AR15 Wildcats
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So I've never reloaded for a wildcat round and would really like to give it a try. I also really like the idea of doing it in a AR15 platform. 1, I have my AR now so a new barrel/bolt/mag and away I go. 2, Something about sending an 80-90 pill screaming at 3100 fps or so out of a 20" barrel with quick follow up shots would be killer on small to medium sized animals.
So what little research I've done I think I would like to do a 224 or 6mm bullet. But the big negative it running with of those bullets in a Grendel case is the pressure on the bolt head. I know @orkan does a ton of wildcat stuff, so I'm wondering what should I be looking for/researching on getting into these rounds?
Right now I'm open to ideas and suggestions. Guide me fellas.
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I've not done much wildcatting in an AR15.
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Over on the US RIFLE Teams National Match forum, Keystone Accuracy builds a 6mm Hagar necked down to 224.
It uses the 6.8 SPC bolt and magazines.
Buy 6mm Hagar Brass and neck size down and trim if necessary.
Creedmoor Sports carries the brass.
That in a 26" upper with 2" extended gas system is a match load for 600-1000.
http://keystoneaccuracy.com/220thunderbolt.html
Or just go 6mm Hagar
https://www.creedmoorsports.com/product/1016/shop-by-department
28" barreled upper by White Oak
Search Hagar
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Looks like 6mmAR has all the wildcats in One place.
http://www.6mmar.com/Page_1.html
A 6mm BR in an AR, Hmmmm.
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Not sure where you heard issues with the bolts on wild cars off the Grendel. Can you explain. I'm on my second 6mm Fat Rat which is basically a 243 LBC. With a proper matched bolt you have nothing to worry about and it doesn't matter what caliber I always have a matched bolt to chamber. Why would you spend the time and money and not do it right.
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@jibnast I've read the same things in regard to pressure on the 6.5 Grendel type cases.
More bolt thrust, plus material removed from the bolt head.
Iirc the Grendel Sami pressure is in the 40k range as opposed to 50-60k. It had me wondering how someone could do a pressure ladder or load work up. I guess you would just have to stick with published min max.
I dunno just all things I read researching the round.
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That .224AR looks like a mega fun round! Pretty similar to a 22BRX/Dasher.
I love shooting 17 remington, and you can get one of those working in an AR easy enough.
Random thoughts.
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@jibnast pretty much what @rhyno had said. Your fine if you keep the pressure down, but guys run the pressure up and try to run really hot loads.
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@orkan said:
That .224AR looks like a mega fun round! Pretty similar to a 22BRX/Dasher.
I love shooting 17 remington, and you can get one of those working in an AR easy enough.
Random thoughts.
The 224AR or 22 Grendel is what I'd like to do. I did find a reasonably priced barrel and die setup from one vendor. $200 for a barrel, $75 for Hornady dies, and $100 for the bolt. 20" SPR barrel with a rifle gas system.
The 17 Remington would be cool, but I want to run the heavy bullets.
There's also a 6.8SPC case necked down to a .224 bullet as well. The smaller case diameter keeps the pressure in check and allows more metal on the bolt.
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What about a 22 creedmoor in an LR 308?
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The thought has crossed my mind. But it would require me to build a 308AR, which isn't horrible. But I also like the idea of keeping it in the smaller platform.
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An issue with a HAGAR based build is your seating the bullet pretty deep into the powder column.
I'd like to avoid that if possible as well.
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Not AR but Howa and CZ have those smaller actions built around the 7.62X39 bolt face and cartridge.
Wouldn't Orkan's 6mm BR AICS mag block and follower work for the 224 AR cartridge same as the 6mm BR?
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Care share details on what your running? Is it a target based setup?
The issue I have with the 6mmAR and HAGAR stuff is I don't want to buy a $1000+ target style upper for this. Just doesn't fit my wants. It would be cool to have an AR to shoot to 1000, but I want a flat shooting heavier hitter out to about 400 yards.
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@norcal_in_az said:
Care share details on what your running? Is it a target based setup?
The issue I have with the 6mmAR and HAGAR stuff is I don't want to buy a $1000+ target style upper for this. Just doesn't fit my wants. It would be cool to have an AR to shoot to 1000, but I want a flat shooting heavier hitter out to about 400 yards.
Heavy hitter and standard AR platform aren't two things that go together.
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Not the best choice of words, but harder hitting than the standard .223 rounds.
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I am a firm believer that quick follow up shots are not nearly as necessary when I know exactly where the first shot is going. That being said...If I were you I would put the money into a barrel for that bolt gun! There ain't nothing that will fit in a AR15 platform that will hit as hard as a 308 or 6.5 CM.
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My next shot of cash is going into my bolt gun, FOR SURE! I'm just investigating this at this point. Your right quick follow ups aren't needed much, but knowing you have that ability is nice.
