Another help me decide thread...

[Rookie]

For some reason, my AR-15 only likes 40 grain bullets. I can pretty much stack them, but if I switch to heavier bullets I'm all over the place. The problem is, the last three coyotes haven't seemed to be impressed. Two flipped on their back for a few seconds, then got up and ran away. The third, I pumped three in to make sure he died. Odd thing was, we couldn't find any entry or exit wounds...

So, I figure if I need to change barrels, I might as well look at other calibers. I'm leaning towards 6.5 Grendel, but I'm open to suggestions. However, it has to work in an AR-15. I've looked at 22 nosler, but the bullets are expensive. I've looked at 224 Valkyrie, but I've heard people aren't impressed with accuracy.

So, here's my requirements...

1. AR-15 platform
2. Has to shoot as flat as possible
3. 18 inch barrel max. I'd rather go shorter since I'm running a suppressor (I'd love to run 10.5-12.5 inch barrel), but I won't go over 18 inches.
4. Somewhat reasonable ammo prices.

And go!

 

[Clay Pigeon]

.I have been using Sierra 40 grain Blizkings and for years in my 221 fireball, I go for head shots when possible, and have never lost a coyote due to poor bullet prefomance.
When I use 223 I shoot Hornady 50 grain SX bullets with head shots when possible.
Explosive bullets... Both rifles are 1-12 twist..
Are you sure you have good hits?

 

[Rookie]

Yes, I'm getting solid hits. I can hear the bullets hitting the coyotes with a nice thump. With thermal scopes, it's pretty hard to range accurately, so center mass shots are preferable to head shots.

 

[Double T]

whats your twist rate? I'd get a ballistic advantage barrel in .223, and figure out a load after. I have one sitting on a shelf waiting for a decent optic to see what she can do.

 

[Rookie]

1:9

 

[Double T]

Have you tried 69gr HPBT projectiles in it?

 

[Rookie]

40, 53, 55, 69, 77. 40s gave me the tightest groups.

 

[Dean C.]

Potential re-barrel with a switch to say a 1:7 twist to shoot some heavier pills like MK262 which can be had for 50 cents a round when you look

 

[55fairlane]

If 40's give you the tightest group, either your barrel twist is not 1in9.....or....your not getting enough velocity out of your ammo (up your powder charges/ use a different powder) or your barrel is junk/shot out

 

[Hop]

How does it group with vs without the suppressor?

 

[Rookie]

Honestly, I don't know. However, I am not interested in shooting unsuppressed. I ordered everything for the 6.5 Grendel. Hopefully, it works out better.

 

[Hop]

I asked because non-bore-concentric mounted suppressors will throw off shots.

 

[Rookie]

How would I figure out if it's non bore concentric? I might want to check my new barrel before I put everything together.

 

[Hop]

Without fancy tools, compare how well it groups when attached to not attached. I'm guessing you have a .308 can since you are moving to 6.5G? If that's the case, concentricity won't effect a 5.56mm as much.

I have a 10.3" DD barrel that likes to accumulate crud on the crown under the suppressor QD mount. It's rock hard and really throws off the shot. You might want to check that too.

 

[Rookie]

I don't have fancy tools, but I know a gunsmith or two. Yes, it's a 308 can.

 

[Hookeye]

Center mass might be gut shot. Nothing works great there.
Screw on a 1 in 9 twist .223/5.56 bbl and run 55 gr SP.

Have had good luck w chrome lined and non chrome lined 16" bbls.

 

[NyleRN]

6.5g would kill yote more better but if were me I'd just buy a nice 16" 1:8 barrel in 223/556 such as a Larue stealth barrel.

 

[Rookie]

I'm waiting on my new handguard for my 6.5 Grendel upper