Steve,
You are getting crazy over this AR stuff!
I plan on getting my first in the next couple of weeks. My old buddies and I have a "Nanny Blast" every couple of years. 20 points for a head shot, 15 for neck and 10 for body. I plan on bringing a very accurate RRA to the hunt and doing some precision shooting. My plan is that if I see a herd of deer I might be able to get off a couple of accurate shots before they run off. I've won the compeition twice with my .264 but just looking for something a little different. Will probably order one in .223 though I am tempted by the 6.8.
My friend,
Please don't tell anybody, but I've killed a few pickup loads of mule deer and not a few antelope with a .223. The 55-grain Hornady Spire Point simply kills them dead ... and quite often the bullets exit, for pity's sake.
The 5.56/.223 is a totally amazing cartridge. Incredibly accurate and it surely kills way out of it's league.
Please share your new rifle with us.
May God Bless You,
Steve