AR build in .243

ironjohn929

September 11, 2013 13:02

I'm looking to do an AR build in .243 but am wondering about what differences I should expect. For example:

Can I use a .223 upper and lower?
Will I need a .243-specific bolt carrier or will a .223 carrier work?

What else do I need to know?

Thanks all!

-IJ

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  Mobuck

  September 11, 2013 13:12

  243 requires an AR 10 platform.

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  Riomouse911

  September 11, 2013 15:08

  You will need to build an AR-10, the AR-10 sized uppers will not fit on 5.56 lowers, and AR-10 lowers are not compatible with 5.56 uppers. Ar-10 will let you potentially go with .243, .260, 7mm08, 308, .338 Federal and .358 Win (Same basic case) among others.
  
  Colt has a convertable unit with magwell adapters and changes to the recoil buffer for a 7.62 NATO/5.56 NATO convertable...It is built on an AR-10 sized lower.
  
  And no, the 5.56/.223 round has a smaller case head size (and smaller BCG and recoil buffer system) than the 7.62/.308 sized cases, so the BCG's are not interchangable.

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  tsr1965

  September 12, 2013 01:53

  ironjohn929,
  
  With all due respect, if you need to ask those questions, you would be much safer, letting a professional build your rifle, or to buy one already assembled. These are not just plug and play, like swapping out uppers on a lower.
  
  That said, there is a company that makes the 243 WSSM upper reciever for the AR-15 lower.
  
  Best
  
  EDIT 1
  

  I agree that building AR types should not be done without a good deal of knowledge. Here's an idea for you. There are awesome .243 Winchester caliber guns built by DPMS Panther Arms and Remington. You might want to simply customize one that works properly right out of the box. Accuracy and function will be top notch from either maker.

  
  It should be top notch from either maker, as they are the same maker. Yes, DPMS makes the AR-10's for Remington.
  
  Best

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  andeaninc

  September 12, 2013 04:52

  I agree that building AR types should not be done without a good deal of knowledge. Here's an idea for you. There are awesome .243 Winchester caliber guns built by DPMS Panther Arms and Remington. You might want to simply customize one that works properly right out of the box. Accuracy and function will be top notch from either maker.

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  sandwarrior

  September 13, 2013 09:38

  ironjohn929,
  
  As mentioned above the .243 Winchesters needs to be on a -10 platform. The -10 platform is for .308 based cases.
  
  The -15 platform is for .223/5.56 sized cases and all the cases that fit in it, between the .223 and .308. (Think AR-15 or AR-10)
  
  That said, if you were interested in .243+ performance you might look into a .243 WSSM. A slight improvement on .243 stock ammo performance, but in the -15 platform. The upside is, they are generally less expensive than an AR-10. The downside is ammo is getting harder to find and more expensive. Reloading is your best option if you plan to stick with the WSSM's.
  
  Another option you might consider is a 6mm PPC, 6mm Rat or 6mm Turbo based off the 6mm PPC case. A lot of velocity for such a small case. They work in the -15 platform and are quite efficient. Near .243 performance with a lot less recoil and powder.

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  ironjohn929

  September 16, 2013 19:11

  Gentlemen,
  
  Thank you for all your help and information.
  
  -IJ

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