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AR build caliber choice

Sig220_Ruger77Sig220_Ruger77 Member Posts: 12,748 ✭✭✭
edited November 2010 in General Discussion
So, I am building a 5.56(.223) AR right now. My 2nd build will probably not come too soon, but I am trying to do a lot of studying and make a careful decision on the 2nd caliber. Here is what I know is available to me right now. Please feel free to add any other options I have, as well as opinions on any of these options.

Right now, I am leaning towards the 6.8 or 7.62x39 if I go the "hunting" rifle route or a .40 s&w or 10mm if I go the pistol caliber route. Don't know a lot about that .300 Fireball, but it sounds interesting?

204 Ruger
22LR
223
223 wssm
243 wssm
25 wssm
6.5 Grendel
5.45x39
5.7x28
6.8 Remington
7.62x39
30 Remington
300 Fireball
450 Bushmaster
50 Beowulf
9mm
10mm
40 s&w
45 acp

Jon
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    shoff14shoff14 Member Posts: 11,994 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    6.5 grendel!
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    FrancFFrancF Member Posts: 35,278 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Buy a lower that will accommodate the uppers in your choice.[:D]
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    matwormatwor Member Posts: 20,594
    edited November -1
    Is there a list somewhere of all the calibers available? Makes me wonder if you could build one in .221 Fireball?
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    MobuckMobuck Member Posts: 13,779 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    It's way easier to go with the 7.62x39 than the 300 Whisper/300 Fireball unless you're definitely adding a suppressor. It will cost you more for mags but ammo is on the shelf by the ton. A 10mm carbine should be a real whizzer but I wouldn't go that way unless I had or was planning to get a pistol to match. At a range in Colorado, I watched some guys shooting 450Bushmaster from a carbine sized AR and it didn't look like all that much fun.
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    shilowarshilowar Member Posts: 38,815 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Sig220_Ruger77
    So, I am building a 5.56(.223) AR right now. My 2nd build will probably not come too soon, but I am trying to do a lot of studying and make a careful decision on the 2nd caliber. Here is what I know is available to me right now. Please feel free to add any other options I have, as well as opinions on any of these options.

    Right now, I am leaning towards the 6.8 or 7.62x39 if I go the "hunting" rifle route or a .40 s&w or 10mm if I go the pistol caliber route. Don't know a lot about that .300 Fireball, but it sounds interesting?

    204 Ruger
    22LR
    223
    223 wssm
    243 wssm
    25 wssm
    6.5 Grendel
    5.45x39
    5.7x28
    6.8 Remington
    7.62x39
    30 Remington
    300 Fireball
    450 Bushmaster
    50 Beowulf
    9mm
    10mm
    40 s&w
    45 acp

    Jon


    I am mulling the very same question, I wouldn't do any of the pistol calibers, but that's just me...seems silly
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    FEENIXFEENIX Member Posts: 10,559 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by shoff14
    6.5 grendel!


    +1! You might want to consider the .260 too! Good luck!

    Ed
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    RTKBARTKBA Member Posts: 331 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    This is a good site to look at. http://www.sskindustries.com/ar15.htm And you might want to check this one out. http://www.teppojutsu.com/
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    lksmith03lksmith03 Member Posts: 1,742 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Don't forget 50bmg, 338 Lapua and 416 Barret.
    There are several single shot uppers and a few mag fed uppers (Side mag) if ya really wanna get serious
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    MMOMEQ-55MMOMEQ-55 Member Posts: 13,134
    edited November -1
    7.62 is all U need.
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    xxx97xxx97 Member Posts: 5,721 ✭
    edited November -1
    Forget the Beowulf...took 8 months for factory ammo...
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    tneff1969tneff1969 Member Posts: 6,682 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Had a 50 Beowulf and sold it, it was a beast imho but didn't keep my interest. What I am pondering over now and think would be a neat build, is a 357 mag.
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    MrM1A1MrM1A1 Member Posts: 2,764 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by tneff1969
    Had a 50 Beowulf and sold it, it was a beast imho but didn't keep my interest. What I am pondering over now and think would be a neat build, is a 357 mag.


    .357mag would be sweet!! Great idea. Know of anyone making a barrel chambered for it?? I'd buy one in a heart beat!! I like my .45acp AR carbine, I guess I just have a thing for pistol cal rifles/carbines.
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    tneff1969tneff1969 Member Posts: 6,682 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by MrM1A1
    quote:Originally posted by tneff1969
    Had a 50 Beowulf and sold it, it was a beast imho but didn't keep my interest. What I am pondering over now and think would be a neat build, is a 357 mag.


    .357mag would be sweet!! Great idea. Know of anyone making a barrel chambered for it?? I'd buy one in a heart beat!! I like my .45acp AR carbine, I guess I just have a thing for pistol cal rifles/carbines.


    Started doing research on it about a week ago, hope to have more info this week.
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    babunbabun Member Posts: 11,054 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Take a look at the .300 Olympic short magnum. No one next to you on the firing line will
    have one. Bob
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    quickmajikquickmajik Member Posts: 16,324
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Sig220_Ruger77
    So, I am building a 5.56(.223) AR right now. My 2nd build will probably not come too soon, but I am trying to do a lot of studying and make a careful decision on the 2nd caliber. Here is what I know is available to me right now. Please feel free to add any other options I have, as well as opinions on any of these options.

    Right now, I am leaning towards the 6.8 or 7.62x39 if I go the "hunting" rifle route or a .40 s&w or 10mm if I go the pistol caliber route. Don't know a lot about that .300 Fireball, but it sounds interesting?

    204 Ruger22LR
    223
    223 wssm
    243 wssm
    25 wssm
    6.5 Grendel

    5.45x39
    5.7x28
    6.8 Remington
    7.62x39
    30 Remington
    300 Fireball
    450 Bushmaster
    50 Beowulf
    9mm
    10mm
    40 s&w
    45 acp

    Jon


    the ones in red are my suggestions.
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    grumpygygrumpygy Member Posts: 53,466 ✭
    edited November -1
    Dang forgot I wanted a 204 and with dropping prices of lowers now might be the time.[:o)]
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    wittynbearwittynbear Member Posts: 4,518
    edited November -1
    5.56x45
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    RugerNinerRugerNiner Member Posts: 12,637 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    If you haven't bought the lower yet, then go with a 308.
    spn05j5e04xq.gif


    Keep your Powder dry and your Musket well oiled.
    NRA Lifetime Benefactor Member.
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    legearlegear Member Posts: 6,716
    edited November -1
    If it were me Id go with 6.8. You can use the same mags and lowers with 5.56
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    Lucky_LeftyLucky_Lefty Member Posts: 7,971
    edited November -1
    I just bought a Mega Ma-ten lower upper combo for 499.00. I am doing it in 308. I got the email friday that it shipped so when I get it I will start a build thread. I am looking for a 308 chrome bcg and a 24 inch barrel, I know for sure I am going with Magpul PRS stock. I am not worried about weight, I am planning on light weight rails from jp. there is a whole board on ar15.com in their ar section. Very helpful
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    cce1302cce1302 Member Posts: 9,555 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I'd go 6.5 grendel or .458 Socom. The .458 is legal for deer in Indiana.
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    grumpygygrumpygy Member Posts: 53,466 ✭
    edited November -1
    Few More I found

    .410 5 round Mag
    17 Remington
    5.7X28
    6mmX45
    458 Socom
    499LWR
    7mm tch
    .20 Practical
    6mm PPC
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    quickmajikquickmajik Member Posts: 16,324
    edited November -1
    Ohh I forgot to add, if you want a semi auto carbine in .40Sw get a Keltec sub 2000 and a bunch of the korean 31 round mags, you can get them for 10 bucks a peice, stards are like 6.00.

    much handier and lighter. I wish keltec made one in 10mm.
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    NwcidNwcid Member Posts: 10,674 ✭
    edited November -1
    You forgot a few [:D]

    Pistol cal using standard size lowers:
    .32 ACP
    .357 Sig
    .380
    9mm
    .40
    .45 ACP
    10mm
    50 A&E

    Rifle cal using standard lower:
    .17 Remington
    .20 Tactical
    .22lr
    .204
    .221 Fireball
    .222
    .223
    .223 WSSM
    .243 WSSM
    .25 WSSM
    .30 carbine
    .300 Whisper
    .410
    .450 Bushmaster
    .458 Socom
    .499 LWR
    5.45x39
    5.7x28
    6 MM PPC (JDJ)
    6 MM Whisper
    6mm x 45
    6.5 MPC
    6.5 MM PPC (JDJ)
    6.5 MM Whisper
    6.5 Grendal
    6.8 SPC
    7 MM TCU
    7 MM Whisper
    7.62x39
    .50 Beowulf
    .50 BMG (single shot upper)

    Rifle cal using .308 lower
    .22-250
    .243
    .257 Roberts
    .260
    .284 Win
    .300 Savage
    .308
    .300 Remington SAUM
    .325 WSM
    .338 Federal
    .35 Rem
    358 Win
    6.5 Creedmoor
    7mm-08
    8mm
    .338 Federal


    Cobb makes a .30-06 but I believe it uses a special lower.


    I am sure I even forgot some. Plus you can have just about any barrel you want built so there really is no limit to what you can do.

    The .300 (whisper/fireball/221/ect) is a very cool caliber IF you are going to run a silencer with it. It not then there are much better rounds out there.

    The other questions you need to ask are, do you want to use standard mags or "special mags"? Do you want to be able to walk into any store and buy ammo or do you want to have to either buy $$$$ ammo or possibly have to reload for it?

    I have AR's in .22, 9mm, .223, 300 Whisper right now and plan on building a .243. All are a lot of fun and all shoot well.



    EDIT: Updated caliber list.
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    SWAT 50SWAT 50 Member Posts: 4,074 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I think a 44 auto mag ar would be cool.


    But on the other hand Who the hell would want a 30 carbine ar, as mentioned above.
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    NwcidNwcid Member Posts: 10,674 ✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by SWAT 50
    I think a 44 auto mag ar would be cool.


    But on the other hand Who the hell would want a 30 carbine ar, as mentioned above.



    I know there are a few other semi auto guns out there that do use rimmed rounds but magazines are not really suited to rimmed rounds like the .38/357 or .44. Nor are most of the action designs.

    It would be cool for sure. But the 40 cal or 10mm are going to be much better choices.
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    rongrong Member Posts: 8,459
    edited November -1

    If it were me Id go with 6.8. You can use the same mags and lowers with 5.56

    Don't want to steal this thread but I have just bought
    a Rock River Arms 6.8 coyote carbine and are
    you saying all i have to do is buy a complete upper
    and I have a 223 Ar15? (Obviously I know nothing yet
    bout these rifles)
    Rong
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    quickmajikquickmajik Member Posts: 16,324
    edited November -1
    to further expand the list of chamberings fot the AR-10
    .22-250
    .257Roberts
    .284Rem
    .264WSM
    .300WSM
    .325WSM
    .338WSM
    .300RCM
    .338RCM
    .358Winchester
    .450Marlin
    6.5creedmore
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    kidthatsirishkidthatsirish Member Posts: 6,985 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by shoff14
    6.5 grendel!


    +1
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    Sig220_Ruger77Sig220_Ruger77 Member Posts: 12,748 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by RugerNiner
    If you haven't bought the lower yet, then go with a 308.


    Already got the lower, so no .308 or calibers that fit that lower. The more I read about the 6.5 Grendel that a few of you guys mentioned, the more I like that round as well. Not 100% sure I guess, so I will concentrate on my first build here and keep reading and researching on the 2nd. Thanks fellas, much appreciated. [^]

    Jon
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    matwormatwor Member Posts: 20,594
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by rong

    If it were me Id go with 6.8. You can use the same mags and lowers with 5.56

    Don't want to steal this thread but I have just bought
    a Rock River Arms 6.8 coyote carbine and are
    you saying all i have to do is buy a complete upper
    and I have a 223 Ar15? (Obviously I know nothing yet
    bout these rifles)
    Rong


    Yes.
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    storm6490storm6490 Member Posts: 8,010
    edited November -1
    What the hell?

    Nobody said 40mm yet?
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    SWAT 50SWAT 50 Member Posts: 4,074 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I don't think anyone mentioned the AR30 Rem. yet either, But I haven't seen them on the market yet, so I bought a 762x39 for now.
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    CubsloverCubslover Member Posts: 18,601 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I say 5.45x39, with ammo being cheap and plentiful if you won't be hunting with it.

    6.5 Grendel if you will be.
    Half of the lives they tell about me aren't true.
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    MrM1A1MrM1A1 Member Posts: 2,764 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by matwor
    quote:Originally posted by rong

    If it were me Id go with 6.8. You can use the same mags and lowers with 5.56

    Don't want to steal this thread but I have just bought
    a Rock River Arms 6.8 coyote carbine and are
    you saying all i have to do is buy a complete upper
    and I have a 223 Ar15? (Obviously I know nothing yet
    bout these rifles)
    Rong


    Yes.

    +1 You can convert your AR to any caliber upper that does NOT require a permanent
    magwell insert. Most rifle cal mag aren't hard to find, but pistol cal mags can be a bit more tricky. FWIW I still want a .357mag upper to build on, oooooh, .41mag would be sweet too.[:D]
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    storm6490storm6490 Member Posts: 8,010
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Cubslover G16
    I say 5.45x39, with ammo being cheap and plentiful if you won't be hunting with it.

    6.5 Grendel if you will be.




    i have hunted with the 5.45x39 and think it is a very deadly bullet. i used the 7ns bullets that tumble and they create a large wound cavity when doing so. if you do build an ar type 5.45, make sure to go piston driven as the gas blowback system will shut down after only a few rounds of that gnarly, mildly corrosive surplus ammo. the primers are very hard and the casing is steel, so you have to compensate for that as well. from my personal experience, the 5.45 is not a good round on the ar platform. it is possible and here is an example of a winner http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=197667762 and a looser http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=197804041

    which 6.5 do you think will become nato?
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    MrM1A1MrM1A1 Member Posts: 2,764 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I don't think any 6.5 will become a NATO round. I'd think 6.8SPC would have a shot before Grendel, Creedmore, or any other 6.5's. JMHO
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    7.62x39Lover7.62x39Lover Member Posts: 3,939 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    5.45x39mm and buy ammo now. You can get 5.45x39mm for about $0.11 a pop right now!
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