What to Caliber to Build?

[Bully 749]

Just to get this part out of the way:

 

I reload

I have some experience at longer range

I build my own AR's

 

So, here's the quandry:  I have no idea what I want to build for my next rifle.  Well, that's not entirely true.  I do know that I want a semi-auto rifle that can reach out on paper/steel to 700-1000 occasionally and to 300 consistently.  I want it to be sub-moa out to 500.  I would like it to be somewhat economical to shoot, which is a bit easier given that I do reload.  I want it to be built on an AR-15 lower, no AR-10's for me at this time.  The lower is halfway to built, just waiting on some small pieces.  

 

My thoughts are to build either a 6.5Grendel or an SPR type AR in .223 or .223AI hopefully chambered to push heavies.  At least 77's  I'm certainly open to other suggestions.  

I currently reload for 6.5/47Lapua and .223 so most of the components are already on hand.  Again, I can be swayed to look at other options.  I'm certain that there are other calibers out there I haven't considered for one reason or another.  

 

If you have either of my currently considered calibers and are shooting them please tell me what you like and dislike about either and what you may have done differently if you could have.  How are they grouping?  If you have a pet load and don't mind sharing feel free to PM me your recipe

 

Thanks for any help ahead of time.  

[T Bill 649]

One cartridge giving the 6.5G a run for the money is the 6mm HAGAR.  It has been used since 2012 to win LR comps at Camp Perry.  Hornady has brass and dies.  Interesting cartridge.  I have seen it in action and tried it, but have not ventured to build anything in it.  My next endeavor is a larger cartridge in a bolt action just researching that now.  Something 338 Lapua or larger.

[Rob0115 1,105]

I sent my thoughts via text.  Either way you go is going to be good.  

[Schrödinger's cat 87]

I have a 6.5 Grendel build, but I think .243 LBC is awesome.

[Bully 749]

One cartridge giving the 6.5G a run for the money is the 6mm HAGAR.  It has been used since 2012 to win LR comps at Camp Perry.  Hornady has brass and dies.  Interesting cartridge.  I have seen it in action and tried it, but have not ventured to build anything in it.  My next endeavor is a larger cartridge in a bolt action just researching that now.  Something 338 Lapua or larger.

Heh.  My buddy did a 408CheyTac.  I kinda want to shoot it.

[Shane45 807]

My vote is for 6.5G. In fact I am more than likely going to head down this path myself. But not so much for the long range aspect. I have enough in that category. Im more interested in a small frame ar with more punch. But I think for your stated purpose, the 6.5 is well established.

[Rob0115 1,105]

I have a 6.5 Grendel build, but I think .243 LBC is awesome.

243 LBC is similar to 6mmAR if I'm not mistaken like 264 LBC is like Grendel without the compound throat. In 6.5 you can fire either cartridge from either chamber.

 

I've commented on how I feel about 6mmAR so I'll leave that cause Topher wasn't interested. That to the side I've had a Grendel for 3 years it's a really fun round and can be made super accurate for distance shooting. At 300 yards stated above it's no challenge for the Grendel. Brass ain't cheap even once fired but has decent life even ago d mid range loads.

 

If you want to keep the loading super cheap do a match .223 it'll be cheap to load. If you don't mind spending more the Grendel will give you a large selection of good BC heavy bullets that you can shoot 300 and then much further. The .223 is going to Peter out a lot quicker. The Grendel build is slightly more money because of the bolt but it's not a difference maker. Barrels are the same price and every other component, not mags, are the same.

[Rob0115 1,105]

Heh.  My buddy did a 408CheyTac.  I kinda want to shoot it.

Bad ass

[Rob0115 1,105]

Drum roll....and the decision is?

[raz-0 1,259]

.50 BMG single shot upper. Works with your lower right? 

 

[Rob0115 1,105]

That's awesome.

[Bully 749]

Going with the 6.5Grendel.

 

I found brass, so that's the one.

[Rob0115 1,105]

Woohoo. I didn't give the spoiler alert.

[Eric. 9]

I'm late here but...

 

For small frame, mag length cartridges, shooting longer range, I would go with the 6.5g too.  You can use the same pills as your 6.5L, which also lets you use your familiarity of its performance i.e. Windage.  

 

Personally, I'm now shooting only two rifle rounds: .223 and 6.5C.  Basically, with the limited time I have, I wanted to focus on being proficient and shooting more calibers ain't in my cards.

[Schrödinger's cat 87]

Hey Rob, do you use Lapua brass ? Where can I get them for a decent price ? Also do you use the 123 gr Amax ?

[Rob0115 1,105]

In short you have to hunt around. I've randomly got lucky a couple years ago and sprung for quite a bit at Natchez, scored some deals on forums on once fired and had a guy just give me a bunch one time.

 

I have more than 1000 but I also form some to 6mmAR. There are deals once in while but it's usually around a buck per piece most of,the time and I've paid that. Hornady's brass looks great and it's just over half, less if you search, and I don't think it's just fine. I don't even know if you'll get fewer loadings. For some reason, I'm guilty, we all love lapua and I'm not sure it's that big of a deal. I have some hornady, original factory loaded once fired, cleaned up and ready for some 120 SMKs that I'll load in a bit. I'm going to try and get,fire some today.

 

I'm using 123 grain SMKs. I have lighter AMAX's for my 6mmAR and 6x45 and I'm starting to recognize they aren't as accurate or consistent. However I get them in sale sometimes so I buy them. For precision I'll take the SMKs over VMAX or AMAX. However for hunting it could be different. I've heard great things about Sierra VLDs but don't have first hand experience.

 

If you want some load data send me a PM. I have two spread sheets of max load data by a member of Grendel Hoarde forum.

[Bully 749]

I just grabbed 50 pieces of Hornady 6.5G brass from a local vendor.  Paid retail, about 70cents a piece.  It was there and easy.

 

I have Lapua brass for my x47 and its very nice.  Doesn't seem to be stretching at all, really.  Although I do have to measure it after this go-round which will be it's third loading.  Most likely I'll send it somewhere to have it annealed as I don't have the machine and am not sure how important it is for me at this time.  

 

I'm now looking for a box of 123AMAX or SMK's.  And a pound or two of powder.  We'll see what I come up with.  

[Bully 749]

Uh-oh...

 

A wrinkle may have developed... 

[Rob0115 1,105]

yeah, you really can't leave it like that.........what wrinkle?

[Bully 749]

A caliber choice wrinkle.

 

Investigators are in the scene. Will report back with findings.

[Rob0115 1,105]

What?  OK, I'll be patient.