build questions (thinking about 2 uppers)

[sharps54]

Hi, I'm pretty new here and have some questions about my .300 build(s). Over the last few months I have been thinking about getting something bigger then .223 in an AR platform for hunting here in the southeast (mainly NC) and have decided that I want to go with a .300 Whisper (or .300/221, .300 Fireball, ...) because I can use my existing magazines and brass. The other contender was 6x45 but for the woods I'll be hunting in I think the .300 makes more sense.

So what should I be looking at in a dedicated hunting upper in this caliber? In NC I can't hunt with a suppressed weapon (although I can here in VA) so I that isn't an issue. I was thinking 16" barrel, carbine gas port, 1/10 twist, flattop upper, folding BUIS, Daniel Defense Omega handguards, Vortex FH, and an undetermined low power optic. I am thinking supersonic 125, 130, 135 grain bullets for this, mainly hunting deer and hogs. Any comments would be appreciated, for example is there any advantage to a longer barrel, different twist, should I be looking at heavier bullets, etc.

I also am interested in playing with this round in a suppressed barrel but I was thinking about building a seperate dedicated upper for that. I was thinking 11.5" SBR, pistol gas port, 1/8 twist. Any suggestions here would be appreciated keeping in mind this upper would be pretty much for subsonic loads only.

My last question is chambering. I noticed in a response to Cold's post there are some differences in the different chamberings (.300 Whisper, .300 Fireball, .300/221) and I would want to use the same one for both barrels. I would rather not deal with SSK so I guess that leaves the "wildcats" as my choices, any reason to pick one over the other?

Thank in advance!

[pug]

Sounds like you have your uppers worked out and as far as the chambers the 300 fireball will probably develop the most power. The 300/221 however has a chance of being a little more accurate due to the shorter throating and slightly tighter neck but it usually runs into pressure signs quicker or at least thats my feeling.

[sharps54]

thanks Pug, sounds like .300 Fireball is more what I am looking for. I'm still open for suggestions on two points:
1) Any significant velocity advantages to a longer (18" or even 20") barrel for hunting?
2) Opinions on light or heavy bullets for hunting. I know light bullets will have a flatter trajectory but is the "tumbling" of the 240 gr bullets as or more effective for hunting then the expansion of 125 grain bullets? I'll be hunting in the woods, most shots close but the occasional 150 or 200 yard shot across a field.
Thanks again