Deer Hunting with an AR-15

In 2014, the Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation (OSCF) found that 25% of hunters use an AR-15 in some fashion.

Among that group, 57% were using these rifles for “large game,” which the organization defined as elk or deer. That means roughly 14% of hunters were using ARs for deer or elk. (We can safely assume that most of these were deer, since that is by far the most popular game animal in America.)

These numbers are only increasing. The OSCF’s most recent data shows that AR-15 use among hunters has increased to 41%; eight out of ten who use an AR said they use it for large game. This means nearly a third (32.8%) of all hunters are using an AR-15 cartridge for elk or deer.

If you’re thinking about using an AR-15 for deer hunting, you won’t be alone. But just because someone else is doing it, doesn’t mean you should too.

Whether you want to convert your current AR into a deer-hunting rifle or you’re considering a new hunting tool, here are some of the benefits, and drawbacks, of deer hunting with an AR-15…

Why Hunt Deer with an AR-15

Customizability and Modularity

Hunting or otherwise, there are dozens of reasons the AR-15 has skyrocketed in popularity. Customizability, however, is likely the biggest. With these “modern sporting rifles,” as they are often called, you can customize the rifle with sights, grips, and stocks that perfectly fit your preferences and activities. This allows the AR-15 to go from a varmint gun to a deer rifle with just a few simple changes.

Easy to Carry and Haul

Although accessories and high load capacity can weigh down the rifle, the AR-15 is generally a lightweight option, especially compared to many thick-stock bolt action rifles. This lighter weight makes them ideal for packing on long treks, and they can be easier to haul into a deer stand. Five- or ten-round magazines can also streamline the profile, making them less likely to catch on branches or brush.

Manageable Recoil

Due to the chambering action of an AR-15 (and other semiautomatic rifles), the recoil of these weapons is usually more manageable. With a lighter recoil, shooters are more comfortable and confident, which inevitably leads to better shooting.

Your Current AR-15 Easily Converts to a Deer Dropper

Dovetailing with the first advantage (customizability), the best reason to deer hunt with an AR-15 is that you already have one. If there is a target or varmint AR-15 in your gun safe, you can quickly convert that rifle into a deer hunting gun. For a few hundred dollars, you can purchase sights, grips, and uppers that make a rifle a favorite for deer season.

Semi-Auto Fire

Many hunters will dispute this “advantage,” saying that you shouldn’t need a follow-up shot for deer hunting. That’s fair, but the opportunity to pull the trigger again, ensuring a 100% dead deer, can be advantageous. Any hunter with enough years of experience has wished they could re-shoot; the AR-15 gives you this opportunity. The ability to make a second shot within a fraction of a second could mean taking home a deer instead of tracking a wounded deer for hours in the cold.

Disadvantages of Deer Hunting with an AR-15

More Moving Parts = More Potential Malfunctions

The AR-15 is generally considered a reliable platform. (If they weren’t, far fewer hunters would use them.) That said, they are more complicated than a bolt-action or lever-action rifle. This sophistication opens the doors for more problems, such as a jam or broken part. Feeding, extraction, and double-feeds are all possible with an AR-15.

Potential Restriction on AR Ownership

It may not be a failure of the gun itself, but it’s still a reality. In many areas, simply owning an AR-15 is illegal, which means keeping one, even for hunting purposes, is illegal as well. We can debate the wisdom of these laws, but we still need to recognize that some people simply can’t use them for deer hunting.

Tips for Deer Hunting with an AR-15

Check State and Local Laws

AR-15 rifles are highly regulated, especially in certain states and specific regions. Don’t use these rifles until you are 100% certain that it’s legal in your area. There could also be regulations for barrel length and cartridge size; verify these laws as well.

Use the Appropriate Barrel

Because your AR-15 is so customizable, you can swap out the barrel for something that fits your specific needs. For many hunters, the stock barrel that came with the rifle is too short; you may need something longer for accurate long-range shooting. If your AR came with a 16-inch barrel, but you expect shots of 300 or 400 yards, you may need a 20-inch barrel for accurate shooting. (And, of course, a cartridge that can be effective at that range.)

Add Accessories that Enhance Accuracy

At the range, a miss is disappointing. In the field, a miss means no meat or a suffering animal. A proper scope, reliable bipod, and well-fitting stock can all make a difference. With so much customizability, adding these features is easy.

Top AR-15 Ammo Calibers for Deer Hunting

The versatility of an AR is unparalleled. Not only can you select different sights and grips, you can choose from a variety of cartridges by simply switching out the upper receiver.

Most AR-15 users start with the .223 Remington or 5.56 NATO, which are capable deer rounds to a point. But deer hunters often modify their rifles to accommodate one of these popular cartridges…

6.5 Grendel

Considered by many to be the premier AR-15 deer hunting round, the 6.5 Grendel delivers muzzle speeds well over 2,500 feet-per-second (fps) and energies above or around 1,000 ft-lbs to 300 yards. If you want to convert your AR into a moderate-range deer gun, consider the Grendel.

.450 Bushmaster

This round has a few characteristics that make it ideal for deer hunters. To begin, it’s big, with bullets weighing around 250 grains. With speeds over 2,000 fps, these heavy bullets deliver muzzle energies over 2,500 ft-lbs. As a straight wall round, it’s legal for deer hunting in many Midwestern states that prohibit traditional necked cartridges.

.350 Legend

Another straight-wall round, this cartridge is lighter than the .450 Bushmaster. For many hunters, the lighter recoil will be far more comfortable. This round gives AR-15 users a straight-wall package that delivers a performance similar to the .30-30 Winchester, a classic deer-hunting round. Winchester’s Deer Season XP is a wonderful starting point if you want to hunt in 350 Legend. (If you need more power, you might also consider the slightly newer 400 Legend.)

.22 ARC

Released in 2023, this round is built with high-BC (ballistic coefficient) bullets that provide advanced downrange accuracy and performance. The market is still limited, but Hornady provides an 80-grain ELD-X load that delivers 2,447 fps and 1,063 ft-lbs at 300 yards. This product is marketed specifically for medium game up to 300 pounds, suggesting full capability for deer.

6.8 Remington SPC

An intermediate cartridge built for military purposes, the 6.8 SPC has become a popular deer-hunting option. It packs a bullet that, for width, sits between the .223 Remington and .308 Winchester, making it a balanced round for deer that’s not overpowering for varmint and predator.

The AR-15 market is now loaded with options. These are just a handful of choices that you can load into your deer-hunting rifle.

Load Your AR-15 with the Finest Rounds Available

There was a time when hunting deer with AR-15 was seen as controversial by the “Fudd” crowd. These days, most of our community recognizes the AR platform isn’t too tactical to take to the woods or field and we’re happy to provide the ammo they need for clean, ethical kills. Load up with the rounds you need today at AmmoForSale.com.