Need a new caliber

Ok, so I just finished my first build not even a week ago and the bug has definitely bit me hard since I just got off the phone and ordered two more lowers.

Here are the specs on the first one
Spikes SBR Spider Stripped Lower Color filled
Spikes Enhanced LPK
ST-T2 buffer
Mil-Spec 6 position buffer Assembly
Magpul CTR black Mil-Spec
Spikes 16" 5.56 Complete upper
Spikes 12" BAR Rail
Magpul AFG2 Black Forehand Grip
Magpul MBUS Black Gen 2 Front and Rear Sights

So now I want a different caliber. Im probably going to register one and start the paperwork for a Short Barrel but for now I can build two more complete setups in different calibers. I have been looking hard at the 300 Blackout, 6.5 Grendel, and the 6.8 SPC. So I need some help on what to build. If money were no option I wouldnt be asking since I could just build whatever I wanted and have all possible combinations but since im not in that kind of position I have to chose carefully for now. I want something with better distance. accuracy, and energy, but at the same time I dont want to be paying a buck a shot because then it will just sit in the safe and collect dust with maybe a mag through it once or twice a year. Im hoping as the rounds I mentioned gain momentum and more people adopt them and start producing parts and ammo it will come down in price. I mean we can all hope that the military picks up these and starts producing them by the billions but realistically we have to think otherwise. So other than that Im open to suggestions and thoughts. Thanks in advance

6.8 spc

Get a Grendel if you want the most versatility in hunting and recreational target shooting. It will do what all the others will+, and there is currently affordable ammo with the 120gr MPT at $12.95/box, with even more affordable ammo on the way.

If you're impatient and want your parts right now, there are many 6.8 barrels and bolts on the market, with affordable ammo planned.

Before you decide, you need to determine what your purpose is for the blaster, then select the cartridge that fits that purpose.

You might consider spending your money on tons of ammo for your 5.56, and some formal training, and maybe some optics.

Welcome.

Describe -"Distance'?

I'd go for the 6.8 or 6.5, both offer the most performance from a AR15. The .300 as a 8" SBR shooting supressed is a great rig. I don't see much use of it other than that, I got a AK and a AR in 5.56 for cheap blasting. A heavy 5.56 such as the 69-77gr bullets levels the playing field also.

There are many but be careful on your choice, ARP, Bison, WOA and Wilson Combat would set you up right.

ARP also has .264 barrels if you want to go the 6.5 route.

I want something that's going to be effective over 1000m and i know that kinda pushes the 6.8SPC to the wayside and definitely puts the Grendel way out in front. I do want to build a suppressed AR that's why I threw the 300blk out there as an option.

OVER 1000m? You would be best off with a AR10 platform. There are people who have pushed the Grendel that far (and even further), but its pushing it...

If your going suppressed, 300 BLK, 9mm, 45 ACP, 458 SOCOM, ect.

Hmm never thought about an AR10. Not really interested in 9mm or 45 at this time even though its very cheap and quiet. 458 socom is a huge round

Yup.

6.8 for a hunter,6.5 if you are a paper puncher

Another way to go if you hunt or want something really different is 458 socom

I fail to see the charm of the 300 blackout unless you see a can in your future

204 Ruger is interesting and very cool if you do varmints.

Any of the "other" calibers can be a hoot but ammo cost is signifigant compared to 5.56. Consider a dedicated 22lr setup or go with a 9mm

Why not the 30 Remington AR, more horsepower than either the 6.8 or Grendel, larger cross section - more "stopping" power? Don

This is one of those myths that needs to be dispelled here. The Grendel has an edge over the 6.8 for hunting, out of equal barrel lengths. More hunting projectiles are available for the Grendel even when you cut out the 140gr pills, and they penetrate deeper due to sectional density and more secant ogives, plus less wind drift for higher kill zone hit probability, and slightly more range for 1800fps/900 ft-lb expansion thresholds. Within 200-250yds, they are so close most hunters wouldn't see a difference on thin-skinned game, but there still is a slight advantage with the Grendel.

I went with the Grendel. It'll be a range, hunting, and zombie rig.

I'll have it in my hands next week. Pretty pumped...

I would get a big bore bolt action upper in .338 Lapua or 50 BMG if you want 1,000 yard capability on a standard AR receiver.

There are a lot of factors to understand before building up a rig for 1,000 yards.

For the calibers you mentioned, 6.5 Grendel would be your best bet but your barrel needs to be very, very long to compensate for the velocity lost in the gas cycling the action. Optics setups capable of that range are not going to be easy to find under $1,000 (many will require 20+ MOA bases). Capable ammunition may need to utilize special hand-load techniques like loading beyond the magazine length to accommodate bullets with better ballistic coefficients (which means single loading). It isn't impossible, but it isn't going to be easy and there are much better options out there than the rounds you mentioned.

I would read some ballistic tables and trajectories for the rounds you mention and also check out what the .308 and .260 Remington in the AR10 platform are capable of. Remember that when a bullet reaches trans-sonic speed where it goes from super-sonic to sub-sonic, it becomes destabilized and accuracy suffers in a major way.

Not a whole lot of support for the 30RAR, it does have good prefromance though, sad that typical Remy has dropped the ball.. I'd choose the 7.62X40WT over a 30RAR due to Bill being behind it, brass isn't a problem with the X40.

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