I'm thinking that the SIG 716i Tread, judiciously equipped/upgraded could be an excellent MSR hunting choice. https://www.sigsauer.com/sig716-tread.html
Or Ruger's SFAR https://ruger.com/products/sfar/models.html
Best, Jon
I'm thinking that the SIG 716i Tread, judiciously equipped/upgraded could be an excellent MSR hunting choice. https://www.sigsauer.com/sig716-tread.html
Or Ruger's SFAR https://ruger.com/products/sfar/models.html
Best, Jon
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Certified Glock Armorer
The various 6.5/6.0/6.8 small frame calibers seem to do just fine at taking medium game at short to medium distances. If you want an actual 500 yard caliber, you should step up to an actual .308 or 6.5C.
In my experience the proper 5.56 loads from 16" barrels are plenty adequate for deer in GA up to 200 yards. Shot placement is key, and you need to actually land those hits.
In my experience a .223 with a 62gr Speer Gold Dot is a one-shot stopper. 3 of these were with a 14.5" barrel, one with an 11.5". Farthest shot was 110yds. By all means, build whatever you want in whatever exotic caliber you want, but so long as it's legal in your state, there's no reason a .223 with a good bullet like the Gold Dot won't do the job.
Food Court Apprentice
Semper Paratus certified AR15 armorer
My experience as well. 64gr Gold dots/Fusions, 75gr Gold Dots, 77gr TMK, and 70gr TSX have all performed well for me. I've dropped the most deer with the 62/64gr GD/Fusion load because I bought a bunch back ~10 years ago. Switched to 75gr GD because of the stellar accuracy and it shoots the the same POI as IMI 77 factory ammo.
Recently tried Barnes 70gr TSX because it was available. Great velocity from both 12.5 and 16" barrels.
I think based on what you and ASH556 posted I'm just going to try the Colt Trooper with a Steiner P4Xi 1-4x24 and some 62gr Speer Gold Dot. Anything below .240 used to be illegal in the area I'll be hunting and the folks in my circle will frown on it, but if it works fine, I can't see not using it since it's on hand and I'm very comfortable with the AR. Thank you both and everyone else who posted. May eventually go with some of the options presented but think I'll start in the fall with this and see how it goes.