The reframed question asked:
Originally Posted by
AlongCameJones
My OP probably should have read since people here seem to like OP's based on one question only: Is there one single caliber available in any AR-based rifle retailing under $1,000 that is practical, economical and effective for both deer hunting AND small rodents?
Which was already answered prior to your re-evaluation of your question:
Originally Posted by
Nomercy448
There are plenty of cartridges which are compatible with the AR-15 which are easily capable of harvesting even the nation’s heaviest of deer species, which aren’t wasteful and aren’t so dramatically overpowered for smaller game. 6mm ARC, 6.5 Grendel, 6.8 SPC, 6x45, 25-45 Sharps, 350 Legend, 300 Blackout, 7.62x39... frankly, even the 223/5.56 will cleanly kill deer with few concessions.