NoMercy its a real tough decision on what I want to get. I do reload and have been for about 50 years. Other than rimfire or shotshells, I can't recall the last time I purchased loaded ammo. Long range I would consider out to 500 yards. I've taken deer cleanly out over 400 with my Rem 700BDL in 270 win. (that rifle with its favorite load would shoot 1/2 MOA all day as long as the barrel didn't get too hot)
I don't know why I'm being hesitant on the AR platform. I have plenty of other manually operated rifles that I can use to hunt with. I guess I'm just trying to justify shelling out the $$. I already have a .223 and .22LR on the AR platform. So one more won't hurt I guess.
If I go that route I will likely go with a production model, 20" barrel and get a replacement trigger with a cleaner break.