Calibers for the AR10 and other 308-compatible autoloaders

[Aimtite]

I am not sure why people are trying to make the AR10 to shoot magnums and other high maintenance rounds.
This is to discuss what is available, what is not being used and why many of the current options end up being more than anyone would need for any reasonable purpose.

This is a quick list of the 308 and its offspring and other amazing rounds that work with this action. Please send anything you have tested and why is useful for you (purpose) even if
it is in bolt action but would fit the portfolio.

22-250
300 savage (parent of the 308 Winchester)
308 winchester (parent)
243 winchester
260 remington
6.5mm-308 *30
7mm-308 *30
7mm.08
338 federal
358 winchester
45 raptor

Same Bolt face
6mmBR (BR king)
6.5mm BR
6.5creedmore
6.5x47 lapua
7mm BR
30BR

Mini magnum (again, Same bolt face)
284
6.5-284
30-284
35-284


Here is something "constructive" for someone with a nice AR10 type of action...
Left 6x47 lapua . Right 308winchester necked to 6.5mm with a 30 degree shoulder.
Both they are very good hunting as well as tactical rounds.

 

[dsdmmat]

They make a 45 Rapter for the 308 sized AR as well the parent case is the 308.

Personally I stick with the tried and true .308 and 30-06. I am looking at a Noreen BN36 in 30-06 I may buy it next year.

 

[Aimtite]

Yes. Thanks. There are many more.
The thing is with the calibers above 35 and 375 ballistics do not pay off. Too slow and too heavy to be efficient (in ballistics terms) and most times a PITA to make them feed from the same mags
even with 3 or 4 rounds at the time.
But if you like 30-06 ballistics, the 30-284 is a very simple one and do not need to invest in expensive exclusive platforms.
There is also a 358 variant based on the popular 284 donor case. Very simple to produce as well.
Nothing huge but an improvement and also because a high performance 308 is as effective in practical terms.
but again, if one wants to push faster with 30-06 like power but in the AR10, then the 30-284 is a very easy option.
The huge 30 caliber bullet assortment will be restricted by COAL so one will have to avoid certain bullets. This is why
the 284 makes the ideal baseline for a mid-size (mauser type) platform but it will work inside the 308 portfolio w/o problems.

30-284







Dies at midway...

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/666196/lee-pacesetter-2-die-set-30-284-winchester

 

[dsdmmat]

I already have 2 30-06 rifles hence the Noreen in 30-06 instead of 300 Win Mag or 338 Lapau magnum. Not really interested in another caliber. Got enough of those to reload already.

 

[Aimtite]

makes sense.

....

I added the 30-284 for anyone who wants to stick to ar10-dpms standard portfolio.

 

[dsdmmat]

makes sense.

....

I added the 30-284 for anyone who wants to stick to ar10-dpms standard portfolio.

Yeah when I bought my Garand I should have gotten the 308 version then I would not have had to dive into the 30-06. But hey you live you learn.

 

[Aimtite]

The 7mm/08 is a popular caliber but perhaps still the most overlooked. It offers the perfect balance between power and ballistics.
Ballistically superior to the 260 and the 308 itself it can be loaded with tips from 100gr to 168gr/175gr.
And it runs perfect on the AR10/dpms!!!

For the 270/6.8 fanatics there is the 270-08 and a few others but those will require catting.