AR in .308 / 7.62x51 For Big Game?

[LeJerk]

I have a .223 AR-15 and wanted to know why I wouldn't want to get an AR-10 style rifle and 5 round magazine to hunt with.

Is a regular bolt or semi auto hunting rifle a better or worse, and why?

(Hunting Novice)

edit: I'm also interested in something like the FNAR, and the Benelli R1

[gcrookston]

The biggest hurdle is weight. You can't get much lighter than a light bolt gun @ 6 or 7 pounds. About the lightest is going to be the Browning BAR (FNAR).

Another consideration is why do you need an auto loader for big game and what big game are you going for? 7.62x51 is good enough for almost all game found on this continent.

With shot placement being of the utmost importance, the reasons for an auto loader for this type of hunting generally fall into the category of compensating for a hunter's deficient skill [insert subtle hint here].

I don't recommend an auto loader for hunting anything larger than a breadbox or anything not on the wing.

[LeJerk]

I was thinking this route so I don't have to have a separate gun for target shooting. I really like my AR-15 setup right now, but the barrel is too long and the caliber isn't large enough for hunting.

[gcrookston]

I was thinking this route so I don't have to have a separate gun for target shooting.

I'd go at this from the opposite angle... It appears perfectly reasonable to add another gun to the stable... Get a short range target, a long range target, a varmint, a deer, an elk, an elephant, a terrorist and a couple zombie guns...

Just remember, there is a fine line between a "gun collection" and an "arsenal". I don't know what that line is, or where it is. It may be just this side of Akron.

[CapLock]

It sounds like a good set up for you. Your already used to the AR platform. Perfect for pigs where you actually might have a good chance to double. Going to be a funner gun to shoot at the range than a bolt gun and I'm sure you'll probably put a 1,000 rounds downrange for every one that you put in a deer or elk.

I want the 20" rifle in 308 vs the 16" carbine because it looks like the short barrel really cuts the balls off the 308 in the velocity department. I "need" the Armalite AR-10 A4 BADLY. It should be around 10 lbs with scope. I wouldn't take it on an elk hunt because that does involve a lot of hiking but it could be done without a doubt. Shit I went up to timberline today on a 4ish mile hike near Urad with a rifle that weights more than 10lbs and had my four year old kid on my shoulders 75% of the time.

[BigMat]

I haven't hunted with an Ar-10 type weapon, but I have been next to a guy who did. It came down to weight. We were up in Montana in some deep snow, with a fair bit of gear and he sold his rifle shortly after we got back. It was just too heavy to be in love with and the firepower doesn't mean much hunting. We were after Coyotes and I had a regular AR with an ACOG on top, much happier with it.

I lean on getting two guns. 308 ammo isn't cheap, and it kicks a good bit. As to a hunting guy, you can get into a light rifle that shoots a very flexible and powerful round for ~$400 if you are just aiming for hunting without any serious trouble, and then keep your AR as is or make it how you want it. dollar for dollar, any AR10 worth its salt will cost you more if you watch your pennies with the two.

I tried real hard to pull off the "one gun" thing, and there isn't really a platform that is fun/cheap at a range AND easy to pack and hunt with AND able to take CONUS sized game AND able to put by the bed side and feel safe. Maybe a SCAR 17 or an M1a, maybe, but they can both pack on the pounds. I even tried a Ruger Scout, did it all, just not a ton of fun at a range.