4 replies to this topic

[Larry in SD]

As the title states I am wanting to put together an AR15 Upper Receiver Assembly to use with my existing AR15 Lower Receiver Assembly strictly for the purpose of Hunting Whitetail Deer and Coyotes. Probably get more use for Coyotes than Whitetail Deer given the current state of our deer population around here.

 

At any rate am looking for a cartridge that will extended the range further than my current 16" .223 Upper Receiver Assembly for Coyotes and have enough bullet weight and performance to cleanly take Whitetail Deer. I have a DPMS Slick Side Flat Top Upper Receiver sitting here that a friend gave me, so I have a start.

 

I am wanting this to be a 20" Standard Weight Barrel, preferably stainless steel.

 

The cartridge that keeps sticking in my head is the 6.5 Grendel. I like the idea of the high BC Bullets and have read several good things about the 123gr. Hornady A MAX and SST Bullets for the 6.5.

 

What say all of you guys? Good choice or bad choice?

 

Larry

[Globemaster]

the 6.5 Grendel would be a great choice; I built a 6.8SPC years ago, but never hunted with the upper; I tore it down and sold off the main 6.8SPC parts, as I was using the 25WSSM solely for Deer.

 

I built a 300 Fireball (aka Blackout, and/or Whisper, they’re all the same thing) a few years ago; and I’m planning to use it for next month for Modern Firearm Season, as we have (2) Doe Tags to fill this season.   

 

It’s not got a whole lot of muzzle-velocity, but for the area that we hunt in, it should do the job nicely; as most shots are under 200/yards, and many are well under 100/yards.  

 

Additionally: I’ve heard nothing but good stuff about the 6.5 Grendel

[Larry in SD]

I have thought about the 6.5 SPC but I want a bit more range than it provides. Yes I have thought about the WSSM's but not really sure I want to go their either due to availability of ammo and or components in my part of the country. I figured with the 6.5 Grendel I can always reform 7.62x39 brass if a pinch if need be.

 

Looking at purchasing a 6.5 Grendel Barrel & Bolt from Brownells when I can save up enough $$$. Going to be a piece at a time build project.

 

Larry

[CHALK22]

If you are still up in the air about what upper to put together, I suggest you take a look at the .277WOlvering from Mad Dog Weapons System. There is also a great intro/review of the cartridge right here on on the site http://ar15hunter.co...-watch-in-2015/ Mark is a standup guy who truly believes this cartridge las legs and will around for a long time. I have only broken in my barrel, and I will start working on loads, but factory ammo is already readily available from a couple vendors as well. I hope to use mine whitetail hunting this fall.

[ShooterScott]

If you're having any type of trouble building one, I found an ok post, at least I think so, on how to build an upper receiver:

 

http://www.opticspla...r-receiver.html