August is the perfect month to fine-tune your AR builds, plan your late-summer hunts, and stock up before the fall season begins. Whether you're heading to the range or preparing for opening day, the right caliber makes all the difference.
Below are the best AR-15 and AR-10 calibers for August—tailored for shooting sports, suppressor builds, and hunting across the U.S.
1. .223 Wylde – Accuracy & Hunting Flexibility
.223 Wylde chambers both .223 Rem and 5.56 NATO, giving you max versatility and precision in a single platform. It’s ideal for target shooting, steel challenge, and varmint control. Several states also allow it for deer hunting when using the correct bullet type (e.g., copper or soft-point rounds).
Common Hunting States: Pennsylvania, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin
Explore .223 Wylde uppers and barrels
2. 300 Blackout – Suppressed Shooting & Small Game
Designed for short barrels and subsonic use, 300 Blackout is a favorite for suppressor setups and backyard range days. Also a top pick for hog hunting or predator control in the South.
Common Hunting States: Texas, Florida, Minnesota
Shop 300 Blackout complete uppers
3. 6.5 Grendel – Mid-Range Accuracy & Whitetail
Known for flatter trajectory and great energy retention, 6.5 Grendel is excellent for longer-range shooting and whitetail deer hunting. Lightweight recoil makes it ideal for youth hunters or extended range time.
Common Hunting States: Colorado, Wyoming, Montana
Browse 6.5 Grendel upper assemblies
4. .338 ARC – Suppressor-Friendly Subsonic Power
New to the scene but rapidly gaining traction, .338 ARC is optimized for subsonic shooting and big-bore AR-15 builds. Works well with suppressors and performs impressively in short barrels.
Common Hunting States: Oregon, Washington, Maine
See all .338 ARC upper receivers
5. .308 Win / 6.5 Creedmoor – Big Game AR-10 Classics
For those running AR-10 platforms, .308 and 6.5 Creedmoor are your go-to calibers for elk, bear, and long-range precision shooting. These calibers dominate both hunting and competition circuits.
Common Hunting States: Alaska, Colorado, Virginia
Explore AR-10 upper receivers and complete builds
Hunting State Summary by Caliber
| Caliber | Recommended States | Common Game |
|---|---|---|
| .223 Wylde | PA, MI, OH, WI | Deer (with legal ammo) |
| 300 Blackout | TX, FL, MN | Hogs, Predators |
| 6.5 Grendel | CO, WY, MT | Whitetail, Mule Deer |
| .338 ARC | OR, WA, ME | Hogs, Black Bear |
| .308 / 6.5 Creed | AK, CO, VA | Elk, Deer, Bear |
Build Tip: Rotate Uppers for More Trigger Time
Mixing calibers like .223 Wylde for drills, 300 BLK for quiet suppressor fun, and .308 for distance gives you more trigger time—and trains you across recoil patterns and platforms.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re closing out the summer at the range or getting ready for hunting season, now is the time to lock in your builds. From AR-15s chambered in 6.5 Grendel or 300 BLK to powerhouse AR-10s in .308, Moriarti has what you need.
Shoot smarter. Hunt harder. Start your build today.
