Ok, this has probably been covered elsewhere but going to ask anyway. I have a Rock River advanced tactical hunter and love it. I am wanting to get a 6.5 grendel upper so I can make the switch and go deer hunting with it. This will be a 300 yard give or take gun. I would like an 18 inch stainless bar. with flat-top. If i understand correctly, I can use my current magazines, buffer tube/spring. I would like a complete upper with bolt/carrier group in stainless. I am also planning on using factory hornady 123 amax. I do not reload. Please give suggestions. Thanks in advance for any info.
- Thread starter TravisP
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Re: 6.5 grendel upper
First, you don't really want to use std 5.56/.223 mags with the 6.5G. They don't feed anywhere near as well as a AA or C-products mag. Believe me there is a difference. Everything else, except the barrel and bolt are std., however you want to configure it. I've run them with A2 lowers and carbine lowers. That part works just fine. Anything std AR-15 mil-spec.
I would recommend going with a 20" barrel, full length gas system. It won't be that hard to pack around and you will get better velocity. I would suggest a variable gas block, especially if you get anything shorter than full length gas system.
For all intents and purposes, it has the potential of a great lightweight hunting cartridge. Just not something I'd really reach out too far with (300 is good).
First, you don't really want to use std 5.56/.223 mags with the 6.5G. They don't feed anywhere near as well as a AA or C-products mag. Believe me there is a difference. Everything else, except the barrel and bolt are std., however you want to configure it. I've run them with A2 lowers and carbine lowers. That part works just fine. Anything std AR-15 mil-spec.
I would recommend going with a 20" barrel, full length gas system. It won't be that hard to pack around and you will get better velocity. I would suggest a variable gas block, especially if you get anything shorter than full length gas system.
For all intents and purposes, it has the potential of a great lightweight hunting cartridge. Just not something I'd really reach out too far with (300 is good).
Re: 6.5 grendel upper
Couple of local guys have built 16" Grendels. They use a adjustable gas tube and have been getting some amazing results. A 16-18" mid-length should be a sweetheart.
There are so many more choices these days than when I assembled my 24" A Arms G.
Hornady 123 amax is great, the cheap Wolf even shoots good. You do need Grendel mags and a heavy buffer if you have a carbine RE, the rifle RE is GTG. Having a adjustable gas block would be a plus.
Couple of local guys have built 16" Grendels. They use a adjustable gas tube and have been getting some amazing results. A 16-18" mid-length should be a sweetheart.
There are so many more choices these days than when I assembled my 24" A Arms G.
Hornady 123 amax is great, the cheap Wolf even shoots good. You do need Grendel mags and a heavy buffer if you have a carbine RE, the rifle RE is GTG. Having a adjustable gas block would be a plus.
Re: 6.5 grendel upper
Thanks sandwarrior. Think i am going to save the cash for an Alexander arms in a 20 inch upper. Another person posted I might need to get a heavier buffer spring. This will be going on a Rock River collapsible lower advanced tactical hunter. If I buy some more mags everything else should work right? If i understand right, with a 20 inch I wont have to have the adjustable gas block correct? That would be a full length gas system. I assume that it would come with bolt/carrier group. Thanks for the info. As i said, I plan on using the hornady 123 amax. What would you suggest for twist rate. I want to say the Alexander would be a 1/9, I could be wrong on that. Thanks for the info.
Thanks sandwarrior. Think i am going to save the cash for an Alexander arms in a 20 inch upper. Another person posted I might need to get a heavier buffer spring. This will be going on a Rock River collapsible lower advanced tactical hunter. If I buy some more mags everything else should work right? If i understand right, with a 20 inch I wont have to have the adjustable gas block correct? That would be a full length gas system. I assume that it would come with bolt/carrier group. Thanks for the info. As i said, I plan on using the hornady 123 amax. What would you suggest for twist rate. I want to say the Alexander would be a 1/9, I could be wrong on that. Thanks for the info.
Re: 6.5 grendel upper
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TravisP</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks sandwarrior. Think i am going to save the cash for an Alexander arms in a 20 inch upper. Another person posted I might need to get a heavier buffer spring. This will be going on a Rock River collapsible lower advanced tactical hunter. If I buy some more mags everything else should work right? If i understand right, with a 20 inch I wont have to have the adjustable gas block correct? That would be a full length gas system. I assume that it would come with bolt/carrier group. Thanks for the info. As i said, I plan on using the hornady 123 amax. What would you suggest for twist rate. I want to say the Alexander would be a 1/9, I could be wrong on that. Thanks for the info. </div></div>
I have a 18" barrel with adjustable gas block. Shoots great. Twist should be 1:8.75 or 1:8. With a carbine stock i would try a H or H2 buffer. The AA mags work the best, the old c products mags suck. I do use standard 5.56 pmags in mine, they work fine with just 5 or 6 rounds in them, they just dont do well with a lot of rounds
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TravisP</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks sandwarrior. Think i am going to save the cash for an Alexander arms in a 20 inch upper. Another person posted I might need to get a heavier buffer spring. This will be going on a Rock River collapsible lower advanced tactical hunter. If I buy some more mags everything else should work right? If i understand right, with a 20 inch I wont have to have the adjustable gas block correct? That would be a full length gas system. I assume that it would come with bolt/carrier group. Thanks for the info. As i said, I plan on using the hornady 123 amax. What would you suggest for twist rate. I want to say the Alexander would be a 1/9, I could be wrong on that. Thanks for the info. </div></div>
I have a 18" barrel with adjustable gas block. Shoots great. Twist should be 1:8.75 or 1:8. With a carbine stock i would try a H or H2 buffer. The AA mags work the best, the old c products mags suck. I do use standard 5.56 pmags in mine, they work fine with just 5 or 6 rounds in them, they just dont do well with a lot of rounds
Re: 6.5 grendel upper
If going with the Grendel I would get a 1-8 twist. As Country888 says on the pmags. I also had AR Stoner mags and they worked great with mine. Best thing to do is try your pmags before you buy and see if they work good or not.
Also have you looked at the 6.8 yet? Just asking since your shots will only be 300 yards and it tends to favor the shorter barrels. I favor the Grendel myself but I like the longer shots and don't mind the longer barrel.
If going with the Grendel I would get a 1-8 twist. As Country888 says on the pmags. I also had AR Stoner mags and they worked great with mine. Best thing to do is try your pmags before you buy and see if they work good or not.
Also have you looked at the 6.8 yet? Just asking since your shots will only be 300 yards and it tends to favor the shorter barrels. I favor the Grendel myself but I like the longer shots and don't mind the longer barrel.
Re: 6.5 grendel upper
I'm kind of on the same lines as country888 and dmpowder in that I would "PREFER" a 1-8" twist. Get that if you can, but I wouldn't be too concerned with it if all you can get is a 1-9".
If you go the full length rifle gas path, then no you won't "need" the adjustable gas block. However, the adjustable gas block will give you some flexibility when reloading. The reason for that is, like all gas operated guns, we like to get more velocity. We get more velocity by using more of a slower powder to load with. Sometimes we get too slow. And, even though the max charge at the case isn't too high, the pressure at the gas port is. That can damage cases and worse, your rifle parts.
My best load is IMR 8208 XBR behind 120/123 anything. I published it before AA Arms put it up on their website capping it at 28.5 gr. I worked up loads all the way to 30 gr. and got no pressure signs (bullet at mag length, so off the lands). 8208 is fast enough that you won't ever have 'down barrel' pressure issues. It also has a soft enough pressure ceiling that it doesn't go haywire at max loads and trash brass. I have never spoken to anyone 'in the know' about it, but I suspect it is made a lot like RE-17, where the burn retardant is mixed intregally with the powder as opposed to all the "Extreme" series where it's sprayed on. It's just faster than H4895 but beats cases way less when at top pressures. FWIW, some guys were talking about it when loading 7mm-08 and can't understand why it gives such good velocity over some slower powders. Well, I think that's why. Anyhow, it worked flat out awesome for me in the 6.5 Grendel.
I'm kind of on the same lines as country888 and dmpowder in that I would "PREFER" a 1-8" twist. Get that if you can, but I wouldn't be too concerned with it if all you can get is a 1-9".
If you go the full length rifle gas path, then no you won't "need" the adjustable gas block. However, the adjustable gas block will give you some flexibility when reloading. The reason for that is, like all gas operated guns, we like to get more velocity. We get more velocity by using more of a slower powder to load with. Sometimes we get too slow. And, even though the max charge at the case isn't too high, the pressure at the gas port is. That can damage cases and worse, your rifle parts.
My best load is IMR 8208 XBR behind 120/123 anything. I published it before AA Arms put it up on their website capping it at 28.5 gr. I worked up loads all the way to 30 gr. and got no pressure signs (bullet at mag length, so off the lands). 8208 is fast enough that you won't ever have 'down barrel' pressure issues. It also has a soft enough pressure ceiling that it doesn't go haywire at max loads and trash brass. I have never spoken to anyone 'in the know' about it, but I suspect it is made a lot like RE-17, where the burn retardant is mixed intregally with the powder as opposed to all the "Extreme" series where it's sprayed on. It's just faster than H4895 but beats cases way less when at top pressures. FWIW, some guys were talking about it when loading 7mm-08 and can't understand why it gives such good velocity over some slower powders. Well, I think that's why. Anyhow, it worked flat out awesome for me in the 6.5 Grendel.
Re: 6.5 grendel upper
Thanks everyone. I have found out some very useful info on here and knew you all would square me away. Really would like to get the 6.5 but after someone mentioned the 6.8 I might do some more research on it. I know there is more factory ammo available and I know the mags would be cheaper. For the 300 yards and in deer hunting I will be doing with it, it would probably work. It would be more like 200 and in but you never know. Read a really great article on the 6.5 recently and thats what made me interested in it. Wanting something bigger than 5.56 to deer hunt. I would have to get a different buffer correct? What kind and where to purchase. Like I said before this would be going on a collapsible stock Rock River Arms. Thanks for all the info. I will try to store it away in my small micro processor I call my brain.
Thanks everyone. I have found out some very useful info on here and knew you all would square me away. Really would like to get the 6.5 but after someone mentioned the 6.8 I might do some more research on it. I know there is more factory ammo available and I know the mags would be cheaper. For the 300 yards and in deer hunting I will be doing with it, it would probably work. It would be more like 200 and in but you never know. Read a really great article on the 6.5 recently and thats what made me interested in it. Wanting something bigger than 5.56 to deer hunt. I would have to get a different buffer correct? What kind and where to purchase. Like I said before this would be going on a collapsible stock Rock River Arms. Thanks for all the info. I will try to store it away in my small micro processor I call my brain.
Re: 6.5 grendel upper
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TravisP</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks everyone. I have found out some very useful info on here and knew you all would square me away. Really would like to get the 6.5 but after someone mentioned the 6.8 I might do some more research on it. I know there is more factory ammo available and I know the mags would be cheaper. For the 300 yards and in deer hunting I will be doing with it, it would probably work. It would be more like 200 and in but you never know. Read a really great article on the 6.5 recently and thats what made me interested in it. Wanting something bigger than 5.56 to deer hunt. I would have to get a different buffer correct? What kind and where to purchase. Like I said before this would be going on a collapsible stock Rock River Arms. Thanks for all the info. I will try to store it away in my small micro processor I call my brain. </div></div>
For the shorter ranges you are talking about, I have found (through experience with both) is they are neck and neck when set up the same...until you get to longer ranges when the high BC bullets of the 6.5 beat out the 6.8 (<span style="text-decoration: underline">only</span> the high BC bullets though) One thing I've found in quite a few stores is 6.8 loaded in varmint and/or hunting loads. I have yet to see 6.5G on the shelf. You can order both online though. For either I highly recommend reloading. Although, I highly recommend reloading for everything, anyhow. Also, the mags cost the same either way for 6.8 or 6.5. You do want to use cartridge specific mags too. Note if they are ever side by side how the side-ridge depths are different and differently spaced. That makes a world of difference. Don't think you can get 5.56 mags and they will feed 6.5 or 6.8, they don't work as well as you hear. Certainly not as well as the right mag for the right cartridge.
<span style="color: #000099">ADDED:
Something I forgot to mention, Both cartridges really benefit from the longest barrel you can put them in. If an AR is your choice then the longest gas path. I have found 18" full rifle gas path barrels in both calibers. If you plan on hunting this would be my recommendation as to the shortest length barrel to build with.</span>
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TravisP</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks everyone. I have found out some very useful info on here and knew you all would square me away. Really would like to get the 6.5 but after someone mentioned the 6.8 I might do some more research on it. I know there is more factory ammo available and I know the mags would be cheaper. For the 300 yards and in deer hunting I will be doing with it, it would probably work. It would be more like 200 and in but you never know. Read a really great article on the 6.5 recently and thats what made me interested in it. Wanting something bigger than 5.56 to deer hunt. I would have to get a different buffer correct? What kind and where to purchase. Like I said before this would be going on a collapsible stock Rock River Arms. Thanks for all the info. I will try to store it away in my small micro processor I call my brain. </div></div>
For the shorter ranges you are talking about, I have found (through experience with both) is they are neck and neck when set up the same...until you get to longer ranges when the high BC bullets of the 6.5 beat out the 6.8 (<span style="text-decoration: underline">only</span> the high BC bullets though) One thing I've found in quite a few stores is 6.8 loaded in varmint and/or hunting loads. I have yet to see 6.5G on the shelf. You can order both online though. For either I highly recommend reloading. Although, I highly recommend reloading for everything, anyhow. Also, the mags cost the same either way for 6.8 or 6.5. You do want to use cartridge specific mags too. Note if they are ever side by side how the side-ridge depths are different and differently spaced. That makes a world of difference. Don't think you can get 5.56 mags and they will feed 6.5 or 6.8, they don't work as well as you hear. Certainly not as well as the right mag for the right cartridge.
<span style="color: #000099">ADDED:
Something I forgot to mention, Both cartridges really benefit from the longest barrel you can put them in. If an AR is your choice then the longest gas path. I have found 18" full rifle gas path barrels in both calibers. If you plan on hunting this would be my recommendation as to the shortest length barrel to build with.</span>
Re: 6.5 grendel upper
I'm wanting to do the exact same thing. I've got an RRA Varmint, and I want to get a 6.5 Upper to put on it during deer season. But, I've already got a 6.8, and I think it would suit you better for hunting than the 6.5.
Both do benefit from the longer barrels, but the 6.8 is more forgiving with the shorter ones, allowing for more velocity with a 16-18inch barrel than the 6.5.
I was looking at bullet selections at Midway and a couple other places the other day and I noticed that a lot more hunting bullets have been designed for the 6.8 than the 6.5. Most 6.5 bullets are target bullets serving dual purpose, or are made for 260/6.5CM/264WM speeds. The 6.8 has the Barnes TSX/TTSX in the 85/95/110gr, 100/110 Nosler Accubonds, and the 120gr Hornady SST, plus a few others that were all designed for hunting, and with shorter barrels, the 6.8 will generally shoot the same weight bullet faster than the Grendel. There are a few companies starting to make more hunting bullets for the Grendel though, so that's a great thing.
Like I said, I'm wanting to build one to have one of each, but I'm wanting to go with a 22-24 inch barrel that the grendel does best with, so I can do some long distance shooting, as well as use it for hunting. You can't go wrong with either IMHO, both are going to make that AR into a deer slaying machine compared to the stock 223 form. Good luck!
I'm wanting to do the exact same thing. I've got an RRA Varmint, and I want to get a 6.5 Upper to put on it during deer season. But, I've already got a 6.8, and I think it would suit you better for hunting than the 6.5.
Both do benefit from the longer barrels, but the 6.8 is more forgiving with the shorter ones, allowing for more velocity with a 16-18inch barrel than the 6.5.
I was looking at bullet selections at Midway and a couple other places the other day and I noticed that a lot more hunting bullets have been designed for the 6.8 than the 6.5. Most 6.5 bullets are target bullets serving dual purpose, or are made for 260/6.5CM/264WM speeds. The 6.8 has the Barnes TSX/TTSX in the 85/95/110gr, 100/110 Nosler Accubonds, and the 120gr Hornady SST, plus a few others that were all designed for hunting, and with shorter barrels, the 6.8 will generally shoot the same weight bullet faster than the Grendel. There are a few companies starting to make more hunting bullets for the Grendel though, so that's a great thing.
Like I said, I'm wanting to build one to have one of each, but I'm wanting to go with a 22-24 inch barrel that the grendel does best with, so I can do some long distance shooting, as well as use it for hunting. You can't go wrong with either IMHO, both are going to make that AR into a deer slaying machine compared to the stock 223 form. Good luck!
Re: 6.5 grendel upper
I also use 8208xbr in my grendel, shoots great with the 123gn amax. But I have 3 of the c-products grendel mags, a 5 round, 10 round and a 15 round. They all work, but they are cheap and sometimes misfeed. I also use a regular 20 round 5.56 pmag that I have put 10 grendel rounds in and have never had a malfunction with. Im not saying to load 20 rounds in it, I know it won't work well full, but with 5 to 10 it works better than my grendel mags. Will all pmags do this, no idea, try and see. Wish Magpul would come out with a grendel mag!!!
I also use 8208xbr in my grendel, shoots great with the 123gn amax. But I have 3 of the c-products grendel mags, a 5 round, 10 round and a 15 round. They all work, but they are cheap and sometimes misfeed. I also use a regular 20 round 5.56 pmag that I have put 10 grendel rounds in and have never had a malfunction with. Im not saying to load 20 rounds in it, I know it won't work well full, but with 5 to 10 it works better than my grendel mags. Will all pmags do this, no idea, try and see. Wish Magpul would come out with a grendel mag!!!
Re: 6.5 grendel upper
I have a 16" Noveske 6.8spc Recon upper that will shoot sub-moa at 300 yards all day, drop is 10" with a 100yrd zero shooting my 100gr Accubond load. Last year while deer hunting I took a coyote at 368yrds with one shot. Have shot it out to 700 yards with pretty decent success.
Shot 100 rounds of Wolf 120gr MPT through a 17.5" 6.5 Grendel this weekend out to 900 yards. The wind was whipping and I was able to make hits out to 800, just missed the target at 900.
I'm planning on trying out some SSA 140gr VLD ammo in the 6.8 to see how it does out to 900-1000 later this year or next spring.
I can see merits to both calibers and am kicking around picking up a 20-24" 6.5 grendel to mess around with, but if I were hunting 0-400 yards only I would get a good quality 16" 6.8spc and call it a day.
I have a 16" Noveske 6.8spc Recon upper that will shoot sub-moa at 300 yards all day, drop is 10" with a 100yrd zero shooting my 100gr Accubond load. Last year while deer hunting I took a coyote at 368yrds with one shot. Have shot it out to 700 yards with pretty decent success.
Shot 100 rounds of Wolf 120gr MPT through a 17.5" 6.5 Grendel this weekend out to 900 yards. The wind was whipping and I was able to make hits out to 800, just missed the target at 900.
I'm planning on trying out some SSA 140gr VLD ammo in the 6.8 to see how it does out to 900-1000 later this year or next spring.
I can see merits to both calibers and am kicking around picking up a 20-24" 6.5 grendel to mess around with, but if I were hunting 0-400 yards only I would get a good quality 16" 6.8spc and call it a day.
Re: 6.5 grendel upper
Travis , if you think your only doing 300 and in 6.8 is a great round and the PRI mags are 10X better than any c products mag. Ive hunted with both the 6.5 and 6.8 and prefer the shorter benefits of a 14.5 and 16 inch barrell with a two point sling. If your just going to use a regular sling and dont have many brushy ares a 18inch and 20" 6.5 hammers with the amaxs
Travis , if you think your only doing 300 and in 6.8 is a great round and the PRI mags are 10X better than any c products mag. Ive hunted with both the 6.5 and 6.8 and prefer the shorter benefits of a 14.5 and 16 inch barrell with a two point sling. If your just going to use a regular sling and dont have many brushy ares a 18inch and 20" 6.5 hammers with the amaxs
Re: 6.5 grendel upper
There is an equally good range of bullets for hunting for each cartridge. Barnes does a little better for the 6.8, but Nosler does a better job for the 6.5. Meaning weights the cartridges can push out at a useable velocity. With the 6.5 I've found 130 is the limit with 120 and down being more optimal. But, 140's can be pushed out at 30-30/150 gr. velocities. I've found the same with 6.8 except due to it's slightly larger diameter, it will make better use of 130's. Two of the best rounds, IMO are the Nosler 125, and 100 gr. in 6.5. They make the 130 for 6.8 which as I noted earlier is useable. My problem though is Nosler doesn't make anything lighter than 130 as a hunting bullet for the 6.8.
Barnes not only provides an excellent bullet for the 6.8SPC, they provide reloading data for it. There are several sources for reloading data, but it's always nice to have the bullet manufacturer have it right there.
One caveat in favor of the 6.8. Sometime, along the lines of it's development, somebody noted the leade in the chamber was about the same as most hunting rifles. Knowing that an extended leade, like in the 5.56 and Weatherby chambers, can increase velocity while giving up minimal accuracy. As both the 5.56 and Wby series are noted for having 'good enough' accuracy to hit harder at extended hunting ranges, this was a good choice. About 2005-2006 chambers started getting cut with long leades. This would be good, except now you have two different chamber standards. In order to get the extra velocity from the extended leade, you had to ramp up the load. The ramped up loads were too hot for the original leade.
IMO, if you handloaded for the 6.8 with an extended leade chamber, you would get more out of your cartridge than you could a 6.5. So far, no one I know is selling barrels with an extended leade in a 6.5. Otherwise the same would apply to it.
There is an equally good range of bullets for hunting for each cartridge. Barnes does a little better for the 6.8, but Nosler does a better job for the 6.5. Meaning weights the cartridges can push out at a useable velocity. With the 6.5 I've found 130 is the limit with 120 and down being more optimal. But, 140's can be pushed out at 30-30/150 gr. velocities. I've found the same with 6.8 except due to it's slightly larger diameter, it will make better use of 130's. Two of the best rounds, IMO are the Nosler 125, and 100 gr. in 6.5. They make the 130 for 6.8 which as I noted earlier is useable. My problem though is Nosler doesn't make anything lighter than 130 as a hunting bullet for the 6.8.
Barnes not only provides an excellent bullet for the 6.8SPC, they provide reloading data for it. There are several sources for reloading data, but it's always nice to have the bullet manufacturer have it right there.
One caveat in favor of the 6.8. Sometime, along the lines of it's development, somebody noted the leade in the chamber was about the same as most hunting rifles. Knowing that an extended leade, like in the 5.56 and Weatherby chambers, can increase velocity while giving up minimal accuracy. As both the 5.56 and Wby series are noted for having 'good enough' accuracy to hit harder at extended hunting ranges, this was a good choice. About 2005-2006 chambers started getting cut with long leades. This would be good, except now you have two different chamber standards. In order to get the extra velocity from the extended leade, you had to ramp up the load. The ramped up loads were too hot for the original leade.
IMO, if you handloaded for the 6.8 with an extended leade chamber, you would get more out of your cartridge than you could a 6.5. So far, no one I know is selling barrels with an extended leade in a 6.5. Otherwise the same would apply to it.
Re: 6.5 grendel upper
Most of the 120 and 130 gr bullets for the 6.5 are designed around use for the 260/6.5CM and 264WM, and don't open up at velocities that the Grendel Bullet is at, in the 200-400 range. Hornady is in the works of making an SST for the Grendel (If what I read on a 6.5 forum is true) but most of the heavier bullets aren't optimal for grendel usage for hunting. I realize that most of those bullets will work OK, but a 120gr Nosler ballistic tip bullet (which I've used for 10+ years in my 260) that needs 2200fps (I think that's what I've read, I might be wrong) to open up, isn't going to be a great hunting bullet for a gun that is only shooting it 2550 at the muzzle.
Nosler does make smaller 6.8 hunting bullets than 130, they have the 100 and 110 gr accubond, and I believe an 85gr E-tip or something like that, which were developed for the 6.8.
Add in the 120gr Hornady SST, which was made for hunting with the 6.8, and the Barnes bullets, and there are quite a few more hunting bullets made for the 6.8 for hunting than the 6.5 at the moment.
Most of the 120 and 130 gr bullets for the 6.5 are designed around use for the 260/6.5CM and 264WM, and don't open up at velocities that the Grendel Bullet is at, in the 200-400 range. Hornady is in the works of making an SST for the Grendel (If what I read on a 6.5 forum is true) but most of the heavier bullets aren't optimal for grendel usage for hunting. I realize that most of those bullets will work OK, but a 120gr Nosler ballistic tip bullet (which I've used for 10+ years in my 260) that needs 2200fps (I think that's what I've read, I might be wrong) to open up, isn't going to be a great hunting bullet for a gun that is only shooting it 2550 at the muzzle.
Nosler does make smaller 6.8 hunting bullets than 130, they have the 100 and 110 gr accubond, and I believe an 85gr E-tip or something like that, which were developed for the 6.8.
Add in the 120gr Hornady SST, which was made for hunting with the 6.8, and the Barnes bullets, and there are quite a few more hunting bullets made for the 6.8 for hunting than the 6.5 at the moment.
Re: 6.5 grendel upper
Wow!!! What a bunch of info. Now I want both a 6.5 and a 6.8. I live in southern missouri and its not like the deer are giants around here, a 200 pounder is big. Sounds like both would do the job. For me and not being a reloader, I do like the more choices in hunting ammo for the 6.8. I would almost promise that no stores around here would have 6.8 let alone 6.5G. Tell me if I am wrong, but arent there more choices in uppers in 6.8 than in 6.5. From just a bit of research it looks like the 6.8 uppers are more affordable, is that correct. I really like Rock River and I could get a 6.8 upper from them and not break the bank. Hadnt really put much thought into a 6.8 before starting this 6.5 thread but that is why i asked you all. I knew I would get good feedback. Anything else I have left out that I need to know? Thanks everyone.
Wow!!! What a bunch of info. Now I want both a 6.5 and a 6.8. I live in southern missouri and its not like the deer are giants around here, a 200 pounder is big. Sounds like both would do the job. For me and not being a reloader, I do like the more choices in hunting ammo for the 6.8. I would almost promise that no stores around here would have 6.8 let alone 6.5G. Tell me if I am wrong, but arent there more choices in uppers in 6.8 than in 6.5. From just a bit of research it looks like the 6.8 uppers are more affordable, is that correct. I really like Rock River and I could get a 6.8 upper from them and not break the bank. Hadnt really put much thought into a 6.8 before starting this 6.5 thread but that is why i asked you all. I knew I would get good feedback. Anything else I have left out that I need to know? Thanks everyone.
Re: 6.5 grendel upper
Alexander arms trademarked (or copywrited) the 6.5 for a long time, so they were the only place e you could get a grendel. When les Baer changed the specs slightly and started sell g the 264lbc, they realized the're was going to bw a lot of problems, so they released it. That was just a year ago or so, so there aren't as many people making Rendell uppers as 6.8 uppers yet.
I like rock river, I have two, but there are newer specs for barrels that are better than what their barrels are. you can get better performance out of some of the other makers. 6.8 spc with better rifling and 1:11 or 1:11.25 specs. Ar performance, bison, and Wilson combat are a few that I know of that are in the same price or better, and have better barrel specs.
Alexander arms trademarked (or copywrited) the 6.5 for a long time, so they were the only place e you could get a grendel. When les Baer changed the specs slightly and started sell g the 264lbc, they realized the're was going to bw a lot of problems, so they released it. That was just a year ago or so, so there aren't as many people making Rendell uppers as 6.8 uppers yet.
I like rock river, I have two, but there are newer specs for barrels that are better than what their barrels are. you can get better performance out of some of the other makers. 6.8 spc with better rifling and 1:11 or 1:11.25 specs. Ar performance, bison, and Wilson combat are a few that I know of that are in the same price or better, and have better barrel specs.
Re: 6.5 grendel upper
@ stmcelroy
The AUG in your signature raises a question.
Has anyone tried the 6.5/6.8 cartridges in an AUG platform?
@ stmcelroy
The AUG in your signature raises a question.
Has anyone tried the 6.5/6.8 cartridges in an AUG platform?
Re: 6.5 grendel upper
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sandwarrior</div><div class="ubbcode-body">...Knowing that an extended leade, like in the 5.56 and Weatherby chambers, can increase velocity while giving up minimal accuracy... </div></div>
Giving up <span style="font-style: italic">any</span> accuracy is a bitter pill.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sandwarrior</div><div class="ubbcode-body">...Knowing that an extended leade, like in the 5.56 and Weatherby chambers, can increase velocity while giving up minimal accuracy... </div></div>
Giving up <span style="font-style: italic">any</span> accuracy is a bitter pill.
Re: 6.5 grendel upper
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Nukes</div><div class="ubbcode-body">@ stmcelroy
The AUG in your signature raises a question.
Has anyone tried the 6.5/6.8 cartridges in an AUG platform? </div></div>
Not yet. The barrel includes an integral piston system and nobody makes an after market one. I'd the AUG platform in .300blk but that's for another thread.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Nukes</div><div class="ubbcode-body">@ stmcelroy
The AUG in your signature raises a question.
Has anyone tried the 6.5/6.8 cartridges in an AUG platform? </div></div>
Not yet. The barrel includes an integral piston system and nobody makes an after market one. I'd the AUG platform in .300blk but that's for another thread.
Re: 6.5 grendel upper
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Nukes</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sandwarrior</div><div class="ubbcode-body">...Knowing that an extended leade, like in the 5.56 and Weatherby chambers, can increase velocity while giving up minimal accuracy... </div></div>
Giving up <span style="font-style: italic">any</span> accuracy is a bitter pill.</div></div>
In a lot of cases, yes.
But, having learned the hard way just exactly how accurate a 5.56 can be vs. a .223 that is totally matched out, I really came to appreciate the extra velocity over that last little half moa of accuracy. It's not like your dropping back to AK/SKS accuracy. It's very tight still. Well within what I consider hunting accuracy.
And, FWIW, the 125 partition was designed to work with the 6.5x55. Starting muzzle velocities of as low as 2300 fps. The 140 was designed to work with .264 Win Mag velocities. Of which starting muzzle velocities were estimated as low as 2700. Both of those bullets preceeded release of the .260 Rem, and of course all the close ballistic counterparts of those.
In any case, that's not either here nor there. Both would be an excellent round for what he intends to do. My <span style="font-style: italic">ONLY</span> thing (and reason I went with the 6.5) is that when it comes down to it, you can fit a high BC bullet in the 6.5 to shoot long range. I have no problem with either case doing the job at short range. Certainly a much better job than the 5.56/.223
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Nukes</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sandwarrior</div><div class="ubbcode-body">...Knowing that an extended leade, like in the 5.56 and Weatherby chambers, can increase velocity while giving up minimal accuracy... </div></div>
Giving up <span style="font-style: italic">any</span> accuracy is a bitter pill.</div></div>
In a lot of cases, yes.
But, having learned the hard way just exactly how accurate a 5.56 can be vs. a .223 that is totally matched out, I really came to appreciate the extra velocity over that last little half moa of accuracy. It's not like your dropping back to AK/SKS accuracy. It's very tight still. Well within what I consider hunting accuracy.
And, FWIW, the 125 partition was designed to work with the 6.5x55. Starting muzzle velocities of as low as 2300 fps. The 140 was designed to work with .264 Win Mag velocities. Of which starting muzzle velocities were estimated as low as 2700. Both of those bullets preceeded release of the .260 Rem, and of course all the close ballistic counterparts of those.
In any case, that's not either here nor there. Both would be an excellent round for what he intends to do. My <span style="font-style: italic">ONLY</span> thing (and reason I went with the 6.5) is that when it comes down to it, you can fit a high BC bullet in the 6.5 to shoot long range. I have no problem with either case doing the job at short range. Certainly a much better job than the 5.56/.223
Re: 6.5 grendel upper
Sandwarrior,
what sort of velocities are you getting with 8208XBR, I have had my BHW 1/8 twist 18 inch barrel for some years and have basically run 30.3 AA2520,Rem 7 1/2 benchrest primers,123 Scenar and AA brass, on average 2482, very low ES and SD numbers usually less than 10, in comparison factory Hornady 123 AMAX runs 2360.
I totally agree with going for the longer barrel lenght, I honestly wish my barrel lenght was closer to 22 to give me higher velocity. I personally think the cartridge benefits from a 20 inch barrel or greater. Thats not taking anything away from the accuracy of the rifle, it shoots lights out, have taken it past 750 with excellent results but sometimes I wish there was a hundred fps more to start with.
With regards to some other items mentioned before Dave Kiff had the chamber print for the 264lbc in 2009, Black Hills was making ammunition for Les Baer when they were selling their AA trademarked 6.5 Grendels and continued to manufacture ammuntiion for Les Baer for the 264lbc using the 123 SMK and the Amax, in all honestly the stuff although pricey shoots absoultely lights out.
With regards to c-product mags, i have a bunch they all work, those in charge of the company stand by their product 100%, and it shows in their new offerings.
For build information, I am running as mentioned above a BHW 1/8 twist 18 inch barrel with the mid lenght gas system, standard gas block, LMT stock, standard buffer, but a full auto carrier.
Sandwarrior,
what sort of velocities are you getting with 8208XBR, I have had my BHW 1/8 twist 18 inch barrel for some years and have basically run 30.3 AA2520,Rem 7 1/2 benchrest primers,123 Scenar and AA brass, on average 2482, very low ES and SD numbers usually less than 10, in comparison factory Hornady 123 AMAX runs 2360.
I totally agree with going for the longer barrel lenght, I honestly wish my barrel lenght was closer to 22 to give me higher velocity. I personally think the cartridge benefits from a 20 inch barrel or greater. Thats not taking anything away from the accuracy of the rifle, it shoots lights out, have taken it past 750 with excellent results but sometimes I wish there was a hundred fps more to start with.
With regards to some other items mentioned before Dave Kiff had the chamber print for the 264lbc in 2009, Black Hills was making ammunition for Les Baer when they were selling their AA trademarked 6.5 Grendels and continued to manufacture ammuntiion for Les Baer for the 264lbc using the 123 SMK and the Amax, in all honestly the stuff although pricey shoots absoultely lights out.
With regards to c-product mags, i have a bunch they all work, those in charge of the company stand by their product 100%, and it shows in their new offerings.
For build information, I am running as mentioned above a BHW 1/8 twist 18 inch barrel with the mid lenght gas system, standard gas block, LMT stock, standard buffer, but a full auto carrier.
Re: 6.5 grendel upper
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: adrenaline junkie</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> "..."
<span style="font-weight: bold">Nosler does make smaller 6.8 hunting bullets than 130, they have the 100 and 110 gr accubond, and I believe an 85gr E-tip or something like that, which were developed for the 6.8.
Add in the 120gr Hornady SST, which was made for hunting with the 6.8,</span> "..."
</div></div>
You are correct, and I stand corrected on those. Sierra makes a 110 gameking and Hornady makes five bullets under 130 (100-120) and five 130 gr. hunting bullets, which will work at 6.8 speeds.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mjh</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Sandwarrior,
what sort of velocities are you getting with 8208XBR, I have had my BHW 1/8 twist 18 inch barrel for some years and have basically run 30.3 AA2520,Rem 7 1/2 benchrest primers,123 Scenar and AA brass, on average 2482, very low ES and SD numbers usually less than 10, in comparison factory Hornady 123 AMAX runs 2360.
I totally agree with going for the longer barrel lenght, I honestly wish my barrel lenght was closer to 22 to give me higher velocity. I personally think the cartridge benefits from a 20 inch barrel or greater. Thats not taking anything away from the accuracy of the rifle, it shoots lights out, have taken it past 750 with excellent results but sometimes I wish there was a hundred fps more to start with.
With regards to some other items mentioned before Dave Kiff had the chamber print for the 264lbc in 2009, Black Hills was making ammunition for Les Baer when they were selling their AA trademarked 6.5 Grendels and continued to manufacture ammuntiion for Les Baer for the 264lbc using the 123 SMK and the Amax, in all honestly the stuff although pricey shoots absoultely lights out.
With regards to c-product mags, i have a bunch they all work, those in charge of the company stand by their product 100%, and it shows in their new offerings.
For build information, I am running as mentioned above a BHW 1/8 twist 18 inch barrel with the mid lenght gas system, standard gas block, LMT stock, standard buffer, but a full auto carrier.</div></div>
2700 fps from a 24" Saturn barrel, by drop calculation instead of chronograph. 31 moa to get to 1k @ 2600 ft. on an 86 deg. day. As noted, I think a 20" barrel with full length gas system should be pretty close to my 24" I don't think you get near as much 'assistance' when it comes to speed after the gas port.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: adrenaline junkie</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> "..."
<span style="font-weight: bold">Nosler does make smaller 6.8 hunting bullets than 130, they have the 100 and 110 gr accubond, and I believe an 85gr E-tip or something like that, which were developed for the 6.8.
Add in the 120gr Hornady SST, which was made for hunting with the 6.8,</span> "..."
</div></div>
You are correct, and I stand corrected on those. Sierra makes a 110 gameking and Hornady makes five bullets under 130 (100-120) and five 130 gr. hunting bullets, which will work at 6.8 speeds.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mjh</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Sandwarrior,
what sort of velocities are you getting with 8208XBR, I have had my BHW 1/8 twist 18 inch barrel for some years and have basically run 30.3 AA2520,Rem 7 1/2 benchrest primers,123 Scenar and AA brass, on average 2482, very low ES and SD numbers usually less than 10, in comparison factory Hornady 123 AMAX runs 2360.
I totally agree with going for the longer barrel lenght, I honestly wish my barrel lenght was closer to 22 to give me higher velocity. I personally think the cartridge benefits from a 20 inch barrel or greater. Thats not taking anything away from the accuracy of the rifle, it shoots lights out, have taken it past 750 with excellent results but sometimes I wish there was a hundred fps more to start with.
With regards to some other items mentioned before Dave Kiff had the chamber print for the 264lbc in 2009, Black Hills was making ammunition for Les Baer when they were selling their AA trademarked 6.5 Grendels and continued to manufacture ammuntiion for Les Baer for the 264lbc using the 123 SMK and the Amax, in all honestly the stuff although pricey shoots absoultely lights out.
With regards to c-product mags, i have a bunch they all work, those in charge of the company stand by their product 100%, and it shows in their new offerings.
For build information, I am running as mentioned above a BHW 1/8 twist 18 inch barrel with the mid lenght gas system, standard gas block, LMT stock, standard buffer, but a full auto carrier.</div></div>
2700 fps from a 24" Saturn barrel, by drop calculation instead of chronograph. 31 moa to get to 1k @ 2600 ft. on an 86 deg. day. As noted, I think a 20" barrel with full length gas system should be pretty close to my 24" I don't think you get near as much 'assistance' when it comes to speed after the gas port.
Re: 6.5 grendel upper
Thanks again everyone. Very informative/enjoyable reading. I have tried to take it all in. I am still on the fence but leaning 6.8 It will do what I need to do and have more choices for ammo as well as uppers. Now to pull the trigger on which brand. I am thinking Noveske, Wilson, yankee hill, Rock River, daniel defense. Time to research and save the money. Thanks again.
Thanks again everyone. Very informative/enjoyable reading. I have tried to take it all in. I am still on the fence but leaning 6.8 It will do what I need to do and have more choices for ammo as well as uppers. Now to pull the trigger on which brand. I am thinking Noveske, Wilson, yankee hill, Rock River, daniel defense. Time to research and save the money. Thanks again.
Re: 6.5 grendel upper
My 3 top choices for a 6.8spc upper would be:
- Noveske
- Bison
- AR Performance
Wilson and Daniel Defense would be acceptable too, probably pass on Yankee Hill and Rock River IMHO.
My 3 top choices for a 6.8spc upper would be:
- Noveske
- Bison
- AR Performance
Wilson and Daniel Defense would be acceptable too, probably pass on Yankee Hill and Rock River IMHO.
Re: 6.5 grendel upper
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: White Mamba</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Travis , if you think your only doing 300 and in 6.8 is a great round and the PRI mags are 10X better than any c products mag. Ive hunted with both the 6.5 and 6.8 and prefer the shorter benefits of a 14.5 and 16 inch barrell with a two point sling. If your just going to use a regular sling and dont have many brushy ares a 18inch and 20" 6.5 hammers with the amaxs </div></div>
Just wanted to add some info here. While you are correct about the PRI being nice mags, they are also hellish expensive. I have 6 and 4 need the lips or springs tweaked, not something I should have to do with a $40 mag.
CPD, C products Defense just came out with a killer 6.8X43 mag that allows 2.29-2.30" OAL loads where as most are much shorter. Those mags are usually around $15 and come in 15 and 25rnd versions. I'm keeping one or two of my PRIs and selling the rest to buy some more CPDs.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: White Mamba</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Travis , if you think your only doing 300 and in 6.8 is a great round and the PRI mags are 10X better than any c products mag. Ive hunted with both the 6.5 and 6.8 and prefer the shorter benefits of a 14.5 and 16 inch barrell with a two point sling. If your just going to use a regular sling and dont have many brushy ares a 18inch and 20" 6.5 hammers with the amaxs </div></div>
Just wanted to add some info here. While you are correct about the PRI being nice mags, they are also hellish expensive. I have 6 and 4 need the lips or springs tweaked, not something I should have to do with a $40 mag.
CPD, C products Defense just came out with a killer 6.8X43 mag that allows 2.29-2.30" OAL loads where as most are much shorter. Those mags are usually around $15 and come in 15 and 25rnd versions. I'm keeping one or two of my PRIs and selling the rest to buy some more CPDs.
Re: 6.5 grendel upper
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TravisP</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks again everyone. Very informative/enjoyable reading. I have tried to take it all in. I am still on the fence but leaning 6.8 It will do what I need to do and have more choices for ammo as well as uppers. Now to pull the trigger on which brand. I am thinking Noveske, Wilson, yankee hill, Rock River, daniel defense. Time to research and save the money. Thanks again. </div></div>
I had a Noveske and while it shot good, it was sold after buying a ARP upper. These would be my choices in order: ARP, Bison, Rainier and Wilson Combat. Any of those guys will have the correct chambers such as 6.8X43 and SPCII so you won't have any ammo issues found in the old dinosaur SPC chambers.
I'd suggest joining the 68Forums for some research as the 6.8 offers a hell of a punch for a AR15. A 110gr bullet going 2700fps out of a 16" barrel isn't a joke. There are several factory loads from 85gr to 140gr pills.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TravisP</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks again everyone. Very informative/enjoyable reading. I have tried to take it all in. I am still on the fence but leaning 6.8 It will do what I need to do and have more choices for ammo as well as uppers. Now to pull the trigger on which brand. I am thinking Noveske, Wilson, yankee hill, Rock River, daniel defense. Time to research and save the money. Thanks again. </div></div>
I had a Noveske and while it shot good, it was sold after buying a ARP upper. These would be my choices in order: ARP, Bison, Rainier and Wilson Combat. Any of those guys will have the correct chambers such as 6.8X43 and SPCII so you won't have any ammo issues found in the old dinosaur SPC chambers.
I'd suggest joining the 68Forums for some research as the 6.8 offers a hell of a punch for a AR15. A 110gr bullet going 2700fps out of a 16" barrel isn't a joke. There are several factory loads from 85gr to 140gr pills.
Re: 6.5 grendel upper
This is impressive stuff, I wanted to find out about 6.5's but now I might want a 6.8 too.
The long barrel might put me off a 6.5 yet though a lot of my hunting is done in thick scrub and bush, I could definitely see a use for the 6.5 in more open country and especially when hunting mountains.
This is impressive stuff, I wanted to find out about 6.5's but now I might want a 6.8 too.
The long barrel might put me off a 6.5 yet though a lot of my hunting is done in thick scrub and bush, I could definitely see a use for the 6.5 in more open country and especially when hunting mountains.
Re: 6.5 grendel upper
There are actually way more bullets for hunting for the 6.5 Grendel than the 6.8 SPC II, that will fit in the mag and run at decent velocities. I used to believe 6.8 had more because of the picture called "6.8 SPC Bullets", until I started researching what 6.5mm projectiles are available for the Grendel.
There are also 22, going on 24+ factory loads for the Grendel, and it is on store shelves in my area. Economy ammo for $12.95/box can be had from Aimsurplus, with the Wolf GOld 120gr MPT. AA just got the 1st batch of steel case in for sale, after testing tens of thousands of rounds, mostly on full auto. That offers a training advantage that no other High Performance Intermediate Cartridge offers so far.
AA, Precision Firearms, Hornady, and Wolf offer everything from varmint to long-range target loads, with more medium game hunting loads than you'll ever need.
Alexander Arms licensed the Grendel to anyone who agreed to follow the exact chamber specs, including JP, Les Baer, Templar, J&T, & Precision Firearms. Many shops didn't agree to that, so they made their own chamber variations. The Grendel is SAAMI-approved since last year, so it's open now to any manufacturer. AA just wanted to prevent the chamber from being deviated from so it could go from a wildcat to a standardized cartridge, which it has.
The Grendel has the 6.8 easily beat for projectile selection in both hunting and target pills. You can load 85gr Sierra's, 90gr TNT's, 95gr VMAX's, 100gr NBT's, and get crazy velocities with the Grendel, but most Grendel owners aren't interested in the varmint bullets, and lean towards bullets suitable for medium game.
Those include:
100gr Nosler Partition Flat-Base .326 BC
100gr Hornady SP .358 BC
100gr Barnes TTSX .359 BC
120gr Barnes TSX .381 BC
120gr Remington Core-Lokt .323 BC
120gr Swift A-Frame .344 BC
120gr North Folk Soft Point Bonded Core
120gr Nosler Ballistic Tip .458 BC
120gr Speer Hot Cor .433 BC 1.09"
120gr Sierra Pro-Hunter .368 BC
120gr Barnes TTSX .443 BC
120gr Hornady GMX .450 BC
123gr Hornady SST .510 BC *New*
125gr Nosler Partition .449 BC (1.17")
129gr Hornady SST .485 BC (1.30")
129gr Hornady Interbond .485 BC (1.25")
129gr Hornady Interlock Spire Point .445 BC (1.187")
129gr Nosler Accubond Long Range .561 BC *New* (1300fps min. expansion theshold)
130gr Nosler Accubond .488 BC (1.32")
130gr Berger Hunting VLD .552 G1/.282 G7 (1.389")
130gr Barnes TSX .365 BC (1.325")
130gr Swift Scirocco .571 BC (1.353")
A lot of hunters have been using the factory 123gr AMAX successfully, and Hornady has just announced the <span style="font-weight: bold">123gr SST </span>as another factory loading.
16" is plenty of barrel length for the Grendel for hunting, as I get 2450fps with 123gr factory loads, and I'm holding around 1 MOA at 200yds.
There are actually way more bullets for hunting for the 6.5 Grendel than the 6.8 SPC II, that will fit in the mag and run at decent velocities. I used to believe 6.8 had more because of the picture called "6.8 SPC Bullets", until I started researching what 6.5mm projectiles are available for the Grendel.
There are also 22, going on 24+ factory loads for the Grendel, and it is on store shelves in my area. Economy ammo for $12.95/box can be had from Aimsurplus, with the Wolf GOld 120gr MPT. AA just got the 1st batch of steel case in for sale, after testing tens of thousands of rounds, mostly on full auto. That offers a training advantage that no other High Performance Intermediate Cartridge offers so far.
AA, Precision Firearms, Hornady, and Wolf offer everything from varmint to long-range target loads, with more medium game hunting loads than you'll ever need.
Alexander Arms licensed the Grendel to anyone who agreed to follow the exact chamber specs, including JP, Les Baer, Templar, J&T, & Precision Firearms. Many shops didn't agree to that, so they made their own chamber variations. The Grendel is SAAMI-approved since last year, so it's open now to any manufacturer. AA just wanted to prevent the chamber from being deviated from so it could go from a wildcat to a standardized cartridge, which it has.
The Grendel has the 6.8 easily beat for projectile selection in both hunting and target pills. You can load 85gr Sierra's, 90gr TNT's, 95gr VMAX's, 100gr NBT's, and get crazy velocities with the Grendel, but most Grendel owners aren't interested in the varmint bullets, and lean towards bullets suitable for medium game.
Those include:
100gr Nosler Partition Flat-Base .326 BC
100gr Hornady SP .358 BC
100gr Barnes TTSX .359 BC
120gr Barnes TSX .381 BC
120gr Remington Core-Lokt .323 BC
120gr Swift A-Frame .344 BC
120gr North Folk Soft Point Bonded Core
120gr Nosler Ballistic Tip .458 BC
120gr Speer Hot Cor .433 BC 1.09"
120gr Sierra Pro-Hunter .368 BC
120gr Barnes TTSX .443 BC
120gr Hornady GMX .450 BC
123gr Hornady SST .510 BC *New*
125gr Nosler Partition .449 BC (1.17")
129gr Hornady SST .485 BC (1.30")
129gr Hornady Interbond .485 BC (1.25")
129gr Hornady Interlock Spire Point .445 BC (1.187")
129gr Nosler Accubond Long Range .561 BC *New* (1300fps min. expansion theshold)
130gr Nosler Accubond .488 BC (1.32")
130gr Berger Hunting VLD .552 G1/.282 G7 (1.389")
130gr Barnes TSX .365 BC (1.325")
130gr Swift Scirocco .571 BC (1.353")
A lot of hunters have been using the factory 123gr AMAX successfully, and Hornady has just announced the <span style="font-weight: bold">123gr SST </span>as another factory loading.
16" is plenty of barrel length for the Grendel for hunting, as I get 2450fps with 123gr factory loads, and I'm holding around 1 MOA at 200yds.
Re: 6.5 grendel upper
I have gone through a number of different Grendels in various barrel lengths. I agree with Sandwarrior that the 20 inch barrel is the best length. That length gives you the most variety of uses, without giving up too much.
24 inch is too long for anything but the bench.
18 inch gives up velocity, and doesn't gain that much overall length reduction.
16 inch gives up too much velocity, but does make a nice short rifle.
Overall, the 20 inch is the way to go. If you go to the 6.5 Grendel forum, you will probably get the same suggestions.
To change to Grendel, you need different magazines, bolt and barrel. Standard fixed butt stock will work. If you use a carbine butt stock, you may have to play with the buffer system to make it work best.
I have gone through a number of different Grendels in various barrel lengths. I agree with Sandwarrior that the 20 inch barrel is the best length. That length gives you the most variety of uses, without giving up too much.
24 inch is too long for anything but the bench.
18 inch gives up velocity, and doesn't gain that much overall length reduction.
16 inch gives up too much velocity, but does make a nice short rifle.
Overall, the 20 inch is the way to go. If you go to the 6.5 Grendel forum, you will probably get the same suggestions.
To change to Grendel, you need different magazines, bolt and barrel. Standard fixed butt stock will work. If you use a carbine butt stock, you may have to play with the buffer system to make it work best.
Similar threads
Accessories 6 and 6.5 Grendel uppers
