What to Build in a Gas Gun

[Shynloco]

I've started thinking about what I want to build for my next project. I'm pretty much done with Bolt Gun BR rifles - got enough of them. I never used to care for Gas Guns all that much, but have found that today's ARs are far superior to AR's from the 60's and 70's. Between all my sons, we've got enough across the counter AR15's. Not long ago, I had a custom AR15 (5.56/.223 - San Tan Tactical with mostly JP Precision parts and a Giselle Trigger) built that is very accurate, better than some so called Benchrest Rifles I seen shot. Now I shoot only 100 yds anymore as my eyesight isn't what it once was. And even more recently my son bought an Aero Precision AR10 in 7.62x51. So that leaves me with a thought of a 6.5 Creedmoor. BUT I am under the impression that is a long distance caliber and may be wasted on 100 yd shooting. SO I'm all ears at this point and welcome any thoughts or suggestions. Thx to all.

Alex

 

[Fast14riot]

My two favorites are my 6.8 mid range rifle and a clone upper I built in 20 Practical. I like the bolt face diameter of 6.8 because it's a little stronger than the 6.5grendle, and the 20p is such an easy round to load and shoot with cheap components. My 100 and 200yard is less than 1/4 inch different with a moderate load under 39gr Speer in the 20.

I also shoot service rifle, so I have the requisite 5.56 NMA2 rifle that shoots fantastic, but that 20 is just a laser with 32gr bullets at 4000fps. Incredibly accurate and nearly zero recoil.

 

[243Mendoza]

6mm Fat Rat. http://www.accurateandreliablerifle.com/products.html

I think that is the ideal cartridge for an AR15 for ranges below 600yd. It basically based on the PPC (or more accurately, the 6.5 Grendel).

 

[people]

I would go just 223 if you are only shooting 100yds.

Something easy to do is a 6mmX223. They used to be very popular as a match rifle across the course in the 80's before heavy 22cal bullets where available. This would be my choice if 223 was off the list.

If you want something different then a 6.5 Grendel or something based off of that.


I was kicking around doing a 7.62X39AI or something like that but said no. I do have a 300-221 "basically the 300black out" it is fun but will not win any matches at least with my barrels.

 

[geraldgee]

7.62x40 Wilson tactical. I built one and is just plains shoots at 100. I'm plan to kill a deer with it.

 

[Rtheurer]

6mm Fat Rat. http://www.accurateandreliablerifle.com/products.html

I think that is the ideal cartridge for an AR15 for ranges below 600yd. It basically based on the PPC (or more accurately, the 6.5 Grendel).

This

 

[chkunz]

Alex, I have shot the M14 for many years in the NRA National Match Course but as I could see age putting that to an end at some point I built an AR match rifle and put a scope on it for shooting the National Match Course. My Son and I did considerable load development for both the short range application (200/300 yards) and mid Range (600 yards) application. I was amazed at the accuracy of the 223 AR as compared to the M14. We documented the results in a report. If this sounds like it would be helpful in what you are planning, send me an email at chkunz@bellsouth.net and I will send you a copy of the report. Clyde

 

[mac86951]

I would go just 223 if you are only shooting 100yds.

Something easy to do is a 6mmX223. They used to be very popular as a match rifle across the course in the 80's before heavy 22cal bullets where available. This would be my choice if 223 was off the list.

If you want something different then a 6.5 Grendel or something based off of that.


I was kicking around doing a 7.62X39AI or something like that but said no. I do have a 300-221 "basically the 300black out" it is fun but will not win any matches at least with my barrels.

Or even a .25x223.
A 20 practical could be an excellent 100y AR, and loading costs are mild.

-Mac

 

[Shynloco]

Guys,
I certainly appreciate the comments about caliber, but I already have a custom built Competition grade 223/5.56, not to mention three other AR 15's my sons have. Some of these other calibers (not even heard of some of them) have me intrigued including that 20 Practical that some have mentioned. I know nothing about that caliber and will have to do some studying on it. My Gunsmith who built my Competition AR (one identical to his that he uses in 600yd Competition Matches) would be the one to build the rifle for me so I'll talk to him about that 20 Practical. Thx for all the suggestions!

Alex

 

[wapiti25]

I understand the eye site problem. If you use a "flat top" upper it is easy to include a scope. Look into using the "thick" upper to support your barrel.

 

[IdahoSharpshooter]

6 or 30 caliber PPC...

 

[JLT]

Guys,
I certainly appreciate the comments about caliber, but I already have a custom built Competition grade 223/5.56, not to mention three other AR 15's my sons have. Some of these other calibers (not even heard of some of them) have me intrigued including that 20 Practical that some have mentioned. I know nothing about that caliber and will have to do some studying on it. My Gunsmith who built my Competition AR (one identical to his that he uses in 600yd Competition Matches) would be the one to build the rifle for me so I'll talk to him about that 20 Practical. Thx for all the suggestions!

Alex

Alex, an AR in .20 Practical would be an outstanding choice, IMO. Forming brass is a snap - all you need is a couple of extra bushings for a .223 S type FL sizing die and you're in business. Very easy to load for, accurate, very little recoil and it runs beautifully on the basic AR platform. Powders that work for the .223/5.56 will work for the .20 P.

Great fun punching paper with this combination. A decent 1:11 twist barrel will produce remarkably small groups and if you ever decide to do some predator hunting, a .20 P is hard to beat for that purpose. Varmints, too. Easy to spot your shots in the scope because the crosshairs don't move off the target very much, even at high magnification.

I have a 20" DMR profile upper and a 24" heavyweight upper in .20 P and I shoot them more often that the .223/5.56 uppers. I'd be happy to share information.

 

[chkunz]

Alex, One more thing to consider. I have been using the 53 SMK flat base bullets for 100 yard reduced course matches with an AR match rifle with a 20 inch barrel. I use the Sierra Manual accuracy load of 23.5 grains of N133. From bench rest at 100 yards, I shot four ten shot groups and they were X ring size or smaller on the 100 yard reduced course target.

 

[hoz53]

I've started thinking about what I want to build for my next project. I'm pretty much done with Bolt Gun BR rifles - got enough of them. I never used to care for Gas Guns all that much, but have found that today's ARs are far superior to AR's from the 60's and 70's. Between all my sons, we've got enough across the counter AR15's. Not long ago, I had a custom AR15 (5.56/.223 - San Tan Tactical with mostly JP Precision parts and a Giselle Trigger) built that is very accurate, better than some so called Benchrest Rifles I seen shot. Now I shoot only 100 yds anymore as my eyesight isn't what it once was. And even more recently my son bought an Aero Precision AR10 in 7.62x51. So that leaves me with a thought of a 6.5 Creedmoor. BUT I am under the impression that is a long distance caliber and may be wasted on 100 yd shooting. SO I'm all ears at this point and welcome any thoughts or suggestions. Thx to all.

Alex

I guess you are thinking of a 6.5 Creed in an AR-10 type platform. IMO if youre only going to shoot at 100 yd I would not go to the extra expense of an AR 10 over an AR-15. If you want a 6.5 in AR 15 you could go with the Grendel. If i had a really accurate AR-15 in 223 like you have and i wanted something even more accurate I would go with a 6 Grendel/PPC as has been said. At 100 I would think that would be more accurate than a 6.5 Creed as of coarse the 6 PPC is hard to beat in the accuracy dept at short range

 

[Forum Boss]

If you have any thoughts of using this as a P-dog or ground squirrel slayer (the best sporting application of an AR IMHO), then I would concur with the .20 Practical option. Easy peasy, and this cartridge just wants to shoot. Robert Whitley has built quite a few. He told us: "I don't know exactly why, but pretty much every 20 Practical we've built has been really accurate".

http://www.6mmbr.com/gunweek090.html

 

[Switchbarrel]

.22LR gets my vote.


I'm not really an "AR guy", but I do have four. To be honest, I have the most fun with my dedicated .22LR uppers.

Everyone I've let shoot my DPMS heavy barreled, EoTech XPS topped upper has come away with a big smile & says they want one. 2# Jard trigger in the lower, the thing is really accurate even with cheap Blazer ammo (offhand @ steel targets, silhouettes,etc.)
It's not used as a BR rifle.

-Rick