Is there any caliber that can be shot from a AR 15 platform that is suitable for deer hunting? I know some states have restrictions on on the calibers you are able to use, some folks say just be a good shot but looking to if there are any calibers that will produce a quick/clean kill (providing he hit your target) on the AR 15 platform or is it just the wrong gun for task?
this is a touchy topic so expect some strong comments.
Personally, I feel it is the wrong platform for deer hunting and I believe one of my favorite cartridges (.243 Winchester) is the minimum I would wish to use hunting deer.
Is there any caliber that can be shot from a AR 15 platform that is suitable for deer hunting? I know some states have restrictions on on the calibers you are able to use, some folks say just be a good shot but looking to if there are any calibers that will produce a quick/clean kill (providing he hit your target) on the AR 15 platform or is it just the wrong gun for task?
You can buy AR uppers for cartridges other than the .223/5.56 if that is what you are asking, and yes some of them would be considered more suitable for deer hunting than the .223, though you will find members here who consider the .223 plenty adequate. The .50 Beowolf is one that comes to mind right away. 6.5 Grendel, 6.8 SPC, 6mm/223. I have never used any of these, so have no comment on them, but I do understand that you could use any of them on an AR-15 lower.
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I think any of the 75 grain to 77 grain OT 5.56x45 rounds (like TAP and Mk 262 Mod1 Black Hills) would be great for deer under 200 yards. After all they are VERY effective on men with guns trying to kill you at those ranges and beyond! I certainly wouldn't hesitate to use one.
Last edited by imarangemaster; 08-08-2010 at 05:30 PM.
If its just a matter of caliber then you can pick and choose from many popular chamberings, the .308 upper seems to be pretty popular for some of the guys around this area who appreciate being able to keep the weapon trained on the animal while they make sure it isn't just playing possum. Thats all I can say as that is all I've seen first hand used in such a way.
if you stick with the AR platform the 6.8 SPC works and has been called the 270 short. there is a 450 Bushmaster and Remington has their AR-30 round which performs maybe between 30-30 and 308. If you go to the AR10 platform you can get the 243, 308, and 338 Federal. Although it can be used, I do not think the 223 is appropriate. There is even some question about its use by the military, which is why the 6.8 SPC was developed. If you have one I can see the desire to use it and within a certain range and with good shot placement it will kill deer. But if you're walking into a gun store and ask for deer rifle I doubt you'll be shown an AR-15.
You can get it in 7.62X39 that is about the same ballistics as a 30-30 that caliber has killed more deer than any other.
But why not get a AK-47 in that caliber for about the same price as a AR upper.
Thanks all. I appreciate the advice and knowledge on the subject. The whole reason for questions is to see what all I can do with an AR15. I'm pretty set on getting one in 5.56/223 for plinking, zombies and world take overs but wanted to know if I had the option to transition it to a gun I can shoot deer with as well. Seems like the 6.8SPC it a good choice. Of course it will be awhile before I even get to that point. Again thanks.
Well lets see there is:
.223/5.56
6x45
6mmPPC
243WSSM
25WSSM
6.5 Grendel
6.8 SPC
7.62x39
30AR
someone built a wildcat on the WSSM that shoots .338 and .35 caliber bullets
then you have the
450 Bushmaster
458 Socom
50 Beowolf
I am sure I have left out a few. Those are the calibers that you can use in the standard AR15 sized rifle. They all would be sufficient for deer sized game as long as you can hit what you are shooting at (vitals).
The 223 round will kill any north america game. Just ask any gun dealer: I have shot and killed over 20 deer in Michigan using every bullet from 55 grain soft point (Black Hills) to 60 gr Hornady tap FPD's.
I feel that the 223 drops em much faster than a 30-06.
I own 20 acres in Michigan and wont use anything other than a 223.
They drop fast.
I've had deer run 200 with a 30-o6, never had a deer run further than 50 yards with an AR-15 223 round.
I typically hunt with a 5.56 AR. I use it on rabbits as well as deer. Never had a deer run after being shot with it. If you want something bigger though, I believe a 6.5 Grendel will work in a 5.56 lower if you use the right magazine for it.
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this is a touchy topic so expect some strong comments.
Personally, I feel it is the wrong platform for deer hunting and I believe one of my favorite cartridges (.243 Winchester) is the minimum I would wish to use hunting deer.
I respect those who will differ in opinion.
I agree 243win is the min. acceptable cartridge (and also one of my favorites).
if you stick with the AR platform the 6.8 SPC works and has been called the 270 short. there is a 450 Bushmaster and Remington has their AR-30 round which performs maybe between 30-30 and 308. If you go to the AR10 platform you can get the 243, 308, and 338 Federal. Although it can be used, I do not think the 223 is appropriate. There is even some question about its use by the military, which is why the 6.8 SPC was developed. If you have one I can see the desire to use it and within a certain range and with good shot placement it will kill deer. But if you're walking into a gun store and ask for deer rifle I doubt you'll be shown an AR-15.
Well put...can it harvest a deer yes...however its not ideal by any means, and nor is it though of as a game cartridge...unless your a varmint hunter
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