The AR platform has been tried and tested and is one of the world's most ergonomic and easy-to-use firearm platforms. Though the AR-15 is a very capable rifle, its caliber, the 5.56 NATO, does leave more to be desired. It is ideal for self-defense, competition shooting, and many other applications. However, if you want to use your AR to hunt big games or shoot long-range, you will need a bigger caliber, and a .308 AR-10 upper is an excellent option. In fact, the predecessor and inspiration for the AR-15 was the AR-10, which was chambered in .308.
The Benefits of Using an AR-10 Upper Receiver Assembly
A .308 AR offers a lot of amazing advantages. They carry more ammo, have better controls, and are modular, allowing you to mount many accessories made for AR-15s. However, these are the advantages of the AR platform in general. To consider the advantages of a .308 AR compared to an AR-15, we need to consider the advantages of the caliber.
Better Stopping Power
The .308 caliber has a much bigger projectile than the 5.56, and because of the extra powder, it also has more energy. These things translate to better stopping power, meaning the .308 can incapacitate bigger targets with fewer shots.
Better Accuracy
Since the bullet is heavier, it isn't affected by wind as much as a 5.56 projectile. This translates to better ballistics and better accuracy.
Better Effective Range
Since an AR-10 upper for .308 caliber has a better trajectory and almost double the kinetic energy of 5.56, it also has a better range. This makes a .308 AR ideal for long-distance target shooting. The military also uses some .308 ARs as DMRs in a support role with sniper teams.
DPMS Style (LR-308)
DPMS Panther Arms also developed a standard for AR-10 rifles, and they named their rifle the LR-308. This DPMS style caught on in the market much more than the Armalite pattern, and most AR-10s or .308 ARs you will see at the range, or in your local shooting store are DPMS pattern rifles.
You can also easily find compatible parts for this AR-10 upper at virtually any halfway decent sporting goods store in the US. In addition, these rifles are usually more affordable than Armalite-style rifles, allowing you to use high-performance parts for your build.
Alternative (6.5 Creedmoor)
If you want an alternative to .308, 6.5 Creedmoor is an excellent option. The ballistics of both calibers are quite similar, and both hold a comparable trajectory up to 300 yards. However, after that, 6.5 Creedmoor remains flatter and has less bullet drop. Moreover, though .308 does have an advantage in terms of stopping power after 500 yards, 6.5 Creedmoor retains more energy, which is why, at long range, the stopping power is also quite comparable. In general, the 6.5 Creedmoor fires a smaller projectile and has a better ballistic coefficient.
Wing Tactical: A Leading Supplier of AR-10 Upper Receiver Assemblies
Whether you’re a first responder, a competitive shooter, an active-duty military member, or even a civilian gun owner, Wing Tactical has the firearm parts and accessories you’re looking for. This includes everything from AR-10 complete upper receiver assemblies to smaller parts you can use to modify or repair the guns in your collection.
Wing Tactical is a veteran-founded company that has established close working relationships with many of the biggest and best manufacturers in the firearm industry over the years. It enables us to sell high-quality gun parts and accessories, like AR-10 upper receiver assemblies produced by Aero Precision. Contact us now to learn more about buying quality upper receiver assemblies for an AR-10.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best uppers for an AR-10?
There isn’t any shortage of companies selling uppers for AR-10s these days. But at Wing Tactical, we’re big believers in the AR-10 uppers made by Aero Precision, which is why you’ll find so many of them available on our website.
What are the different types of AR-10s?
There are several different types of AR-10s made by various firearm manufacturers in the U.S. The two main types of AR-10s are the Armalite style and the DPMS style. Generally speaking, the DPMS style is the easier one to build. We only offer DPMS.
What is the right barrel length for an AR-10?
The barrels used on AR-10s range from 16 inches to 24 inches. AR-10 upper assemblies with shorter barrels are easier to transport than those with longer barrels, while those with longer barrels are a better option for those planning to shoot long-range AR-10s.
Is the 6.5 Creedmoor caliber a good alternative to the .308 caliber?
If you want to expand your horizons and consider an alternative to the .308 caliber AR-10 upper, the 6.5 Creedmoor might be a good option. This is similar to .308 caliber in that it offers excellent stopping power at long range. Wing Tactical sells an Aero Precision 24" 6.5 Creedmoor Stainless Steel Complete Upper Assembly that would be worth checking out.