Best Ar 15 for deer hunting on a budget

Best ar 15 for deer hunting on a 600-700ish budget range? Pros/cons of different manufacturers? Right now all I have is a 1974 model 94 30-30 with stock sights.

 

I'd use that thuddy-thuddy anyday over an AR-15 for deer. Classic deer gun.

There are those who will say they use a .223 for deer, but I'd never shoot one with less than a .308 which puts you into an AR-10. I have a .300 Blackout that I love, but I'd never use it on a deer. I've taken lots of deer (average 2 to 4 a year) and my caliber of choice is .30-'06. One shot and they're down.

 

Yeah my nephew shoots a .308. my fiance has a .223 and just killed a doe last month with it. It only made it about 50 yards and was down with a lung shot. I'll look into the ar 10s as well.

 

If your budget allows, look into an AR chambered in 6.5 Grendel.

 

Check into the DPMS Sportical chambered in .308 at Wal-Mart. May be a bit over the budget but had a friend pick one up fairly inexpensive and for the price range it imo is as good or better than most.

 

Or check out palmetto state armory ar10 it's an entry level ar10.

 

If it were me, I'd increase my budget to around $900 and pick up a Colt LE6920. Or just stick with the lever gun.

Regardless of what you pick up in the .223/5.56 world, recommend that you at least try the Barnes TSX line. Their 70 grain bullet will drop anything with legs east of the Rockies.

http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?94628-223-Barnes-70-Grain-TSX-Performance

 

You (and the deer getting shot TBO) would be much better served using that 30-30 or picking up a decent (Savage, Remington, etc.) rifle/scope combo from Walmart chambered in .243, .270, .308, 30-06, etc. These combos can be had for less than half the price of a decent AR and will be WAY better for deer hunting.

For me (personal opinion) while it is possible to kill a deer with a .223/.556, I would consider it a bit unethical (and inefficient) to hunt with that caliber. Even with the best ammo the platform simply will not compete with one of the rifle/calibers I listed above. You will have a higher instance of the deer running off forcing you to track (and possibly lose) the game, it will likely take longer to die which many believe will affect the taste of the meat and the game will suffer more.

Save some money and get a better rifle for the job you are doing.

 

What do yall think about the savage trophy hunter series

 

Maybe a Ruger Ar 5.56 you can get them at turners on sale all the time.

 

.243 is about as small as I would go. I can't use a high powered rifle, only rifles chambered in a pistol caliber. Case length, sidewall measurements....... In walks a .458 Socom. Of course, you're looking at well past you're upper limit.

 

I was mistaken earlier I meant to say my fiance has a 243 not 223

 

I like the reviews for the savage trophy hunter 243 and 308 and it's around my price range. Just saw some decent priced ars in the classifieds near me.

 

Actually. Look up nemo omen. All of your problems will be solved... Just got to eat ramen for a whole year...

 

I have a .243, .270, .308, and .30-06 and have used them all for deer here in PA.

In my opinion the .270 is the best caliber for deer hands down. They are smooth shooting, a lot less recoil than the .308 or .30-06, but more knock down power and can shoot longer/flatter than the .243. If this gun might be used for bear, then you should probably bump up the caliber to at least the .308 though.

Go with a bolt action, the simplicity of the action will never let you down in any conditions.

 

6.8spc is a good one too

 

x2

I'm building a 6.8 SPC upper for my AR right now, it's basically a .243 that's in the AR platform.
Ammo is a little more expensive than 30-30 (What I currently use) but the ability for fast follow up shots in the woods is worth it where I am because of the chance of me running up on a wild hog.

http://www.hornady.com/store/6.8mm-SPC-110-gr-V-MAX/

 

30-30 worked good this morning going to take it hunting with me this afternoon

 

i thinkn that mostly depends on your state.

 

Like everyone said, go .243 or bigger. I prefer the .270, but I own a .243, 30-06, and a 7mm. Really just depends on what deer you are hunting and the terrain. If you are hunting black tails then a .223 might be ok. But muleys or white tail, you want bigger. In close in terrain or bushy I would go 30-30. Mountains or meadows, I like to have the extra range available with my 30-06 or 7mm.