Pronghorn AR-15 Build

[Colorado Scott]

This will be my first AR build for hunting large game and I am looking for some caliber ideas for an AR-15 upper build for hunting Pronghorn/Antelope. Typical shots for the area I hunt range 150 to 350 yards. I think I want a 24 inch barrel and I already have an appropriate Burris scope for optics.

I currently use a dedicated .30-06 bolt action rifle with 150 grain bullets for my Pronghorn hunts. I just want to do something different than all the other guys I hunt with. For those who might ask; I hunt on a privately owned ranch with about 30 other guys. The property is in excess of 5,000 acres and just about every hunter fills their tag by the 2nd morning every year.

I would also like to be able to hunt Mule Deer with the same upper in the same area. I have just started my research so I am wide open to ideas.

Cheers!

[Gunner]

308,243

Just keep it legal not 223 nonsense

[nickaballison]

I am building an ar now for antelope hunting with the 6.5mm grendel. Good round for antelope and even mulies. Saw a video of a guy even dropping an elk with one. I wouldnt recommend that though unless very close and extremely confident of shot placement.

[Colorado Scott]

.308 and 243 Winchester OAL are too long to fit in the AR-15 platform. I'd have to build an AR-10 which I don't plan on. Max overall length for an AR-15 is 2.250 inches.

.24 and up cal is the legal minimum for big game in CO. There is also a minimum bullet energy ft at x yards. I'll need to check the regs on that again.

I looked at the 243 WSSM but have read dozens of negative reviews about feeding issues when using the AR-15 platform. I have ruled this one out.

The 6.5 Grendel is at the top of my list of cartridges. I was sure it would be one of the first recommended.

There is also another round I heard of but can't remember the name of it. It uses a .30 cal bullet and a company is trying to sell the idea of it to the military for a 5.56 replacement. I'll need to dig into this one a little deeper.

[ScooterCO]

Are you thinking of the 300 Blackout?

[HBARleatherneck]

6.8 spc

[Hoser]

Either the 6 Grendel or 6.5 Grendel would be my choice. Spook is a gunsmith here and specializes in wildcats. He builds some good stuff.

[Colorado Scott]

Are you thinking of the 300 Blackout?

That's gotta be it. I remember it was capable of shooting a 220 grain bullet. That thing must hit like a freight train! Doesn't look like a good candidate for this project.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/300_AAC_Blackout_%287.62%C3%9735mm%29

[ray1970]

I'll throw another vote for the 6.5 Grendel for your intended purpose.

[Colorado Osprey]

I looked at the 243 WSSM but have read dozens of negative reviews about feeding issues when using the AR-15 platform. I have ruled this one out..

Really, I got mine from the man himself who developed the platform... Mike Milli of Dedicated Technologies aka "dtech". He pioneered the WSSM platform with the assistance of Olympic Arms. His guns run flawlessly guaranteed with an accuracy guarantee!! In fact I have 2 of his rifles. One in 6x45 and the other in 243WSSM. I have never had an issue with either. Both shoot well under MOA. A lot of the negative internet gossip on the WSSM is just spew repeated over and over. WSSM's are a difficult cartridge to reload and there have been issues; mostly with the Olympic Arms versions.

His rifles are the go to in AR hunting circles in all calibers. BTW he will make SPC's or Grendels or what ever you want. Mike also has a 6mmDTI based on the SPC, kind of Akley Improved which gets rid of the proprietary WSSM stuff and performs just under the WSSM.

I would give him a call if I were you. He is a a great guy to talk with... unfortunately because of demand for his work his stuff is usually close to a year out to get one.
Again if you want unbiased reviews hit up some "hunting AR" forums and you will see all the praises he gets. He is a Guru!

http://www.dtechuppers.com/index.html

[XC700116]

Ever look into the D-tech cartridges?

I currently have a 25DTI on order. (also available in 6mm, 6.5mm, and a .22 variant)

90 gr bullet @ 3000 FPS would be a damned good goat round and could still handle the Mule deer duty as well. It's basically a 6.8 SPC case necked down and shoulder blown out just a touch. Single pass sizing then fire formed from there and he has the dies in stock. His reputation for accuracy is near legendary in the predator hunting community. He's also one of the only guys out there building reliable WSSM uppers too, but his DTI line IMO is the best of both worlds.

http://www.dtechuppers.com/ar-15-dti-upper-receivers.html

Mike's work is top notch, and he's great to deal with, and his prices are insanely reasonable considering what goes into his builds. only problem is he's backlogged about 6 months right now.

[Colorado Scott]

The Dtech stuff looks really nice!

I like the idea of his perfected DTI calibers and matching uppers but I don't currently reload center fire cartridges. I'm stuck with off the shelf ammunition for now.

I will call him and see what can offer me but I don't like the idea of having my cash tied up somewhere else for up to a year waiting for parts. A lot can happen in a year.

Right now I'm leaning towards the 6.5 Grendel.

[XC700116]

Yeah if you don't handload that is deffinately a problem hahaha.

Most of the parts outside the barrel with his chmbering and possibly the gas block are off the shelf parts on the DTI calibers. (6.8 SPC stuff).

His prices are damned good too, but definately if you're in a hurry to get your rifle together the wait will drive you crazy.

He does a lot of builds with standard calibers as well so don't rule his work out based on that alone if you are interested and can stand to wait a while. IMO the finished product is well worth it and his price is REALLY good when you consider what you are getting.

[Colorado Scott]

I figured I talk with him to anyway about the Grendel cartridge and get some feedback on my intended use.

I'm thinking way ahead here but what would you recommend for a charging handle? Do you guys think it would be necessary to have a side charging handle with a scope? Maybe it would just be a matter of preference... Also starting to look at good hunting stocks.

[Colorado Osprey]

I have Badger Tactical latches on both of my guns from D-tech

http://badgerordnance.com/tactical-latch/

[Colorado Scott]

I like that. Better than the $119 Brownells paratrooper side charger.

I'm diggin' the Magpul sniper stocks.

[XC700116]

I put a BCM Gunfighter (Large) on my rock river and love it with the scope.

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCMGUNFIGHTER-Charging-Handle-s/123.htm

bought it when it was on sale for $35 from Primary Arms.

[rgvt4]

I'll throw another vote for the 6.5 Grendel for your intended purpose.

Amen to that

[Colorado Scott]

As stated earlier, my options are extremely limited when it comes to off the shelf ammo. It appears that the Hornady 123 gr A-Max is going to have to be my go to goat round. Does anybody know of a company in Denver/Littleton that will do a short run on ammo at a fair price?

I'm also looking for various loads for other big game besides Pronghorn. Ideas?

Going to check over on 65grendel.com to see what they are recommending.