New upper, or new rifle

[jhawknokc]

In anticipation for hunting season I am at a crossroads. I've got a remington 770 (I hate) in a 30-06 currently. I built an ar earlier this year but for obvious reasons am feeling uncomfortable using a .223 for 300 yards shots in west oklahoma. I have around $500 to spend not including optics, and am considering three options.

1) Buy a 6.5 grendal upper
2) Buy a 6.8 rem spl upper
3) Buy a new rifle

I am honestly not sure what/if I can get either of those two uppers for $500. i bought the components for my rifle from cold hand arms and would think do to the lower cost of my build they would have something. If you were in my shoes, what would you do? Thanks

 

[BadgerLB]

you won't get a grendel for 500... but 6.8 spcII can be had for that...

I recommend none of the above... build a 300 black out.

 

[bsmith918]

The 300Blk would work, but the barrels are hard to come by right now. I know LOKI has some 16" nitrided barrels for a little under $300. It would be REALLY hard to not go over $500 total. You might want to check the classifieds on ARFCOM as I have seen a few over there. A 16" 300BLK would be good for what you described though.

 

[jhawknokc]

I completely forgot about that option. i've heard of it before. What's the ammo availability? I do not currently reload, small house and small kiddo.

 

[BadgerLB]

cmmg has barrels with carbine gas for 249 plus shipping and i believe they're wasp lined.. that coupled with the 179 complete (barrelless upper from surplus arms and ammo) gets you in under 500 but you'll still need hand guards.

ETA:

Barrel

Looks like the uppers are gone... so you'd have to find one and a BCG... but you can still come in under 5 bills.

 

[jhawknokc]

http://cmmginc.secure-mall.com/item/M300-AAC-Blackout-Upper-wCar-Length-Gas-System-1713

Would be close, would that do the trick?

 

[bsmith918]

It would do the trick. Have you put an upper together?

 

[jhawknokc]

No, the upper I got came assembled. I did put the lower together. I just watched a youtube video. the upper looks straight forward, hard part it sounds like is getting the gas tube lined up. I've been reading some forums and there is some question about the overall range. It's a 7.62x35 which, and I might sound like an idiot in my assumption here, is less than an AK47. We go out to packsaddle and I kid you not, 200-300 yard shot with it tending to be closer to 300. I don't know a ton about the 300 and want to make sure it has enough energy when it reaches the deer. It has to do the trick quick, it's a hard area to be tracking a deer for too long.

 

[bsmith918]

It will be fine for 300 yards if you use supersonic ammo. Most of the stuff you read about is using subsonic ammo. If you weren't a KU fan, I would offer to help you put it together!


Out of a 16" Barrel, the Remington 123gr Ammunition gives these numbers:
2315 fps / 1462 ft lbs
23% more power than a 5.56mm, 6% over a 7.62x39 (123gr Win)

 

[jhawknokc]

LOL I am not jayhawk fan. My name is Justin and my nickname growing up in the great state of WASHINGTON was jhawk. I bleed purple and gold, trust me, my team posses no threat.