I had an ArmaLite AR10 for a few years and used it last year for the first time. I killed three deer with it as well. But, I used if for doing drives, definately not long range. I think the longest shot on those 3 deer was about 30 yards. The rifle was an A-2 model and it made it awkward to use a scope as it raised the line of sight so high I could not get a cheeck weld.
I traded it a month ago for a new DPMS LR243. I have not hunted with it, but I did shoot a competition last weekend at 300 and 440 yards. Keep in mind that I had only fired the rifle one time before the match to see how accurate the rifle was. With a 6-18 power scope, I was able to do a 20 round group into less that 2 inches. But, I changed scopes and had to re zero the day of the match and check for scope cant. The scope is a 10-40 power Tasco (yeah, I know
). The tallest scope rings I had were only about a medium height rings. so again, not a good cheeck weld. This time the scope was too low. The match results? I placed last. But, I bought a riser that brings the scope to the proper height, purchased some Berger VLDs and will have time to do some load development (and hopefully mount a better scope).
I think an AR 10 has enough potential to be a great hunting platform. DPMS offers 300 RSAUM, 260 Rem, 6.5 Creedmoor uppers, ArmaLite has the 338 Federal and the both offer 308 Win. Find a good gunsmith and any caliber in SA is possible. (take the 338 Federal and bore the chamber to 338 RCM) Some brands offer WSM uppers.
I plan on buying a 16" 308 upper for doing drives and buying a 338 Fed barrel to build a 338 RCM upper for longer ranges.
Word is in the winad as well that a LA lower is being built (possibly with the ability to switch LA and SA mag wells on the same receiver). That certainly will open up a whole new era for the ARs.
Rocky