ar15 vs ar10???

[eric270]

can someone explain the difference between the ar15 and ar10 actions? i know one is bigger but where is the line drawn? cartridge length? or diameter? why do some popular cartridges such as 22-250 have limited availability or just one company offering it? thanks, i am an ar newbie

 

[Mike B]

Originally Posted By: eric270can someone explain the difference between the ar15 and ar10 actions? i know one is bigger but where is the line drawn? cartridge length? or diameter? why do some popular cartridges such as 22-250 have limited availability or just one company offering it? thanks, i am an ar newbie

Yes, yes and more. Length of cartridge in a mag in the mag well, diameter of cartridge head (receiver can only hold so big a bolt for so big a cartridge), pressures the whole thing and each part can be designed for, etc. Not sure what Oly did to get the 22-250 to work in there, but doesn't seem like anybody else ran with it. Wildcats like DTech's WSSM line and the 6.5 Grendel, etc. are attempts to improve performance while staying within the designs capabilities of the AR-15 and still use mostly common parts. The AR-10 design was originated for the 308/7.62 x 51 NATO round.(I'll probably take a beating here for listing those 2 "calibers" together like that!! LOL!)

Others be along to will add to this I'm sure.

 

[Warboar_21]

The AR-10 Was the original design and was introduced to the military for consideration at the same time the M-14 came out. The M-14 won the contract and the AR-10 was shelved. The AR-15/M-16 is a scaled down version of the AR-10 for the requirements of the Military.

The AR-10 is certainly a beefed up rifle vs the AR-15. It can handle a higher pressure cartridge and a longer overall cartridge.

They are both very versatile but I think the edge goes to the AR-15 for popularity and wider availability (used to be) of aftermarket parts. I have both and I like them both for what they are but the AR-10 puts a bigger smile on my face when I pull the trigger.