Best caliber for AR-15 lower

sigshepardo · January 31, 2013, 01:43 AM

I want to buy another upper for my stag arms lower (5.56). I want the best performing long range caliber that I can put on the small lower. I understand that cartridges like the 6.5 creedmoor are going to be better performing. But I want to see what is going to give me the best groups at long range (700 yds) out of the small AR lower. What calibers do you recommend? Thanks

psycho nut · January 31, 2013, 02:59 AM

I've heard a lot of goods things about the 6.5 Grendel, but I've never shot one.

Chinny33 · January 31, 2013, 03:18 AM

the 2nd most popular AR-15 caliber is the 6.8 SPC. the 300 blackout is popular-ish, but is still a baby when it comes to cartridges. The 6.8SPC has been around since ~2002? I have an Ambush 6.8 for hunting. Uses specialized magazines. Its a pig killer for sure. Uncommon around local gun shops. Great choices online for ammo. Has a cult-like following. Personally its a great sub-300yd round. I wish it could reach out and touch more. The bullets fail in B.C.

The 6.5 Grendel is a fantastic round also but is highly specialized as a short action high velocity cartridge. Again, very new to the scene. 2012 SAAMI accepted it. Standardizing a round has the potential to make it a great seller. With the extra space for powder, the chamber supports higher pressures, which can lead to throat erosion quicker than a 556/223. Expensive, uncommon round. Utilizes specialized magazines. SUPER high B.C. bullets. I would choose this as my next option personally.

.458 SOCOM. Its my midwest whitetail hunting round. Many states that only allow shotgun slugs only, also allow the .458 SOCOM. Im pushing the same bullets a 45/70 uses to CLOSE the same FPS. Uses standard magazines. Expensive, almost impossible to find off the shelf. The brass alone cost me $0.80/rd. Super easy to reload.

very important to note that I reload. If you dont reload, I feel sorry for you spending money buying ammo off the shelf and throwing the brass away.

globemaster3 · January 31, 2013, 10:52 AM

First, you need to realize the limitations of your AR-15 lower. You are not going to be able to switch to an upper made for the .308-based cartridges or others of equivalent length. The dimensions of the magwell prevent this. Since you mentioned 6.5 Creedmore, I thought it important to mention.

Now, for your situation, there are a lot if cartridges to consider, and a quick search on the forum will reveal a lot of threads where they are listed. 6.8 SPC and 6.5 Grendel are 2 good choices, but you can go to WSSM chambering if you so desire.

In the end, you need to come to terms with exactly what you want this new upper to do and then look at the cartridges that can realistically perform, taking into consideration ammo support and reloading possibilities.

CTS · January 31, 2013, 10:58 AM

I agree with globemaster3. First decide what your purpose for this upper will be. In my opinion, if your intent is hunting, I would go with a 6.8SPC. If it is long range target shooting, I would go with the 6.5Grendel. Just my two cents worth.

Xfire68 · January 31, 2013, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Expensive, uncommon round. Utilizes specialized magazines.

The Grendel does not use specialized magazines. They use standard 5.56 mags with a reduced capacity of 26 rounds. The Grendel does however use a different bolt.

Although factory ammo is expensive and uncommon now I only see this cartage becoming more and more popular over time. For a reloader this is a great option for a AR platform hunting rig. Many many .264 projectiles to choose from.

Right before just about every AR part in the country sold out I was looking to buy a upper in 6.5 Grendel. Now I have to wait till the prices adjust or find a used one at a reasonable price.

madcratebuilder · January 31, 2013, 01:02 PM

The most accurate AR15 platform caliber is the 6.5Grendel and has been for years. A lot of different factory ammo available, Hornady and Wolf both have several loads. With the new pricing of 5.56 nato, Grendel may be cheaper.

The Grendel requires a proprietary bolt, barrel and magazine with the correct follower.

Your 700 yd goal is just the starting range for the Grendel.

2damnold4this · January 31, 2013, 01:12 PM

Here you go.

Dr Big Bird PhD · January 31, 2013, 01:15 PM

Why do you need to shoot out to 700 yards?

If that distance is a must for the AR platform (I'd consider a different one altogether), then the 6.5 grendel is the only one that can do it reliably.

However, the 6.8 SPC is the most common AR hunting cartridge. You can find it at most ranges and almost all respected LGSs. And it DOES perform very well past 300yds. Maybe not past 500, but definitely 3.

sigshepardo · January 31, 2013, 01:51 PM

Just an update for everyone. Trying to clarify some points. I want to be able to hit the long range gong at my local range (750 yds) accurately. But I don't want to buy a long action AR lower. I'm asking for what your opinions are on the most accurate short action calibers for my AR at 700 yards. Thanks

CTS · January 31, 2013, 07:03 PM

6.5 Grendel would be my bet. I am a 6.8 owner but I came real close to building the 6.5G. I got to realizing that I didn't need to shoot at anything over 300yards (rarely even 200) so I went with the 6.8 instead.

January 31, 2013, 01:43 AM	#1
sigshepardo Senior Member Join Date: July 18, 2011 Location: Indiana Posts: 150	Best caliber for AR-15 lower I want to buy another upper for my stag arms lower (5.56). I want the best performing long range caliber that I can put on the small lower. I understand that cartridges like the 6.5 creedmoor are going to be better performing. But I want to see what is going to give me the best groups at long range (700 yds) out of the small AR lower. What calibers do you recommend? Thanks

January 31, 2013, 02:59 AM	#2
psycho nut Senior Member Join Date: June 3, 2005 Location: Nebraska Posts: 480	I've heard a lot of goods things about the 6.5 Grendel, but I've never shot one. __________________ I can't spel.

January 31, 2013, 03:18 AM	#3
Chinny33 Senior Member Join Date: November 30, 2008 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 248	the 2nd most popular AR-15 caliber is the 6.8 SPC. the 300 blackout is popular-ish, but is still a baby when it comes to cartridges. The 6.8SPC has been around since ~2002? I have an Ambush 6.8 for hunting. Uses specialized magazines. Its a pig killer for sure. Uncommon around local gun shops. Great choices online for ammo. Has a cult-like following. Personally its a great sub-300yd round. I wish it could reach out and touch more. The bullets fail in B.C. The 6.5 Grendel is a fantastic round also but is highly specialized as a short action high velocity cartridge. Again, very new to the scene. 2012 SAAMI accepted it. Standardizing a round has the potential to make it a great seller. With the extra space for powder, the chamber supports higher pressures, which can lead to throat erosion quicker than a 556/223. Expensive, uncommon round. Utilizes specialized magazines. SUPER high B.C. bullets. I would choose this as my next option personally. .458 SOCOM. Its my midwest whitetail hunting round. Many states that only allow shotgun slugs only, also allow the .458 SOCOM. Im pushing the same bullets a 45/70 uses to CLOSE the same FPS. Uses standard magazines. Expensive, almost impossible to find off the shelf. The brass alone cost me $0.80/rd. Super easy to reload. very important to note that I reload. If you dont reload, I feel sorry for you spending money buying ammo off the shelf and throwing the brass away. __________________ PLAN PLAN PLAN A prudent man forsees evil and hides himself; the simple pass on and are punished Proverbs 27:12

January 31, 2013, 01:15 PM	#9
Dr Big Bird PhD Senior Member Join Date: October 26, 2012 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 779	Why do you need to shoot out to 700 yards? If that distance is a must for the AR platform (I'd consider a different one altogether), then the 6.5 grendel is the only one that can do it reliably. However, the 6.8 SPC is the most common AR hunting cartridge. You can find it at most ranges and almost all respected LGSs. And it DOES perform very well past 300yds. Maybe not past 500, but definitely 3. __________________ I told the new me, "Meet me at the bus station and hold a sign that reads: 'Today is the first day of the rest of your life.'" But the old me met me with a sign that read: "Welcome back." Who you are is not a function of where you are. -Off Minor

January 31, 2013, 01:51 PM	#10
sigshepardo Senior Member Join Date: July 18, 2011 Location: Indiana Posts: 150	Update Just an update for everyone. Trying to clarify some points. I want to be able to hit the long range gong at my local range (750 yds) accurately. But I don't want to buy a long action AR lower. I'm asking for what your opinions are on the most accurate short action calibers for my AR at 700 yards. Thanks Last edited by sigshepardo; February 1, 2013 at 04:03 PM.

January 31, 2013, 10:52 AM	#4
globemaster3 Senior Member Join Date: January 28, 2006 Posts: 1,482	First, you need to realize the limitations of your AR-15 lower. You are not going to be able to switch to an upper made for the .308-based cartridges or others of equivalent length. The dimensions of the magwell prevent this. Since you mentioned 6.5 Creedmore, I thought it important to mention. Now, for your situation, there are a lot if cartridges to consider, and a quick search on the forum will reveal a lot of threads where they are listed. 6.8 SPC and 6.5 Grendel are 2 good choices, but you can go to WSSM chambering if you so desire. In the end, you need to come to terms with exactly what you want this new upper to do and then look at the cartridges that can realistically perform, taking into consideration ammo support and reloading possibilities.

January 31, 2013, 10:58 AM	#5
CTS Senior Member Join Date: November 6, 2011 Location: NE Georgia Posts: 1,070	I agree with globemaster3. First decide what your purpose for this upper will be. In my opinion, if your intent is hunting, I would go with a 6.8SPC. If it is long range target shooting, I would go with the 6.5Grendel. Just my two cents worth.

January 31, 2013, 01:02 PM	#7
madcratebuilder Senior Member Join Date: November 2, 2007 Location: Northern Orygun Posts: 4,923	The most accurate AR15 platform caliber is the 6.5Grendel and has been for years. A lot of different factory ammo available, Hornady and Wolf both have several loads. With the new pricing of 5.56 nato, Grendel may be cheaper. The Grendel requires a proprietary bolt, barrel and magazine with the correct follower. Your 700 yd goal is just the starting range for the Grendel.

January 31, 2013, 01:12 PM	#8
2damnold4this Senior Member Join Date: August 12, 2009 Location: Athens, Georgia Posts: 2,526	Here you go.

January 31, 2013, 07:03 PM	#11
CTS Senior Member Join Date: November 6, 2011 Location: NE Georgia Posts: 1,070	6.5 Grendel would be my bet. I am a 6.8 owner but I came real close to building the 6.5G. I got to realizing that I didn't need to shoot at anything over 300yards (rarely even 200) so I went with the 6.8 instead.