Best handloads for deer hunting with an AR-15 platform?

Choosing the Right Caliber

When selecting a caliber for deer hunting, consider the environment and the type of deer you’ll be hunting. In open areas, the 5.56x45mm is a suitable choice, while in dense forests, the 6.5 Grendel offers more kinetic energy and a flatter trajectory. For hunting larger deer, consider loading 6.5 Grendel cartridges with 90-grain bullets, which can achieve muzzle velocities of up to 2,900 feet per second.

Handload Recipes

A good starting point for handloads is to use a maximum loaded case volume of 40,000 to 42,000 inches cubed. For the 5.56x45mm, use a 1:9-inch twist barrel and load 55-grain bullets at 2,600 feet per second. For the 6.5 Grendel, use a 1:7.7-inch twist barrel and load 90-grain bullets at 2,900 feet per second. Consider starting with a minimum powder charge and gradually increasing it to achieve the desired velocity. When loading 6.5 Grendel cartridges, use a larger case volume, around 42,000 to 44,000 inches cubed, and reduce the powder charge.