New Caliber

[burt gummer]

So I want to upgrade to a bigger caliber, my question is what upper can I use to run 300blk out, 308 and if possible 458

 

[rkwhyte2]

I believe you can use the same lower for all of what you have listed with an AR 15 lower except for the 308 it will need a different lower.

 

[Mgderf]

Yep.
300Blackout and .458 Socom are both on the AR15 platform.
.308 is AR10 platform.

You can indeed find a .308 upper to pin to your AR15 lower, but it will be a single-shot, and likely a bolt action.
The .308 round is too long for the AR15 mag well.

 

[Ggreen]

You could swap 308 for 6.5 Grendel and get the long range performance out of the ar15 without needing another platform.

 

[Amishman44]

So I want to upgrade to a bigger caliber, my question is what upper can I use to run 300blk out, 308 and if possible 458

I'd say a lot depends on what you want / wish to do with it...what your purpose is?

If you want to shoot moderate distance accurately...go with 6.5 Grendel.

If you want home-defense...go with .458 SOCOM.

 

[burt gummer]

Thanks, all for the info now the not fun question what is the price range I can expect? I know the Indy 1500 is comming in January so I'm trying to save my cash for that hoping I can find the upper I need, or just buy more ammo and magazines

 

[sht4brnz]

458 fully built uppers average $900.
300blk can be found for half of that.
If you don't reload the ammo will drain your wallet.

 

[LarryC]

You really didn't give much information. Are you looking for a hunting rifle? Target rifle? AR style or Bolt gun?. Are you just wanting an upper for an existing AR? Whats your budget? Range you want to shoot / sights or optics needed?

I just purchased a Complete Grendel upper from Bear Creek Armory for a little over $350 delivered. This will fit on any AR 15 lower. It does require new Magazines, Think I paid about $13 each + shipping for the mags. The upper looks good but I haven't finished the lower build (have everything but ambition), so can't comment on reliability or accuracy. Did have a lot of problem with communication with BCA, but I think I am happy with the purchase. Mine is a flattop with 24" SS fluted barrel so you could probably get one a little cheaper with standard steel barrel without fluting. The Grendel has good ballistics and Wolf steel cased ammo is readily and cheap ( $.25 ~ $.28 /each in quantity). Hunting ammo is also readily available but about $1.10 to $1.20 a cartridge.

I have an LR .308 but have about $1500 in it with optics. The price is pretty low now so probably get into one for near $1k to $1200

Don't know if your wanting an AR / LR style rifle, if not you can buy a bolt gun for .308 in the $300 ~ $400 range + optics. If AR-15 style you can purchase a new complete AR in the .458 for $1500 ~ $1800 and .300Blk for $900 and up, both plus optics. or if you have an existing AR you could opt for an upper for $400 ~ $800. Remember both the .458 Socum and the .300BLK ammo is quite expensive and not usually easily available from RK, Walmart type outlets.

 

[Ggreen]

Thanks, all for the info now the not fun question what is the price range I can expect? I know the Indy 1500 is comming in January so I'm trying to save my cash for that hoping I can find the upper I need, or just buy more ammo and magazines

sht4brnz has the prices nailed out. 300blk will use your standard 223/5.56 magazines. Ammo is getting to be very affordable, even for those of us who do not reload.
458 on the other hand is expensive. I researched the big bore ar's (450 bushmaster, 458 socom, and 50 Beowulf) a few months back. The 458 had the cheapest hardware but most expensive and elusive ammo. The 450 bushmaster had limited options for uppers, but where not super expensive. Saw a complete bushy factory upper on sale for 500 over the thanksgiving weekend. The 450 had the cheapest and most widely available ammo. The 50 Beowulf has expensive hardware and fairly affordable and available ammo options. I would have gone with the 450 had I not found the Beowulf upper locally. I use a modified tapco magazine (13 dollars) that holds 10 rounds and will run every single one of them.

If cost is high on your equation 300blk will be the cheapest all around option, and most fun to shoot all day.
450 bushy should be in second
and 50 Beowulf and 458 should fall in there if you find a screaming deal
All based on price.

300blk ammo is readily available almost everywhere nowdays, even Walmart. It goes from around 35 cents a shot to 2 and 3 dollars depending on the ammo you buy. I pick up 50 round boxes of supersonic fmj locally for around 28 dollars and can get it cheaper if I order online. 458 is like finding a unicorn locally but easy online, 450 is pretty popular in the more modern gun shops, and 50beowulf always has to be ordered in.

 

[burt gummer]

I looked on line and found just the reciver for the 458 for only $135 and $300 for the barrel/bolt combo not bad I don't think,

 

[comm2679]

I'm adding 300 Blk to my stable, mostly supersonic rounds. I won't be using subsonics except for "giggle time". If you ever want to SBR it makes the most since as it is very efficient out of a short barrel. Deer legal also. Really a great all around cartridge.

 

[Ggreen]

I looked on line and found just the reciver for the 458 for only $135 and $300 for the barrel/bolt combo not bad I don't think,

There is nearly a 1 dollar per shot difference in the 450 bushmaster and the 458 socom. 458 being at the cheapest 2.15 per trigger pull, where the 450 can be had for 1.13 going on cheapest ammo I can find. 50beowulf is right around 1.30 per trigger pull.


Factory built and headspaced 450 bushmaster uppers can be had around 600 dollars. Which is not that far off from building the 458 once you add in gas block, tube, and handguard. 50 Beowulf uppers start at 750 and go up. If it were me, and I was shopping for another big bore upper it would be 450 bushmaster all day. I only have the Beowulf because I got a very good deal on my upper. the cost of 458 per trigger pull really kills the fun and the ballistics are very similar between the 450 and 458.

In any case, big bore AR's are a lot of fun.

 

[burt gummer]

@Ggreen I'll have to look into the 450, but I just need the upper reciver so the price isn't going to kill my wallet, I'm wondering if the 1500 will have any deals I could also just stick up on the ammo also 300blk out and 458

 

[Ggreen]

@Ggreen I'll have to look into the 450, but I just need the upper reciver so the price isn't going to kill my wallet, I'm wondering if the 1500 will have any deals I could also just stick up on the ammo also 300blk out and 458

I did not find any good deals on 300bo up there at the last show it was average, but I would have had to lug it around the rest of the show so I opted to order it online and have it sent to my door lol. You will find a lot of 300bo uppers, and not so many 458/450 but I'm sure there will be a few. All 3 of the big bore's are fun 450 is just the most economical (22 dollars for a box of 20 vs 40+ dollars for a box of 20 adds up fast). I also strongly recommend having a pinned gas block. I can't imagine set screws holding well to the abuse, another reason I suggest buying a completed upper from a reputable manufacturer.

 

[burt gummer]

@Ggreen I'll have to look for he 300blk out upper at the show and stock up on ammo, and 458 or the 450 if they have any just to have some when I can get the ammo,

 

[Walking Bear]

While you are at it the 450 Bushmaster is an option. Ammo is fairly availble and it will drop anything with one shot under 300 yards. I have one for deer with 2x7 scope its awesome. There is a guy on Gunbroker that modifies 223 magazines to work with the 450 for 24 bucks.