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The Ultimate Guide to an AR-15 Complete Upper for Hunting
Nov
Hunting with an AR-15 using has surged in popularity, and for good reason – with so many different AR-15 complete uppers to choose from, there’s probably a match for what you’re stalking. The platform’s modularity, versatility, and ability to adapt to various calibers make it a top choice for hunters targeting everything from deer to hogs and even small predators. At the core of its adaptability is AR-15 complete upper, a component that determines the rifle’s caliber, accuracy, and overall performance. This guide explores why the AR-15 is such a compelling hunting rifle, the features to prioritize in a hunting upper, and the best calibers and configurations for different scenarios. Whether you’re planning to hunt whitetail deer or feral hogs, this resource will help you make the most of your AR-15 hunting setup.
Why the AR-15 Is Great for Hunting
The AR-15 is an exceptional hunting rifle due to its lightweight design, ease of customization, and semi-automatic functionality. These attributes make it particularly appealing for hunters navigating rugged terrain or pursuing fast-moving game. Compared to heavier bolt-action rifles, the AR-15 offers greater mobility and allows for quicker follow-up shots, which can be critical for ensuring clean kills or handling situations where multiple animals are involved, such as hog eradication.
Another significant advantage of the AR-15 is its modularity. The ability to swap AR-15 complete uppers allows hunters to switch calibers and barrel configurations without needing an entirely new rifle. This feature is invaluable for those who want a single platform that can handle diverse hunting applications. For instance, a hunter might use a 5.56 upper for varmints and predators, a 300 Blackout for deer, and a heavier caliber like 6.8 SPC or 7.62×39 for hogs. This adaptability in regards to what AR-15 complete upper you choose makes the AR-15 an excellent choice for medium-sized game. For larger animals, such as elk or moose, stepping up to an AR-10 is recommended, as it supports calibers with more stopping power, such as .308 Winchester or 6.5 Creedmoor.
Aero Precision 10.5″ .300 BLK M4E1 ATLAS-S Complete Upper
$615.00
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Key Features to Look for in an AR-15 Complete Upper for Hunting
When selecting an AR-15 complete upper for hunting, it’s important to focus on factors like caliber, barrel length, gas system length, and optics compatibility. These elements directly influence the rifle’s performance and suitability for specific game and environments.
Caliber choice is the most critical aspect when building a hunting AR-15. For small game and predators, the 5.56 NATO or .223 Remington round is a popular and cost-effective choice. However, for medium-sized animals like deer and hogs, larger and heavier calibers are more appropriate. The 300 Blackout, for example, is ideal for hunting deer at moderate ranges, especially when paired with expanding rounds like the Barnes 110-grain Blacktip. Its versatility with both subsonic and supersonic ammunition also makes it a favorite among hunters using suppressors.
Aero Precision M4E1 Threaded Complete Upper, 16″ .300 Blackout Barrel
$660.00
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For hunters pursuing hogs or deer in brush-heavy environments, the 6.8 SPC is an excellent choice for an AR-15 complete upper. Designed specifically for military and hunting applications, the 6.8 SPC delivers consistent performance at short to medium ranges, making it a reliable option for dense woodlands. Its ability to retain energy and penetrate tough tissue ensures humane kills, even on tougher animals like hogs.
The 6.5 Grendel is another standout caliber, offering exceptional long-range performance. Its high ballistic coefficient and energy retention make it suitable for open-field hunting, where precise shots at extended ranges are required. The wide bullet selection available for the 6.5 Grendel appeals to reloaders, though factory ammunition can be more expensive compared to other calibers.
Hunters in states with straight-wall cartridge restrictions often turn to the 350 Legend. This caliber delivers significant stopping power while keeping recoil manageable, making it a top choice for deer hunting in areas with strict ammunition regulations. Similarly, the 7.62×39 is a versatile and affordable option for hog hunting, especially when paired with soft-point ammunition. Its performance from short barrels makes it ideal for dense environments where maneuverability is key.
Dirty Bird 16″ GUNNER Carbine 350 Legend M-LOK Upper Assembly
$499.95
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Why Caliber Matters: A Closer Look at AR-15 Hunting Options
5.56 NATO / .223 Remington
The 5.56 NATO and .223 Remington are lightweight, fast-moving calibers often associated with target shooting and small-game hunting. While they can be used for deer hunting, their lighter bullets often lack the energy required for a quick and humane kill on larger game. Hunters using these calibers must rely on precise shot placement, aiming for vital areas like the heart or lungs. Premium ammunition with bonded or expanding bullets is essential for maximizing the effectiveness of these calibers on medium-sized animals.
300 Blackout
The 300 Blackout has become one of the most popular hunting calibers for the AR-15 platform. It performs exceptionally well at close to medium ranges, particularly when paired with supersonic ammunition for deer or hogs. Its compatibility with subsonic rounds makes it a natural choice for suppressed setups, often used in nocturnal hog hunting. The Barnes 110-grain Blacktip is widely regarded as one of the best hunting rounds for 300 Blackout, offering reliable expansion and deep penetration. While it may struggle against larger or tougher hogs, it is a versatile and effective option for most hunting scenarios.
Griffin Armament PSD 9.5″ 300 BLK AR-15 Complete Upper
$1,249.00
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6.8 SPC
The 6.8 SPC is a purpose-built hunting round that strikes a balance between power and recoil. It offers superior energy transfer compared to 5.56 NATO and retains effectiveness at ranges up to 300 yards. The Hornady 120-grain SST is a popular hunting round for the 6.8 SPC, known for its controlled expansion and terminal performance. This caliber performs particularly well in shorter barrels, making it a favorite for hunters navigating dense brush or taking quick shots on moving game.
6.5 Grendel
The 6.5 Grendel is known for its long-range accuracy and energy retention. With a flatter trajectory than the 6.8 SPC, it excels in open environments where hunters may need to take shots at distances beyond 300 yards. The wide array of bullet options, including high ballistic coefficient rounds, makes the 6.5 Grendel a versatile and precise choice for deer hunting. While factory ammunition can be more expensive and less readily available, many hunters appreciate the caliber’s performance and reloadability.
350 Legend
The 350 Legend was designed to comply with straight-wall cartridge hunting laws and has quickly gained popularity among deer hunters. Its larger bullet diameter and heavier projectiles provide substantial stopping power while maintaining manageable recoil. The caliber’s straightforward design and affordable ammunition make it an accessible option for hunters in states with caliber restrictions. It is especially effective within 200 yards, where its terminal performance shines.
7.62×39
Originally designed for the AK-47, the 7.62×39 round has found a home in the AR-15 platform. Its affordability and widespread availability make it an attractive option for budget-conscious hunters. The caliber performs well at short ranges, delivering enough energy to take down hogs or deer when paired with soft-point or hollow-point bullets. Its short-barrel compatibility makes it particularly useful in dense hunting environments, though attention should be paid to the reliability of magazines and bolt design when using this caliber in AR-15s.
8.6 Blackout
The 8.6 Blackout is an emerging caliber designed to bring serious stopping power to the AR platform, particularly for hunters targeting larger game. Known for its compatibility with short barrels and heavy bullets, it excels in scenarios requiring mobility and versatility. With supersonic loads, the 8.6 Blackout delivers devastating energy transfer, making it effective for hogs and even larger animals. Subsonic options pair well with suppressors, offering quiet operation for nighttime hog hunting.
This caliber’s .338-diameter bullets create massive wound channels, ensuring quick, humane kills, even from shorter barrels as short as 12 inches. While ammunition availability is still limited, the 8.6 Blackout is quickly gaining traction as a powerful option for hunters who value compact, hard-hitting setups.
6mm ARC
The 6mm ARC (Advanced Rifle Cartridge) is a modern caliber designed to deliver exceptional ballistic performance at long ranges while maintaining a manageable recoil profile. Built to maximize efficiency in the AR-15 platform, the 6mm ARC offers impressive accuracy and energy retention, making it an excellent choice for hunters targeting deer and other medium-sized game. With its high ballistic coefficient bullets, it performs well in both precision shooting and hunting scenarios, excelling at distances beyond 300 yards. The 6mm ARC provides hunters with a flat-shooting, hard-hitting option that bridges the gap between traditional AR-15 calibers and larger cartridges typically found in AR-10 platforms.
Special Considerations for Hog Hunting with an AR-15
Something we hear quite a bit is folks taking their 5.56 or even their 300 Blackout hog hunting. A word of caution on that…Hog hunting presents unique challenges that require careful selection of both caliber and rifle configuration. Feral hogs are tough, resilient animals with thick hides and muscular builds, making them harder to kill than deer. While the AR-15 can be effective for hog hunting, calibers like 5.56 NATO and 300 Blackout may struggle to deliver consistent one-shot kills unless shot placement is perfect. Heavier calibers such as 6.8 SPC and 7.62×39 are better suited for taking down these animals efficiently.
Hog hunters often prioritize suppressors for stealth, particularly during night hunts. The 300 Blackout is a popular choice for suppressed setups, offering subsonic ammunition that minimizes noise while remaining effective at close ranges. That said, 300 Blackout MIGHT be a tad underpowered. In 2025, we’d be looking at something like 8.6 Blackout or even building a custom upper in .338.
Aero Precision M5 Complete Upper 16″ .308 Mid Barrel ATLAS R-ONE 15″
$820.00
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There’s no way around the fact that for hunters targeting larger hogs or groups of animals, the added power of an AR-10 simply chambered in .308 Winchester may be a more reliable choice. The .308 delivers superior energy transfer and is capable of taking down even the largest feral hogs with a single well-placed shot.
Building the Best AR-15 for Hunting
The AR-15’s modularity allows hunters to fine-tune their rifles for specific game and environments. Choosing the right complete upper is essential for maximizing the rifle’s potential. Focus on calibers that match the size and toughness of your intended game, and ensure your rifle is equipped with durable, weather-resistant components. Whether you’re pursuing deer in open fields or tackling feral hogs in dense woodlands, the right AR-15 upper can make all the difference. With the right setup, the AR-15 becomes not just a hunting rifle, but a versatile tool capable of excelling in the field.