Recommended AR15 Calibers other than 5.56

[ChickenWilly]

I have a 6.8spc2 and absolutely love it! I got it after deer season last year and have only shot a couple critters with it but I was very impressed with performance on all of them. First thing I shot was about a 200lb boar and it anchored him as he was trotting across the pasture at about 125 yards. The coyote I shot at 50 yards didn't know what hit it and I shot a nice 8 point this year that made it maybe ten feet and fell over back wards.

[Mike D]

What additional parts would be needed? I just slapped the upper on and mounted my scope then zeroed it. You can go with a stiffer buffer spring but not really needed. I just did that cause my girls were new at shooting and it softened the recoil a little.

Since you are in Indiana you have to use a straight wall rifle cartridge right? We have a lot more caliber option in Texas.

Heck of a buck you got there.

Most alternate caliber rifles (such as 6.5 Grendel, 6.8SPC, etc) require different mags, different bolts, etc.....

I have a 458 Socom that I can't wait to thump a big pig with.

[Avezorak]

300 Blackout would be my first choice. 6.8 SPC would be my second.


300 BO is a super versatile round inside 200 yards. You could share mags and even your bcg/ch with your .223 if you were so inclined

[Artos]

I'm getting more & more impressed with my AAC 12.5" 300BO upper...it's become my go to truck gun when at the ranch.

Easy kills out to 200+ with the 110gr Barnes.

[BLACKFINTURKEY]

There are a lot like others have mentioned I have experienced the .50 and to say the least.... Devistating.....

[chrisk]

It's not so much straight wall it's more a bullet diameter and case length thing. Thanks. A buddy here at work likes his .458 a lot. Indiana is weird about the allowed cartridges but I don't feel short changed using my .450. Not to say I wouldn't like to pull out my .308 during deer season if it was legal.
We tried to get the regs changed but it was a no go. A lot of people sold theirs betting on the change, I was smarter than that��

[TacticalCowboy]

450 or 458

[coop]

I appreciate all the input. It appears the 300 would be the most practical with just swapping out the upper.
However, I am impressed with the ballistics of the 450. What besides the upper would I need to change if I were to choose this caliber?

Thanks,

JC

[Blue_bonnet]

.450 bushmaster

[djc]

300BO and 450 bushmaster

[chrisk]

Nothing to change out really. If you buy a complete upper it will come with a bolt carrier and one 5 rd. Magazine which is a 20rd 5.56 magazine with a different follower. The magazines are single stack. There are a couple brands of magazines where the follower isn't an issue. Like I said earlier, right now I have a little stiffer buffer spring but you don't really need it. I will send you a pm that will give you some more info and options if you which to persue the .450.

[lglidewell]

I like the 6.5 Grendel. I have yet to shoot anything with them except paper, but love the round. Ballistics ain't to shabby as well as the coefficient.

[coop]

Thanks to all of you for the information. I've been doing some research on the calibers listed above and really like what I've read on the 450 Bushmaster. I believe I'll be giving it a try after Christmas.
I'll try to remember to give an up date once I get it done.

Thanks again,

JC

[Mike D]

Not to knock the 450 Bushmaster but 458 Socom has a much larger selection of bullets.

Bushmaster uses pistol bullets, Socom uses rifle bullets.