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If you have an AR-15, you’re already well aware that some of its many perks include its versatility, adaptability, and customizability. It should be no surprise, then, that there is a wide range of cartridge caliber options available for the rifle.
Choosing the right option really depends upon the kind of work you want your carbine to do.
Most Popular AR-15 Calibers
The most popular cartridge for the AR-15 is probably the classic .223 Remington round. After that, aficionados tend to favor the 5.56 NATO. The .204 Ruger, the .300 Blackout, the .22 Nosler, and the .224 Valkyrie are also popular cartridges for the carbine.
.223 Remington: When the AR was released to civilians, the .223 became the standard-issue round. It is still the most popular round for the rifle among civilians. The Remington .223 was released in 1957 as a hunting caliber, designed for use against small varmints in the midwest.
5.56 NATO
5.56 is the most common military grade round for the AR. It is almost exactly the same as the .223 but uses a 62-gr full metal jacket and a 7-grain steel core. In essence, this is a higher-powered version of the caliber.
.204 Ruger
The .204 Ruger was released in 2004. It is a common round for the rifle. Like the .223, it is mainly intended for use against small varmints.
.300 Blackout
This round was introduced in 2010. It was produced by Remington and the Advanced Armament Corporation in collaboration with the US Special Ops Command. As it is used in special operations, and therefore deemed high-grade, the round became popular on the civilian market. It is primarily useful for military purposes and sport.
.22 Nosler
The Nosler has a powder capacity far higher than the .223. This means that the cartridge can fire bullets at a much faster speed. It is popular for deer hunting. It can also be effectively used against small game and varmint.
.224 Valkyrie
The Valkyrie is one of the newest cartridges available for the AR. It is exploding in popularity.
It is designed for use against varmints but also for longer range hunting. It is used mainly by those who want to extend the range of the rifle.
How to Choose an Alternative AR-15 Cartridge/Caliber
A range of factors come into play when selecting an alternative cartridge or caliber for your AR-15. The most important thing to consider is what, exactly, you will be using your rifle for. The AR is a carbine, which is a fairly versatile weapon. Therefore, potential usages are pretty wide.
If you primarily use your rifle for sport shooting or target shooting, the caliber and cartridge will come down to personal preference. If you like long-range target shooting, you will need to use something like the .22 Nosler or the .224 Valkyrie.
If your AR will be used for hunting, you should consider what game you’re likely to be targeting. Many people use carbines as varmint rifles. The AR’s standard calibers are all well suited for varmints and small game. If you plan to hunt something a little bigger, such as a deer, the .22 Nosler is a solid option.
In terms of military use, the .300 Blackout and 5.56 NATO are still the best options. Military officials will have considered all of the factors necessary when selecting these rounds. For the average consumer, military-grade weaponry is not a necessity.
How to Change the Caliber of Your AR-15
In order to change the caliber of your AR-15, you will need to switch out the upper receiver assembly and magazine on the rifle. This is not a particularly difficult task. Most of the time, you can use various upper receivers on the same lower receiver.
Replacing the upper receiver will allow you to change calibers without replacing the entire rifle. Of course, if you choose, you can have dedicated rifles for certain purposes and calibers. There are also pre-existing variants on the market which are designed for calibers that don’t typically fit the generic AR assembly.
It is possible to do this job yourself if you have a little experience and familiarity with weaponry. If you don’t have much experience, you can hire a professional gunsmith to replace the necessary parts.
If you are planning to swap to a certain caliber for longer range shooting, it will probably be necessary to make a few minor adaptations to the AR’s stock platform. These will include longer range optics and, perhaps, a longer barrel. If these additional modifications are not made you will not be able to effectively shoot long range.
Conclusion
The AR is a highly versatile rifle. Selecting the right ammunition for the job at hand is highly important. Depending upon the way you will use your gun, the right type of ammunition varies widely. However, most of the common calibers are sufficient for short-range use of any kind.
People Also Ask
We’ve covered most of the basic information about AR-15 calibers already. However, there are a few other things to consider when it comes to calibers and cartridges. As you probably have a few unanswered questions, we thought that we’d make things simple and answer some of the most common.
What Caliber is an AR-15 by Default?
The typical AR-15 uses a .223 Remington cartridge if it is a civilian firearm. The military versions are designed for use with the 5.56mm cartridge. Variants of the rifle also often use .22 caliber rounds. It is easy to swap out the upper receiver, however.
How Many Different AR-15 Calibers Can You Build in Order of Velocity?
There is no set limit to the number of calibers for the AR. Typically, the AR chambers a 5.56×45mm or .223 Remington; however, about a hundred cartridges are produced for the AR-15. These range from .17 to .50 rounds.
How Accurate Are AR-15 .22 Caliber Conversions?
AR-15 .22 caliber conversions are quite accurate. As noted previously, the AR was actually designed with a .22 caliber round in mind.
What Pistol Caliber Do They Make in an AR-15?
AR variants that use 9mm rounds are fairly common. There are also variants for the 10mm caliber, which is typically found in pistols.
What is the Best AR-15 Caliber For Deer Hunting?
The best cartridge to use for deer hunting is the .22 Nosler, which can be used as a higher range than the typical varmint rounds. It also has a particularly high powder capacity, enabling sufficient speed for use against this kind of game.
Where Do You Find the Caliber of an AR-15 Barrel?
You should be aware of the barrel caliber when you purchase your firearm. The caliber of a rifle barrel can also be measured by measuring the distance between the land in the rifling. The barrel is likely stamped, in any case.