in that cal. You would have a bolt and gas in your fav. Whats not to like?
 
Nothing wrong with a 7mm-08 lauching 120 grain bullets. Personally, I would go .260 Remington or 6.5 Creedmoor with the Creedmoor at the top of the list.
 
Originally Posted By: KizmoAgree with deaddogwalkin. .243 is the most versatile. Don't waste your money on fixing up the Mini 14.

+1

.243 hits like the hammer of THOR!
 
I also run a .243 AR and LOVE it. I call it my 3 F AR. fast, flat, fun. 204 AR is right whatever you chose don't let anyone talk you out of it. I wanted a .243 and had a very long debate if I really wanted it or not and even had heated discussion about it with a few people. I chose to do it and almost felt hesitant to do it. For me I felt it was the best choice I could have made. The beutiful thing is that once you have the platform it's not hard to change if your not happy with your decision. Good luck and let us know what you choose.
 


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