New AR Build Caliber

[USAFRet]

I am going to start putting together everything for my first AR build. I have some pretty hefty military discounts on components and I can reload, so I figured it is something fun to do and build a good quality rifle from the ground up. This would be a hunting/paper puncher. Deer, hogs and varmints. I would like folks input on the caliber. (Note, in NC you can hunt with a 22 centerfire)
223 Wylde
22 Nosler
6mm ARC
6.8 SPC
300 HAM'R
I already have a Grendel and 300 BO.

 

[Coyote Shadow Tracker]

I am going to start putting together everything for my first AR build. I have some pretty hefty military discounts on components and I can reload, so I figured it is something fun to do and build a good quality rifle from the ground up. This would be a hunting/paper puncher. Deer, hogs and varmints. I would like folks input on the caliber. (Note, in NC you can hunt with a 22 centerfire)
223 Wylde
22 Nosler
6mm ARC
6.8 SPC
300 HAM'R
I already have a Grendel and 300 BO.

.223 Wylde.
Can get components
Inexpensive to shoot
Depending on who Chambers and components can ne a tack driver.

 

[bamban]

223 and 77 TMKs will do a number on WTs.

 

[HandgunHTR]

Of the ones you have listed, I would recommend the Wylde.

But, because this is an internet forum and nobody ever stays on topic (sorry), my recommendation is a 6X45. Doesn't offer a whole lot more than a fast twist .223 other than being able to shoot heavier bullets in standard AR length mags. That, and the cool factor.

 

[Swinehunt74]

definitely back up HandgunHTR on 6x45. used it on hogs and white tails very effective.......

 

[Axl]

223 and 77 TMKs will do a number on WTs.

This is true, but if you don't already have some you probably won't get some anytime soon. I have had notifications set up at multiple sites for over 2 years. There are other bullets that work well though, so I would vote 223.

 

[Hydra6]

Been down this path and ended up with multiple AR uppers in boutique calibers. I would have two uppers if starting over - 1) 6ARC for hunting and paper, and 2) 223 Wylde or 556 for bulk AR work. Definitely would skip 224V and 65Grendel with 6ARC available.

 

[338 dude]

I am going to start putting together everything for my first AR build. I have some pretty hefty military discounts on components and I can reload, so I figured it is something fun to do and build a good quality rifle from the ground up. This would be a hunting/paper puncher. Deer, hogs and varmints. I would like folks input on the caliber. (Note, in NC you can hunt with a 22 centerfire)
223 Wylde
22 Nosler
6mm ARC
6.8 SPC
300 HAM'R
I already have a Grendel and 300 BO.

6 arc!!

 

[USAFRet]

For the 6 Arc folks, are you forming Grendel Brass? That is one major concern. I don;t want to get into annealing.

 

[Hydra6]

I bought a bunch of "cheap" Hornady 6ARC loaded ammo and kept the brass. I already had 65G brass to resize also plus I bought a bunch of "blem" Nosler 65G brass.

I shoot PRS so I anneal everything except bulk 223 for ARs. I use the AnnealEz

 

[3chester]

6.8 SPC

 

[Hydra6]

I have a 6.8SPC (II) also. Bought it as hunting upper when 68SPC ammo was abundant and cheap (not so much today). If pure hunting AR to 200 yards then 68SPC might be best choice. If only "one", I would get 6mm ARC over 68SPC and 65Grendel and 224V.

 

[waspocrew]

I just finished a recent AR build in 6 ARC - can't wait to get it dialed in for thermal predator hunting.

I've got 500 rounds of loaded ammo to start with, but also just snagged 500 pieces of Starline 6.5 Grendel to convert.

Peterson will be releasing 6 ARC this year as well.

 

[BAKPAKR]

I have a 5.56 and a 6.8mm - both with 14.5" barrels. Both are sub-MOA guns and I have shot game with both. The 5.56 does well on deer with 77 gr TMKs and 62 gr TTSXs. The 6.8mm has done well on deer and bears with a variety of bullets. If I had to choose between the two for hunting, I would take the 6.8mm.

100 yards with Black Hills 77 gr TMK:

About 235 yards with 5.56/77 gr TMK:

About 80 yards with 6.8mm/95 gr TTSX:

5.56/77 gr TMK: