6.5 Grendel opinions

[msserge302]

New here and looking for some advise. I recently got into the AR market with the 6.5 Grendel. So far I love what it can do. My question is what should I send my money on next. The gun is shooting 1/2 in or less groups at 100yds with factory 120 amax from percision, and about 1 in groups at 200. Current set up is, what i assume to be a 20in shaw barrel, standard mil spec upper, Spike Tactical Lower, Ace Stock, Sampson free float tube and a Zeiss Conquest 4x14x50 scope with Larue mount.

I really want the AA side charger upper (I have noticed that my brass is marked from hitting the deflector). Or should I go with a better trigger, the stock trigger does suck compared to my tikka. Or possibly a better barrel (my thought is that I could have this barrel cut down to a 16 and it would be great pig/coyote gun). I just got my dies and willl start reloading for this gun also. Keep in mind that my shooting is hunting first/target second. Any thougths or suggestions would be great, while I can afford to make changes, I dont want to make mistakes and end up with parts I will never use again. Thanks.

 

[mjh30]

Re: 6.5 Grendel opinions

You assume the barrel is Shaw, who built the rifle for you, its always nice to know what parts a company used for your rifle. Half inch with factory ammo at 100 yards, sub moa at 200, I wouldn't change a thing, but if you feel its necessary a good trigger is always a nice addition. A little rubber on the deflector will lessen the dents in the case. Start working on loads to see how much better she can do.

 

[Scottmilk9]

Re: 6.5 Grendel opinions

a good trigger is the best way to accurize your rifle.

 

[cooper_257]

Re: 6.5 Grendel opinions

a good trigger is always a +. If your barrel shoots that good why would you want to change it.

 

[eleaf]

Re: 6.5 Grendel opinions

Trigger.

 

[MPFD]

Re: 6.5 Grendel opinions

I have a Geissele two stage on my 6.5 and LOVE IT! Ultra smooth crisp, clean, & light break...

 

[Hawk45]

Re: 6.5 Grendel opinions

Trigger

Trigger and barrel make the gun for the most part. I wouldn't complain about .5MOA at 200yds. Nice shooting.

 

[LRS_Ranger]

Re: 6.5 Grendel opinions

+1 for trigger... I have a Timney on mine.

 

[polish handgunner]

Re: 6.5 Grendel opinions

After installing the trigger the next step is components. I have had excellent results with 123 grain bullets from Hornady and Sierra. My preferred powder is AA2520. Brass is Lapua.

 

[msserge302]

Re: 6.5 Grendel opinions

Thank you, I have a lb of 2520 that I am going to start working on loads with. I think the trigger is next.

 

[BERTMAN77MK2]

Re: 6.5 Grendel opinions

I have one 14.5" barrel that is my "truck gun" and it is great on hogs--for hunting a Bill Springfield modded trigger is great place to start and very economical compared to the $300 precision triggers out there--the new Hornady manual uses a 14.5
for their Grendel loads so I must not be the only one with a handy rifle for whatever comes up. Look around if serious about a side-charger--lots of choices for that type upper.

 

[jasonZ]

Re: 6.5 Grendel opinions

+1 for the trigger. If hunting is what your intentions are then your rifle seems to be minute of hog accurate. I would do the trigger and anything that you need to do to make the rifle fit you better, I.E. stock (LOP), optics mount location (eye relief), etc. If the gun doesn't fit you well then it will benefit you to do so. Also you may simply make sure that your lower/upper fit is not sloppy, as this will reduce your accuracy alittle bit too.

With all that said, I'd do the trigger and see. Plus all that money saved can be redirected into finding the proper load your rifle likes. Grendel's are finicky, believe me I'm still searching, and if it shoots that well with factory ammo, then it should only get better with proper handloads.

My Sabre really liked the factory 123gr Amax round that Hornady makes. I'm trying to make 120gr Nosler's work, but I'm thinking the 1-7.5 twist rate is really going to like a heavier bullet then this. Pretty sure it will want a 123gr or better, probably 130 or 140. SMK's or VLD's here I come.

 

[msserge302]

Re: 6.5 Grendel opinions

I have an 8.5 20 inch barrel and the gun seems to love teh 120 noslers. I have a box of 120 Barnes TTSX that I am going to try (but they are expensive just to throw at targets). I hear that the 100 Barnes TTSX are great, but it seems light for hogs/deer. I am hoping to find a combo of target bullets and hunting bullets that will not have much scope adjustments out to about 200yds. Would love to find a combo that is percision for target and minute of deer during hunting.

 

[mkollman74]

Re: 6.5 Grendel opinions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cooper_257</div><div class="ubbcode-body">a good trigger is always a +. If your barrel shoots that good why would you want to change it. </div></div>

^^^This^^^