AR Sponsor
Posted: 12/4/2012 10:48:59 AM EDT
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Okay I'm new to building ARs as I am one part shy of my first build (.300 BLK- awaiting arrival of the handrail). I have a friend who would like for me to help him build a long range rifle on the AR platform. He will primarily use it for long range deer hunting and just fun shooting. Weight won't be an issue since we will always be shooting from a good sturdy rest. He is interested in the 6.5 Creedmoor caliber for his rifle. So my questions are:
1) Is this going to be a good cartridge for long range hunting (capable of making clean kills out to 500 yards)? 2) Is this cartridge compatible with the AR platform and reliable as far as feeding issues? 3) What all parts are different and maybe some overall build tips for this particular build? 4) Any estimations on how much this build will cost without accessories (bipod, scope, BUIS, etc) to have a very accurate rifle? 5) Where are some good places to find the parts needed? 6) What is the best factory loaded cartridge for hunting with this rig and where is the best place to purchase them? 7) Is there another cartridge that would better suit his needs? I know this is a lot to ask. Thanks for any help given. |
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I have a 6.5 Creedmoor, so I'll give it a whirl.
1 - The Creedmoor shoots slightly flatter than a 308, and the 6.5 bullets typically have good sectional density, so for long range hunting I'd say yes, it's a good choice. 2 - Yep, it's compatible with the 308-class of ARs and mine feeds just fine. 3 - The 308-class ARs have many different parts than an AR15, and there's no standardization among manufacturers. For example, Armalite's AR-10 uses different parts than DPMS LR-series guns. Build tips? Pretty much the same as building an AR15, except barrel nut/float tube tools are a different size. When barreling an upper, I clamp my AR15 and AR10 flattop receivers in a vise that's padded with wood blocks to protect the picatinny rail and takedown lugs, so I don't use receiver blocks. 4 - What's your definition of very accurate? My factory DPMS will shoot factory Hornady ammo into about 1-1.25 MOA, and I got the new gun for just a hair under a grand, shipped. You can spend $600 alone on a nice cut-rifled tube for likely better accuracy, so that can make for a tad more expensive gun than $1000 bucks. 5 - Parts sources? Midway USA comes to mind, but there are other vendors who advertise here on ARFcom that sell parts, too. Finding everything that you need in stock might be an issue these days. 6 - Pick one of the Hornady loads depending on your quarry. They offer several. One downside to the Creedmoor is that Hornady is the only major manufacturer who currently produces the ammo. 7 - The 260 Remington would also be a good choice. It's virtually identical to the Creedmoor, and several manufacturers make hunting ammo. A 308 would work, too. Although the Creedmoor shoots flatter, in betters the 308 by only a few inches at 500 yards, probably not enough to make a difference for hunting. Many, many more loads available for the 308. |
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