Which AR-15 firearm is best for hunting?

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Shinneryfarmer

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Most AR15 calibers will kill deer at reasonable ranges some more efficiently than others coupled with good shot placement. I have killed deer 250yds and less with 5.56, 7.62×39, 6.5 grendel and 300BLK. The 6.5 grendel will extend your range a bit more in capable hands. I have shot and was witness to deer killed with 300BLK at 200 yds and less and out of 9 total kills only 1 ran any at all. Eight were DRT they never took a step all were taken with 168 grn loaded with H110 at 1750 fps.
 

CHenry

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honestly any of them from 223-308 could make a fine deer rifle. IMO 300 blackout would be my choice if you hunt in heavy brush areas and 6.5 grendel if you hunt more open areas that might need a longer distance shot. 223/556 is easily the best budget choice due to ammo availability and lethal out to at least 200yds some would argue 400 with the right ammo.
Ill argue 600 is still in the kill range. Mine will hit that far.
 

El Pablo

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My longest shot ever hunting deer is 20 yards. So all legal deer hunting calibers available in an ar 15 would work for that. All would at that distance if I were an idiot and didn’t care about legal or humane.

I personally would go with 6.8 or 6.5 for medium sized game. 223/556 for smaller game, maybe 17 hmr for really small game.
 

CHenry

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My longest shot ever hunting deer is 20 yards. So all legal deer hunting calibers available in an ar 15 would work for that. All would at that distance if I were an idiot and didn’t care about legal or humane.

I personally would go with 6.8 or 6.5 for medium sized game. 223/556 for smaller game, maybe 17 hmr for really small game.
Ha! I've kled deer with a 22-250 at 200 yards. Neck shots do it even smaller caliber.
Shot placement means everything
 

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