Good AR pattern rifle for deer hunting

[thegatman]

50 BMG or a MaDeuce

 

[Bushmaster]

Two Does 72grs heart lung shots.

 

[Airborneguy]

Nice rifle!

 

[Bushmaster]

This platform will drop them in their tracks LOL..

 

[Bushmaster]

Can't post all, but taken few with pred AR and 223 rifle before unsafe act

 

[FrankenCub]

Before I decide I will deer hunt with my AR this year I went to YouTube. Not for the back and forth "it's not ethical" videos, but videos of actual kill shots. There's a lot of them, DRT with .223
As long as you're a capable shooter I'd tell anyone to use one. Within reasonable distance. Where I'll be hunting this year my longest shot may be about 150yds.

 

[ECU Pirates]

Before I decide I will deer hunt with my AR this year I went to YouTube. Not for the back and forth "it's not ethical" videos, but videos of actual kill shots. There's a lot of them, DRT with .223
As long as you're a capable shooter I'd tell anyone to use one. Within reasonable distance. Where I'll be hunting this year my longest shot may be about 150yds.

The 64gr soft points drop them nicely.

 

[Airborneguy]

The 64gr soft points drop them nicely.

That’s what I’ve used whenever I brought mine out, but I haven’t taken a shot with .223 yet. Anytime I bring it, I don’t see anything lol. This year I am hunting with a .30-06 and maybe 7.62x39 depending on the weather outlook. I prefer the AR’s in nasty weather.

 

[ECU Pirates]

That’s what I’ve used whenever I brought mine out, but I haven’t taken a shot with .223 yet. Anytime I bring it, I don’t see anything lol. This year I am hunting with a .30-06 and maybe 7.62x39 depending on the weather outlook. I prefer the AR’s in nasty weather.

If I ever get out this year I think I will use my Saiga .223. Just because.

 

[Justincase]

Hi,
when you say build what do you mean? you want to chamber it yourself? Do you reload? what is the scope of the work you have in mind?
There are popular wildcats that are easier to reload than other poupular commercial rounds. For example a 6x45 is easier to reload than
a 223 and a lot easier than the 300 whisper / blackout. Some might think cats are boutique but when it comes down to it they are
easier to own and offer amazing capabilities. A lot of people end up reloading anyway to improve results and save.

In terms of the calibers the 5.56 can kill a deer but it is not a deer caliber. As you know the 222 and 223 were adopted for military role
after a varmint / small game rifle. It doesn't mean it cannot be used but there are better choices.

If one wants to use inexpensive 5.56 case, the 6x45 or 6mm TCU are very simple and will give you a huge assortment of bullets.
the 6mm hunting bullet assortment starts where the 22 bore ends. The 6mm variants are the most simple and most powerful calibers one
can get from a 223 case. Put a 223/5.56 on the press, one stroke of the ram with the FL die and presto!, the case is ready.
There is some ammo but it is scarce so prepare to reload.

In the compact version the 6.8 SPC II is a proven white tail and hog meat factory. This is becoming the official AR hunting cartridge w/o getting into
more complex designs. The assortment of 227 bullets for hunting with this caliber is very big. The 6.5LBC / Grendel is another option.

But if you are going to build a carbine why limit yourself to the size constrains of the AR15, AK or compact rounds. There are
308 size options in the same weight range as the smaller ARs.

There are many easy and popular cartridges like the 308W that is a service round with endless options in terms of ammo and actions.

Also the 7mm-08 that is derived the 308W and it does anything the 308 can do and a lot more including better ballistics but is
this really needed that is the other question vs enjoying the benefits of a service round. Both will use also military cheap or free brass
to reload.

Just to give you an idea any of those will provide hyper velocity loads for varmint, light 120-130gr loads for hunting, 120-130gr high pressure
loads that hit like a 270 Winchester or load with heavier 150-180gr bullets to shoot long range or tackle the largest game you can
find in the American continent.

I think before deciding on a caliber or rifle based on personal opinions look at what bullets and loads are the most popular and effective
for this role all around the world and the rest will unfold around that purpose / need.

There are many options, perhaps too many. I would keep it simple.

If you are looking at light for caliber options like the 7.62x39 or the 300 whisper / blackout then consider reloading and the 6x45 or 6mm TCU or
simple stick to the 5.56. But if you think you must have a 30 caliber in a compact action then a quality 7.62x39 is a better option because
it will give more performance and it has the case capacity to be reloaded to produce more power, wounding and reach.

Thanks. That made my decision WAY easier, lol. Just busting your balls. After reading that, it's quite clear how little I know. By building, I meant putting one together by picking a lower, upper, then all the related accoutrements if they're available like a 223 build would be

 

[Airborneguy]

I pressed my .30-06 rounds yesterday for this season. Finally settled on and zeroed this load last week. I’m excited to test it on a deer. One of my hunting goals now is to take an animal with every caliber I own, using handloads.

 

[Marine Cpl]

I pressed my .30-06 rounds yesterday for this season. Finally settled on and zeroed this load last week. I’m excited to test it on a deer. One of my hunting goals now is to take an animal with every caliber I own, using handloads.

9mm

 

[Airborneguy]

That’s what the Camp 9 is for.

 

[meketrefe]

who said size doesn't matter?

 

[MilesTeg]

What are you trying to do split the deer in half, with the overpowered 9mm.

As to the OP's post. The reason I suggested the 6.5/6.8 is because both of these use a traditional AR15 pattern parts, so the cost is lower. AR10 parts are coming down in price but are still a decent amount more in price.

Taking a deer with a 223 is very possible with the properly constructed bullet. If you reload look into the 64gr Winchester Power points.

 

[Yeti]

If you hit a big buck with those little rounds make sure your tracking skills are as good as an Indian,or get that dog tracking service in your memory banks.

 

[ECU Pirates]

If you hit a big buck with those little rounds make sure your tracking skills are as good as an Indian,or get that dog tracking service in your memory banks.

Did I read where you said the .270 140 was not enough for deer?

 

[meketrefe]

A 22LR can kill a deer.
The 223 can kill a deer and a hog but it is not the ideal round. If one cannot have anything else then it can be used.
It is better than the AK and blackout specially past 50-100 yards because you have the SD and speed but still you have the
limited momentum. The 6.8 puts itself a bit outside that limit specially with 16" barrels, but still they are somewhat limited rounds
as imposed by the platform.

It can be used with care. In some areas is not legal to hunt with a 22 caliber and I think this is a bit arbitrary but it is
also due to people using the wrong bullets and limited 22 bore hunting bullet selection. Also organized hunts by ethical hunters will not
let you use any of those popular AR calibers for driven game like moving hogs, deer or other game. They want calibers
that are more forgiving and can derail the animal when running.

This is nothing new. Grain, Speed, momentum, section, is as effective as 100 years ago for effective hunting.

Take two classic deer rounds that have been harvesting game for generations along with the shotgun slug like the 30-30 and
35 Remington. Then look why they are so effective in terms of hidrostatic shock and wounding potential.
That is the minimum threshold for true killing power IMO. ..I am not talking about small deer, goats or predator that is
a different story. But large bucks, mule deer and specially large hogs present a challenge for the smaller calibers.

 

[Marine Cpl]

A 22LR can kill a deer.
The 223 can kill a deer and a hog but it is not the ideal round. If one cannot have anything else then it can be used.
It is better than the AK and blackout specially past 50-100 yards because you have the SD and speed but still you have the
limited momentum. The 6.8 puts itself a bit outside that limit specially with 16" barrels, but still they are somewhat limited rounds
as imposed by the platform.

It can be used with care. In some areas is not legal to hunt with a 22 caliber and I think this is a bit arbitrary but it is
also due to people using the wrong bullets and limited 22 bore hunting bullet selection. Also organized hunts by ethical hunters will not
let you use any of those popular AR calibers for driven game like moving hogs, deer or other game. They want calibers
that are more forgiving and can derail the animal when running.

This is nothing new. Grain, Speed, momentum, section, is as effective as 100 years ago for effective hunting.

Take two classic deer rounds that have been harvesting game for generations along with the shotgun slug like the 30-30 and
35 Remington. Then look why they are so effective in terms of hidrostatic shock and wounding potential.
That is the minimum threshold for true killing power IMO. ..I am not talking about small deer, goats or predator that is
a different story. But large bucks, mule deer and specially large hogs present a challenge for the smaller calibers.

Why isn't a .223 the ideal round? A 62 gr or 75 gr TSX will expand to .50 while still penetrating both sides.

 

[Yeti]

Did I read where you said the .270 140 was not enough for deer?

Didnt say it wasnt enough,but saying the 30/06 is a better choice for a deer cartridge.Shooting doe with these smaller cartridges might get you meat on the ground,but when I get a chance at a monster 250+ pounds of pure muscle I wont be under gunned.If you want to slow it down (wound it) from over the hill and track it to my tree stand and find the gut pile its fine with me.

 

[ECU Pirates]

Didnt say it wasnt enough,but saying the 30/06 is a better choice for a deer cartridge.Shooting doe with these smaller cartridges might get you meat on the ground,but when I get a chance at a monster 250+ pounds of pure muscle I wont be under gunned.If you want to slow it down (wound it) from over the hill and track it to my tree stand and find the gut pile its fine with me.

Don't worry I don't wound them. Is the 30-30 enough for you?

 

[Yeti]

Don't worry I don't wound them. Is the 30-30 enough for you?

I would not use a 30-30 for deer,then your limiting yourself to basically a 100 yard gun.That caliber had its time 100 years ago,let it go.

 

[ECU Pirates]

I would not use a 30-30 for deer,then your limiting yourself to basically a 100 yard gun.That caliber had its time 100 years ago,let it go.

Perhaps that's why it's know as a woods/brush gun? Funny you say it had it's time 100 years ago. When did the .30-06 come out? Deer are no harder to kill now. There are plenty of great options with less horse power than the .30-06. All work fine if the shooter does their part. I might take another with a .357 mag this year.

 

[Yeti]

Perhaps that's why it's know as a woods/brush gun? Funny you say it had it's time 100 years ago. When did the .30-06 come out? Deer are no harder to kill now. There are plenty of great options with less horse power than the .30-06. All work fine if the shooter does their part. I might take another with a .357 mag this year.

Good reminder then,wounded deer head to water good place to start looking.Walk a creek after first day you will usually find a dead buck or two,and remember when you cant find them till next day listen for the crows.

 

[ECU Pirates]

Good reminder then,wounded deer head to water good place to start looking.Walk a creek after first day you will usually find a dead buck or two,and remember when you cant find them till next day listen for the crows.

Good thing you don't use that .270 anymore. If you wounded deer with that it's not the rifle.

 

[Marine Cpl]

A 30.06 to the ass is no better than a .223 to the ass. Either way, they aren't DRT kill shots.

Penetration to vitals is all that matters. Both would do the job if they hit vitals and the right bullet is used.

These myths about certain calibers not being enough is like the .45 ACP myth that it'll drop you where you stand no matter where you are hit. Even 9mm handguns have dropped deer where they stand when vitals were struck.

 

[Yeti]

A 30.06 to the ass is no better than a .223 to the ass. Either way, they aren't DRT kill shots.

Wrong,a 223 to the ass is a flesh wound.A 30/06 to ass will probably take out both leggs and probably shock the back bone and if it was from the rear penetrate up into the vitals.

 

[Marine Cpl]

Wrong,a 223 to the ass is a flesh wound.A 30/06 to ass will probably take out both leggs and probably shock the back bone and if it was from the rear penetrate up into the vitals.

You really don't understand ballistics.

 

[ECU Pirates]

I know an idiot that uses a .375 h&h for deer. He said he was tired of wounding them. I stay as far away as him as possible.

 

[Airborneguy]

I have to agree, a .30-06 to the ass will likely result in a recovered deer while a smaller caliber may not. The .30-06 will break any bone it hits in an average sized deer, front side and probably backside too.