Deer AR

[Scotmak]

Well deer season is going to be here before we know it. Whats the scoop on the ammunition changes for deer? Any thing new with the .358 in AR platform? Or any other round in the AR? I would like to start a deer AR. Anyone got one put together? Likes dislikes?*

 

[42769vette]

you can get a ar built in 358 wssm by dtech.

 

[jordyman]

Im not sure in Indiana if you can build anything in that range thats legal, as far as a strait deer license goes. Not that I agree with it, I think 223 is a deer killing machine

 

[42769vette]

Im not sure in Indiana if you can build anything in that range thats legal, as far as a strait deer license goes. Not that I agree with it, I think 223 is a deer killing machine

the law does not anyting about the ar platform. the ar in a 458 socom, 358wssm, a few others is just as legal as a 870 12 ga.
here is some pics of the deer gun i built myself for next season

358 bfg
trued winchester mod 70
26 inch shelin select match #5 contour
mcm stock
(not pictured) swarovski z5 3.5-18x44 ballistic turret

 

[snowrs]

I think there were changes last year that opened up a few more options as well.

 

[kludge]

The changes have not taken effect, and if they do there's almost no chance of it happening in 2011.

 

[Brownie]

If the area you hunt is fairly up close and personal say inside 150 yes the. 458 socom is plenty. If you have an area that you can stretch things out a bit im with vette .358wssm is the way to fly.

 

[meyer4589]

I was looking into the .458 SOCOM, it's quite pricey. But it would be one hell of a gun in an AR platform

 

[DocIndy]

I looked at the .458 SOCOM....AND BOUGHT ONE! I got a Rock River mid-length upper on a Armalite lower with MagPul grip and UBR stock. Mounted a Bushnell 2-7x32 in a flat top mount and will be heading for the range this weekend to test some ammo and sight it in. I'll be using it for hog hunting as soon as I get a chance to line one up. And as far as ammo prices go, sabot slugs in a 12ga. are as much as the .458 per round. The trick is to reload or know someone like Andrew at Profire/Red Star. I've got 300 gr JHPs, 325 gr. Hornady FTX's and 325 gr. cast gas checked loads ready to go. Save the brass...its like gold.

 

[Scotmak]

DocIndy how did it shoot? How is the recoil?

 

[melensdad]

458 Socom recoil is easily managed, similar to a 20 gauge shotgun.

Here is mine

 

[gunselman]

I hunt with the 458 socom and love it. Stick to the lighter bullets (300-350) for deer in Indiana; they have more than enough energy. I really like the gun but it drops a lot past 150. So if you are going to shoot any further than that know your ammo and the respective drops.

If you are interested in other options try bfg designs. They are an INGO supporter and have some interesting IN legal deer rounds. I think that something in the 35cal bullet area is plenty for deer in IN. the 358 gremlin looks promising.

 

[DocIndy]

The RRA upper shot really well with handloaded ammo. I tried Factory 350 gr. FMJ to get started and was not happy at all. If the accuracy didn't improve I was going to use the upper as a tomato stake. The 325 gr. FTX loads and the 300 gr. JHP's all shot really well. I was just shooting at 50 yds, but was getting 3 shots touching with the another two within 1/2" of the first three. I also shot the 325 gr lead gas checked load...with promising results. If you look at the .458...you better reload or have someone who is that will let you use their equipment to load your own.

 

[starbreather]

I hunted with the 458 last season & to say it was potent would be and under statement. Basically the stopping power is remarkable. I would like to try it against bear, hogs, & other large North American game. I have been able to clover leaf mine @ 100 yards off a bench. I have a RRA midlength & have yet to have any troubles. Not a single regret by me. The only possible improvement I could think of would be a lighter projectile in a Sabot. Now, if I had the knowledge & the equipment to build the blackout I wouldn't hesitate to do that either.

 

[MidwestMuzzleloader]

Maybe I missed it, but who makes an upper in 358 wssm? I have been curious about the 458, but it is cost prohibitive right now. Is the 358 wssm along the same lines of cost?

 

[42769vette]

458 is probably cheaper, contat mike at dtech for more info

 

[Titanium_Frost]

Off Topic question for you guys using rifles to hunt deer in Indiana, does a CO ever stop you? If they do what do you say? Do you have to prove what you are using is legal? I have never hunted deer yet but would like this to be my first season. I will probably just use a shotgun this year but I am interested in a rifle of some sort for next year.

 

[42769vette]

this will be my first year of hunting with a rifle. i plan to engrave the cartrige specs on the side of the barrel and keep a copy of the law in my licence pouch just in case, but i dont see it being a issue where i hunt

 

[mkbar80]

For the 458 guys

What type of buffer/spring are you running?

 

[DocIndy]

My .458 is running a standard .223/5.56 Carbine buffer in the MagPul UBR stock. I havent found the need to go to a heavy buffer or different spring. It has functioned 100% without any issues.