I feel that the AR is about perfect for predator hunting. I originally started out predator hunting with my .280. Then for xmas, my dad surprised me with a Rem 700 VLS in .22-250. I thought that was the perfect predator gun. Then for the rest of the season, I carried up and down the ridges in the area. I realized that it was not the perfect gun. At 13lbs, it was a great target and long range shooter. So I started looking and I found the ar's. I started out with the Bushmaster Varminter. That was fine, but is was still a little long and heavy, especially for shots under 300 yards. So I built a pair of 16" carbines. One carries a scope, the other a red dot. I use the scoped AR for more open country or where a long shot is possible. For short range and deep woods hunting, the red dot equipped comes with. Both of these shoot under 1moa with handloads.
My AR's are not picky. They all like Vmax's (40, 50, & 55 grain). Hornady 52gr match bullets also shoot fantastic.
The ar will get you to 300 with no problems. If you need more velocity or wind bucking capabilities, take a look at some of the variants. The WSSM's fit the bill nicely, especially the .243 WSSM. It will push bullets along about like the tried and true .243 Win, maybe even a little faster.