AR SBR build

[FredBear86]

Wanting to build an AR SBR with a suppressor for deer hunting. What caliber should I go with? 223, 300 blk out, 6.5 grendel? Really wanna stay with an 8.5 inch barrel so total length stays under 16 inches. This kinda knocks out the grendel. This gun will be used on shots 50 and in. Possibly would do a 100 yard shot if the gun would do it, but mostly just want something to carry for close range shots in the woods. What's some recommendations?

 

[hereinaz]

IMO, .223/5.56 you want supersonic bullets, not .300 bo. The .22 ARC might be a bit faster, but I would not feel the need to go with a bigger case out to 100 yards max. You also have to start looking at barrel length for the suppressor you choose.

I am going to build a 10” upper in .223 Wylde (eventually) for that same thing.

 

[bombhunter]

For 50-100 and in, a 10.5 223/5.56 works great. Wouldn’t go shorter than that. I tested mine out for the first time this year and shot a couple of does. Both with 77 tmk’s. Performed excellently on both and was a dream to carry and maneuver in the tree stand. Even with a can on it. And a big bonus: practice ammo is cheap.

 

[justinspicher]

This sounds like an awesome project.

 

[WCT3]

I remember hearing about some 30 cal bullets designed to open up shooting subsonic. I have no experience with them but it sounds pretty cool and should work in a 300 blackout. Makes me think about building something to leave in my dad's safe for WI whitetail hunts...

 

[StupidLightweight]

At 8.5 inches, I’d go with 300 BLK, 338 ARC, or 350 Legend. For use inside 100 yards, you could likely go even shorter in barrel length. Good luck!

 

[Formidilosus]

Wanting to build an AR SBR with a suppressor for deer hunting. What caliber should I go with? 223, 300 blk out, 6.5 grendel? Really wanna stay with an 8.5 inch barrel so total length stays under 16 inches. This kinda knocks out the grendel. This gun will be used on shots 50 and in. Possibly would do a 100 yard shot if the gun would do it, but mostly just want something to carry for close range shots in the woods. What's some recommendations?

There are plenty of 223/5.56mm bullets and ammo that deliverfull upset and good terminal ballistics from ultra short barrels. The shortest I’ve used heavily is 5.75”, which gives nearly 300 yard upset range with some projectiles.

Having used all cartridges cited very heavily from short barrels, I am choosing 5.56mm everytime.

 

[Luke S]

I was wondering about this. I have a 7.5 inch 223 barrel laying around. I think I could keep a 77 TMK above 1800 fps out to 250 yards. Seems like a good way to build a compact backpacking gun. Any real issues with that as a close range bear gun? I'm assuming most of they guys killing stuff with 223s are getting a higher average impact velocity.

 

[stooxie]

Go 12.5" 6.8SPC-- shoots a 90gr bullet (i.e. Fed Fusion) at 2750fps all day long. That is excellent medicine for deer. An 8.5" barrel is going to struggle to spit anything out, no matter what caliber. I know you want short, but shooting at live animals, I'd encourage you to go a tick longer.

-Stooxie

 

[bombhunter]

There are plenty of 223/5.56mm bullets and ammo that deliverfull upset and good terminal ballistics from ultra short barrels. The shortest I’ve used heavily is 5.75”, which gives nearly 300 yard upset range with some projectiles.

Having used all cartridges cited very heavily from short barrels, I am choosing 5.56mm everytime.

Are there certain projectiles that you favor when going that short? I only have on game performance experience with tmks and the 73 eldm.