Any good reason NOT to build a 6.5 Grendel ???

[LoneWolfUSMC]

My wife has expressed an interest in getting into long range shooting. She has handled my 700 in .308 just fine for a couple of shots, but it's way too heavy for her. Building a lighter rig is going to thump her pretty good.

I started looking at lighter rigs in a more forgiving caliber and started thinking about the 6.5 Grendel in an AR.

The pro's I am looking at are:

Better ballistics than the .308 or the .223
Platform can be relatively lightweight
Unlimited customizing options (to fit her AND me)

The only con's I can think of are that some comps limit use of semi-auto platforms. However most of the ones we would shoot in are semi-permissive.

I don't have any experience with this cartridge, but I am setup to reload .223 and .308. The extra dies and components don't bother me much.

I have gobs of AR parts and an extra lower with Magpul UBR sitting here. I am thinking if I rigged it out with a 20" gov or medcon barrel it would be decently balances and very capable out to 800 and still be able to reach 1K with care. Most of our local matches are restricted to 550 yards, but when we go out of state we need to be able to reach out.

The only other option I have been looking at is an AR10 in .260Rem or 6.5CM, but I still think that would be a heck of a weight for her to heft in any positional shooting. I will be building one for ME, but the receiver (IRA-X A type) is about six or more months out.

Comments are welcome.

Keep in mind I already have numerous rifles including .22LR trainers .223 AR's, .308 AR10 and 700. Also all tools and skills needed to assemble small and large AR's.

I am going to get her started prone with the .308 700 so there is still hope we can both run the same gun, but getting her "her own" will give her some ownership in the game.

 

[Falar]

Re: Any good reason NOT to build a 6.5 Grendel ???

If it wasn't for the positional shooting thing I'd just build the .260 because I don't think that 6.5grendel really has anything on .308 since you're limited to 2650fps or so (and I think this is the 20-24" barrels) with the 123gr bullets.

If it is going to be hefted around a lot by someone of smaller stature, then Grendel looks like the way to go.

I see no disadvantages because once you get away from 5.56 in an AR15 none of the alternate calibers are really "mainstream" and you will be loading your own anyway.

 

[Scottmilk9]

Re: Any good reason NOT to build a 6.5 Grendel ???

PM sent

 

[Jon A]

Re: Any good reason NOT to build a 6.5 Grendel ???

Very few downsides I can think of, especially since it looks like we're turning the corner into finally having readily available mass produced Hornady ammo off the shelf offering legit accurate 1000 yd performance.

For paper only matches and if you're reloading anyway, the 6mmAR Turbo does beat it ballistically, but fireforming may be a turnoff. And for killing (deer for me) and whacking steel plates hard at distance, the heavier bullets of the Grendel are nice.

While 123's are the most popular, you can run up to 140's as well. I've used both the 140 A-Max and Berger VLD extensively. You can run them up to around the 2400 fps mark but I run them around 2300 as accuracy is better in my rifle with mild loads. At that velocity they still beat the 123's a bit for wind and hit harder when they get there. Note those velocities are for a 24" barrel, subtract 80 fps or so for a 20".

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: Any good reason NOT to build a 6.5 Grendel ???

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Falar</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I don't think that 6.5grendel really has anything on .308 since you're limited to 2650fps or so (and I think this is the 20-24" barrels) with the 123gr bullets.</div></div>

With a quick run through Ballistic FTE, the 123gr (Scenar) Alexander Arms load for the 6.5 Grendel (2565fps) had just a little less windage at 1000 than my 175gr (91.6" vs. 103.5" for a 10mph full value). Elevation is pretty close too.

Not a great advantage like the .260 or 6.5CM, but the weight will be the big deal.

I still haven't researched what barrel length balance I need to strike for velocity vs. portability.

 

[Hummerdawg]

Re: Any good reason NOT to build a 6.5 Grendel ???

Not to hard to get a 260 down in the 8 lb range with carbon fiber handguard, turned down barrel,and possibly lightened carrier. And load to the level she is comfortable with, just a thought.

 

[Falar]

Re: Any good reason NOT to build a 6.5 Grendel ???

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LoneWolfUSMC</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Falar</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I don't think that 6.5grendel really has anything on .308 since you're limited to 2650fps or so (and I think this is the 20-24" barrels) with the 123gr bullets.</div></div>

With a quick run through Ballistic FTE, the 123gr (Scenar) Alexander Arms load for the 6.5 Grendel (2565fps) had just a little less windage at 1000 than my 175gr (91.6" vs. 103.5" for a 10mph full value). Elevation is pretty close too.

Not a great advantage like the .260 or 6.5CM, but the weight will be the big deal.

I still haven't researched what barrel length balance I need to strike for velocity vs. portability. </div></div>

Wow, that is better than I thought. That 123 load is virtually dead even with my AR10 load of 155 Scenar @ 2850 for wind drift, 90" vs 91.6".

Since weight is a concern a medium contour 18" might be worth considering, maybe even 16" depending on how far you plan on taking it. If a lot of offhand shooting is possible I'd personally gravitate towards the 16".

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: Any good reason NOT to build a 6.5 Grendel ???

Probably not a huge amount of offhand, but the Oregon Sniper Challenge that we will be attending next year will probably have that stage again. The local matches generally don't do offhand, but that may change.

I wouldn't want to sacrifice the long range performance for an edge in one position though.

 

[michael_aos]

Re: Any good reason NOT to build a 6.5 Grendel ???

I've got a big, heavy Armalite AR10 in 260 Remington. Shoots just great, but did I mention it's heavy?

Lately I've been curious about the DPMS LR-260L at an advertised 8.6lbs with an 18" bbl.

I do wonder how a 6.5 Grendel would compare. Could probably get a 24" bbl for similar 8.6 lbs.

Anybody able to compare reasonable velocity estimates of 125gr - 140gr bullets from an 18" 260 Remington -vs- 24" 6.5 Grendel?

I'm thinking they might be close.

 

[sobrbiker883]

Re: Any good reason NOT to build a 6.5 Grendel ???

I'm really considering running a 6.5 Grendel for my next short range rifle (0-800 yards). As <span style="text-decoration: line-through">Mark</span>John pointed out above, the 6.5 beats the 308 ballistically, an in a smaller lighter platform.

Not to mention they make a great, handy predator gun.

Scottmilk9 is my builder of choice for AR platforms, and he will most likely be building me one sometime this year.....

 

[bustin]

Re: Any good reason NOT to build a 6.5 Grendel ???

6BR, 6.5 BR, 200fps faster than a Grendel. If you reload it's the same thing just like loading any other cartridge.
I have a 6 and 6.5BRX too but those require fireforming.

A 6.5 Br will push a 123 Lapua to 2840 from a 20" barrel
2940 from a 24 probably 2980 from a 26"

A 6BR with 107s may have less drop and drift than the 6.5 if you can push them a little faster. BC is .518 on the 107 -.547 on the 123.

 

[rem700man]

Re: Any good reason NOT to build a 6.5 Grendel ???

Im really getting excited to see all the Grendel builds going on right now.

I also feel like Im repeating myself but give Scott Milk a call, you will not be sorry. Fair prices and hid rifles flat out shoot.

On another thread there is a test target posted of one of his grendel builds.

here it is
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1839638&page=2

Good luck with your build. Post up some pics when it is done

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: Any good reason NOT to build a 6.5 Grendel ???

I am definitely going to call Scott and discuss the build.

 

[michael_aos]

Re: Any good reason NOT to build a 6.5 Grendel ???

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bustin</div><div class="ubbcode-body">A 6.5 Br will push a 123 Lapua to 2840 from a 20" barrel
2940 from a 24 probably 2980 from a 26"</div></div>

I used to shoot the 123gr Lapua with N550 in my 260 Remington. Right at 3000fps with a 24" barrel, but felt that was a hot load.

My Sierra Edition V reloading manual shows the 6.5BR topping-out @ 2700 fps w/120gr & 2500 w/140gr. 26" test-barrel.

 

[ssgp2]

Re: Any good reason NOT to build a 6.5 Grendel ???

I think an AR will always be heavier than a bolt, and the 6.5Grendel is design for an AR.

Not taking away the ballistics of the Grendel, but they're many cartridge superior to the Grendel if you use a bolt.

A 260Rem,6.5x47L, 6.5Creedmore in a bolt are perfect for long range.
Choosing a stock that is light and comfortable for your wife is where you need to do some research.

Since you have lots of parts for the AR already, the Grendel project might be the cheapest way to go.
I don't think you will be disappointed, but it will be a compromise.

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: Any good reason NOT to build a 6.5 Grendel ???

Unless you have very deep pockets, little in this sport will not result in compromises of some sort.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: Any good reason NOT to build a 6.5 Grendel ???

This sport is not one sport.

Distances divide it into separate regimes.

As 6.5's go, I see the .260 as a good approach to the LR regime, and the Grendel as a good one for shorter distances.

I keep knocking my ambitions up against a barrel blank with a mediocre .30cal bore. It's a short barrel, and I'd like to chamber it for a short .30 caliber case that uses a .473" diameter bolt face. The .300 Savage can do the job, but I think that I could do better with even less case capacity, since I'm targeting the barrel for 200yd applications. The .30RAR looked interesting until it became clear that Remington had tweaked it right out of contention by enlarging the rim diameter for arbitrary lawyer-centric reasons. Stupid me, for thinking that Remington was gonna hit a home run for serious shooters with it.

Doing the same thing with a 6.5, my curiosity comes to rest on the .260 (i.e. a sorta 6.5-250) Bobcat.

Greg

 

[SIERRAWHISKEY]

Re: Any good reason NOT to build a 6.5 Grendel ???

243??? low recoil,and you no it will make it to 1000.

What if you built Her a 243 upper on your AR10???

 

[teknikallysekure]

Re: Any good reason NOT to build a 6.5 Grendel ???

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LoneWolfUSMC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Unless you have very deep pockets, little in this sport will not result in compromises of some sort.
</div></div>

I'm consantly pouring over this 6.5 grendel idea.

Now that I've got a .260 barrel sitting at home though I think the decision was made for me....

Of course if I rebarrel to .260 then I won't have a .308 anymore and who doesn't have a .308 naturally I'll have to build one.

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: Any good reason NOT to build a 6.5 Grendel ???

I would leave the .308 alone and buy one of those Brownell's Remington actions and build a .260.

If I didn't REALLY want a Surgeon action that is what I would do for a bolt gun.

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: Any good reason NOT to build a 6.5 Grendel ???

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SIERRAWHISKEY</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What if you built Her a 243 upper on your AR10??? </div></div>

Mainly weight reasons, and I don't particularly like the limited LR bullet selection for .243. Seems like there are more options in 6.5.

"I" will be building a lighter .260 AR for me based on the IRA-X receiver I won in Oregon. Looks like it will be awhile before I can get the Armalite pattern though (they about six months out), so I can concentrate on something for her.

I think I am going to work with her on my .223 HBAR and see how she handles it's weight so I know about where the limits are. She will get a chance to shoot the .308 AR10, but offhand isn't going to happen. It's a 16lb rifle. "I" can shoot it offhand, but she would have the shakes very fast.

 

[teknikallysekure]

Re: Any good reason NOT to build a 6.5 Grendel ???

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LoneWolfUSMC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would leave the .308 alone and buy one of those Brownell's Remington actions and build a .260.

If I didn't REALLY want a Surgeon action that is what I would do for a bolt gun. </div></div>

Then my ar-10 excuse is out the window though

 

[USMCj]

Re: Any good reason NOT to build a 6.5 Grendel ???

You could also neck down the Grendel to 6mm and run DTACS, SMK's or Scenars out of it. Might prove to be a better option if you want more speed out of a shorter barrel.

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: Any good reason NOT to build a 6.5 Grendel ???

I probably could, but I hate brass prep and I don't want to mess with custom reamers, dies, etc.

A 20-22" barrel won't be a problem as long as I keep the balance reasonable and don't go with more than a medcon. I want to set her up to succeed, but if she wants to run with the big dogs then she will have to put in the work. That will mean snapping in to build the muscles for position shooting. We can ease into that though. I need to make sure the rifle is capable of hitting the targets we will see first.

 

[bustin]

Re: Any good reason NOT to build a 6.5 Grendel ???

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Michael Aos</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bustin</div><div class="ubbcode-body">A 6.5 Br will push a 123 Lapua to 2840 from a 20" barrel
2940 from a 24 probably 2980 from a 26"</div></div>

I used to shoot the 123gr Lapua with N550 in my 260 Remington. Right at 3000fps with a 24" barrel, but felt that was a hot load.

My Sierra Edition V reloading manual shows the 6.5BR topping-out @ 2700 fps w/120gr & 2500 w/140gr. 26" test-barrel. </div></div>
Sorry Mike,
I have all of the test data in an excel file and just looked in the wrong spot, that is a 6.5BRX load at 2840. The 6.5BR using H4895 and CCI41s ave 2766fps from a 20" that is about max fill and warm but not flattening primers. I use Quickload for starting data on all of the wildcats.

 

[ZLBubba]

Re: Any good reason NOT to build a 6.5 Grendel ???

I think it boils down to which platform she's more comfortable with. Does she like driving a bolt gun or a gas gun more? The 6.5G is a great round if she prefers the gas gun. If she wants a bolt gun, then the sky's the limit. Which platform does she prefer?

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: Any good reason NOT to build a 6.5 Grendel ???

At this point she doesn't have enough experience to know.

Later this week we are going to give them a run and see how she does.

It's going to be interesting because she is a "clean slate" as far as rifle's are concerned.

 

[ZLBubba]

Re: Any good reason NOT to build a 6.5 Grendel ???

I'm sure part of the attractiveness of the AR platform is that you can put it together yourself. I followed your AR-10 build pretty closely so if she's got any hankering to use a gas gun, I'm guessing you can make her a pretty slick shooting rig. I'm planning on using your build template for my own AR-10 rig when I get the money for a proper setup.

Off topic, what's the significance of 8541 in your website's name? Is 8541 the MOS number for USMC scout snipers? Just curious.

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: Any good reason NOT to build a 6.5 Grendel ???

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ZLBubba</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Off topic, what's the significance of 8541 in your website's name? Is 8541 the MOS number for USMC scout snipers? Just curious. </div></div>

It was.

 

[skinnj1]

Re: Any good reason NOT to build a 6.5 Grendel ???

Lonewolf-

I built both a grendel and a 260 DPMS, the grendel (with optics and bipod) weighs in 2 lbs less than the 260 sans optics and bipod. Same stock (A2) same barrel length 24", different countours, different hangaurds, and different brakes....

For 0-800 the grendel is the way to go in my opinion. My Wife (NRA smallbore competitor with some experience) could not comfortablely use the .260 offhand (it is not that much heavier than an anschutz but the balance sucks...) no problems with grendel.

Lapua brass is spendy so I make most of mine by resizing/fireforming Win 7.62x39. With the advent of Hornady I'll discontinue this practice

 

[michael_aos]

Re: Any good reason NOT to build a 6.5 Grendel ???

What kind of velocity did you get with the 24" Grendel & 130gr (ish) projectiles?

What kind of velocity would you guess from an 18" 260 DPMS & 130gr-ish?

I understand the Grendel is ~2lbs less, but what kind of weight are we talking here?

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: Any good reason NOT to build a 6.5 Grendel ???

Once I went to .260, I no longer have any .308's.

My .30 cals are .30-'06 and (sorta) 7.62x39.

Greg

 

[Asm1]

Re: Any good reason NOT to build a 6.5 Grendel ???

I wonder what a 18" 260 LR DPMS would do I have ask in the past and No one has come forth with this information,I know what 18" 308 will do and they work well..
Some rounds work well with short barrels and some don't,It sounds like the Grendel for 1K shooting needs a long barrel and I would think the 260 may be the same,assumptions without facts is all I have..

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Michael Aos</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What kind of velocity did you get with the 24" Grendel & 130gr (ish) projectiles?

What kind of velocity would you guess from an 18" 260 DPMS & 130gr-ish?

I understand the Grendel is ~2lbs less, but what kind of weight are we talking here? </div></div>

 

[knockemdown]

Re: Any good reason NOT to build a 6.5 Grendel ???

Howzabouta .243WSSM from a 1:9" twist, 22" fluted tube? Insert 87gr Vmaxs to mag length & rock on from 10 lb. scoped AR-15. They'd prolly be running 3100+ from that tube, for ballistic comparison to the above chamberings...

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: Any good reason NOT to build a 6.5 Grendel ???

That sounds like it would be a barrel burner.

 

[skinnj1]

Re: Any good reason NOT to build a 6.5 Grendel ???

Michael

point of clarification, the 6.5G is more than 2 lbs weight difference, when I weighed them last night it had a bipod and scope and the 260 AR didn't have either...

I have not shot the 6.5G with any projectile other than the 123 SMK for playing and 120 gameking for whitetails. I'm getting from 2475 to a little under 2600 depending on the powder/primer/bullet combination. Since I made the barrel last fall I have not been able to verify what the pressures will be in hot weather.

I do not own a .260 less than 24 inches so I can not answer your question directly but for a data point to ponder, I have chambered 2 260's for friends (1 a 31" krieger and 1 a 30" bartlien) with 130's and RL17 they are getting 450-500 FPS more with 130's than I get with a 24" 6.5 G/123's (and about 250-300 fps more than I get with a .260 and 142's)

I'm guessing a 18" .260 w/ 142's would equal the velocity of a 24" grendel (2450-2600 fps range depending on all the variables) but would win do to BC

Hope that helps.......

 

[skinnj1]

Re: Any good reason NOT to build a 6.5 Grendel ???

Knockemdown

WSSM's have a sole source D-Tech (Olympic's sub contractor) for bolt extensions and bolts not sure if you can get less than an upper from him/olympic

Grendel/7.62 x 39 bolts are common, and it uses standard extensions

I would not consider a WSSM mainstream like a 6.5 grendel (factory match ammo available), a wildcat 6mm grendel will cut the velocity gap in half and you still have the capability of magazines higher than 10 rounds........

 

[sandwarrior]

Re: Any good reason NOT to build a 6.5 Grendel ???

The 6.5 Grendel is a good option for a 5.56 plus power round in an AR platform. It, however isn't incredibly competitive when it comes to other rounds designed for the same thing. Lower capacity than the .308 but still really good to 1k.

In that realm you will find the 6mm BR, 6.5 BR, 6mmXC, 6.5 International (.250 Savage necked to 6.5mm and inproved), 7mm International (especially now with the Berger 140 VLD's) .25 Souper. .250 Imp. (all .257's using 115 Bergers)...etc.

In short you can get a ton of rounds that offer better performance than the 6.5 Grendel. <span style="font-weight: bold">That is until you specify it has to be in an AR platform.</span> That's where most everything else drops off. You have to single feed most of the rounds if loaded for LR competition from an AR. Rounds that could be fed normally from a bolt gun. That's why I'd go with a bolt gun. A lot more versatility.

Anyhow, my suggestion is decide now, if you want a bolt gun or AR. Then decide what you want to shoot for distance (caliber). I personally think the bolt gun is a better choice, esp. with the round of your choice. Unless you already have something in mind for it.

 

[Asm1]

Re: Any good reason NOT to build a 6.5 Grendel ???

http://www.6mmAR.com/

 

[knockemdown]

Re: Any good reason NOT to build a 6.5 Grendel ???

Roger that, skinnj1.

Was just throwing the 243Wizzer out there for conversation, as I don't believe that any chambering within the confines of a mag fed AR-15 can beat a .243Wizzer, ballistically. I believe one can run 7rds out of a Wizzer magazine (modified 20rd'er for 5.56)

From a bolt gun, I'd not touch one, or a Grendel for that matter...

 

[PLeighton]

Re: Any good reason NOT to build a 6.5 Grendel ???

Better yet, why not 6mm AR Turbo?
(Besides the whole no commercial ammo thing.)

 

[sandwarrior]

Re: Any good reason NOT to build a 6.5 Grendel ???

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: knockemdown</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Roger that, skinnj1.

Was just throwing the 243Wizzer out there for conversation, as I don't believe that any chambering within the confines of a mag fed AR-15 can beat a .243Wizzer, ballistically. I believe one can run 7rds out of a Wizzer magazine (modified 20rd'er for 5.56)

From a bolt gun, I'd not touch one, or a Grendel for that matter...

</div></div>

Knockemdown,

I agree, The .243 WSSM is maybe the best for putting one of several high BC 6mm bullets in and getting to 1k. The 25 WSSM has a few that will get there but lower BC's. And it will definitely outperform a Grendel.

Curious though why you wouldn't want one in a bolt gun?

 

[knockemdown]

Re: Any good reason NOT to build a 6.5 Grendel ???

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Curious though why you wouldn't want one in a bolt gun?
</div></div>
Sand,
For one, I'd rather run a chambering that offers more consistent brass. And secondly, there are chamberings out there that are not AR-15 friendly that will outperform them.
For instance, I've got GAP bolt rifles in both .243 and 7WSM that are both flat out hammers. Good as they shoot, my ARs can't hold a candle to either one of those bolt guns, nor do I expect them to...

That said, I'm about to go completely looney & re-barrel my .223Wizzer upper to a fast 1:8"twist 75Amax launcher. Should push them in the mid 3300s for velocity. Run those #s at 1K and you'll be impressed! And magazine fed, no less. I'll be doing so with the understanding that the Wizzer brass is gonna need some sorting & TLC to maximize consistency. It'll be a fun experiment and certainly an off the wall different AR-15, which merits added appeal (for me), just because...

 

[He Shoot Me]

Re: Any good reason NOT to build a 6.5 Grendel ???

LW,

I got my AA 16" Tactical a few weeks ago, and I can't wait to give it a go. My buddy was by on Saturday and we were swapping a lower between a 6.5, 6.8, and a 5.56. We were also swapping different optics, (BUIS, NF 3.5-15, and Eotech 552) to see what kind of a balance we could come up with.

This was all done with a collapsible Magpul CTR stock. After doing so and a recommendation from EHG, I'm going to buy the UBR to act as a bit of a counter-weight. I suspect if you go with a 20" your UBR will be a really good choice.

The NF 3.5-15x 50mm is a lot of scope in size and weight on that little upper. If the UBR and adding a little weight (goodies) in it's storage compartments doesn’t balance things out the way I like, I'm going to consider using a NF 2.5-10x 32mm. Oh, and just to confuse matters even more; I reeeeeally like Doc's CQB reticle for the US Optics SN-4 1.6-6x, and he is currently waiting on the development scope from John for the 1.8 - 10X version. Veeeeeeeeeery tempting! I also plan to incorporate some sort of a reflex type sight for heavy woods/brush/indoor moments such as a Doctor or Trijicon. I just haven't figured-out how I'm going to mount it yet. (Most likely at a 45 degree on the hand-guard, I'm just not sure yet.)

I’m not sure how much the difference in weight (11ozs) and length (2.7”) is going to matter between the 2.5-10 and the 3.5-15, but we shall see if necessary. The cool thing is I wouldn’t be losing much adjustment in elevation (100moa-vs-110moa) and you actually gain 20moa in wind, go figure.

The reason behind going with a 16” is because I plan to use this rifle for home defense and hunting. I figured the shorter barrel for getting around corners, and through brush, then the 6.5 cal for punch. Oh, and you can’t hunt hog and deer in Ca. with a 5.56, and I’m not sure I would want to if I could…. (Not saying you can’t haters, so just chill.

) Elk also mentioned the Swift Scirocco Bullet is quickly becoming one of his favorites in another hunting thread. So I plan on trying one of their 130grn somewhere in the 2,300-2350fps range and see how well they open up on some test meat.

If you already have a bunch of AR parts as mentioned, you could put your money into the barrel and optic’s. I say go for it!

-Pat

Side note: I would also look into a lighter hand-guard than the mid-sized Midwest 4 rail that I have if the weight difference is worth while.

 

[Unknown]

Re: Any good reason NOT to build a 6.5 Grendel ???

I have AR15's and AR10 style rifles. The Grendel is a wonderful little cartridge that i really enjoy shooting.

I think many people try to compare it with the 308, or 5.56. It was actually supposed to be an intermediate cartridge somewhere between the 5.56 and 7.62x39. In fact, you can make cases by necking down the 7.62x39 then fireforming them.

If I were to describe it's performance, I would say that it has 20% more recoil than the 5.56, and hits plates with 80% the power of a 308. I handload on the mild side to get really wonderful (.65-.75 MOA). Velocity with my 123 grain bullets is 2546fps. Not as hot as the Alexander Arms factory ammo, but brass lasts quite well at this velocity.

It fits well into the AR platform, accuracy is superb, energy is better than the 5.56, and with the wonderful BC of the 123 grain Scenar, it remains supersonic well past 1000 yards.

I am not worried about it having less power than a 308, because I have a 308, or 300 win mag I can switch to if I really want more power. For an intermediate cartridge I think the Grendel is really hard to beat.

However, if the 6mm Turbo had some kind of factory brass available, I would probably jump all over that one...

 

[sandwarrior]

Re: Any good reason NOT to build a 6.5 Grendel ???

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: knockemdown</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Curious though why you wouldn't want one in a bolt gun?
</div></div>
Sand,

...

That said, I'm about to go completely looney & re-barrel my .223Wizzer upper to a fast 1:8"twist 75Amax launcher. Should push them in the mid 3300s for velocity. Run those #s at 1K and you'll be impressed! And magazine fed, no less. I'll be doing so with the understanding that the Wizzer brass is gonna need some sorting & TLC to maximize consistency. It'll be a fun experiment and certainly an off the wall different AR-15, which merits added appeal (for me), just because...</div></div>

I wouldn't think it looney to do. With a mag capacity of 2.300" and an ogive on the 75 gr. Amax of .625" and a case length of 1.670 it would put you .030" under max length to fit in a mag. You won't have any room to load to the lands but the A-max's make the jump pretty good.

I know why I thought it wouldn't initially work as I bought an upper with a 1-8" twist to do this in 5.56. That case is too long to make it work. That's a good find on your part.

 

[CST]

Re: Any good reason NOT to build a 6.5 Grendel ???

whats the barrel length you guys are using with the Grendel...it kinda defeats the purpose going 24" for tactical compact build. Can you get the velocities to get 1000yd. with 18" or 19"?

 

[Tactical30]

Re: Any good reason NOT to build a 6.5 Grendel ???

You can easily get to 1K with a 18" or 19" Grendel bbl.

I did with a Sabre 18".
10" to 12" groups at 1K.
6.5" to 8" groups at 820yrds.

I think Bill A. from AA quoted its still supersonic with 19.5" bbl past 1,200yrds with the 123gr. Scenar if im not mistaken.

 

[skinnj1]

Re: Any good reason NOT to build a 6.5 Grendel ???

Assuming a .750 dia barrel in front of the gas block the difference between 19.5" and 24 inches is 8 ounces- not something to get excited about you can save that by careful choice of rings, stocks, handguards,muzzle brake, dang near anywhere

Longrange30- I have trouble accepting Bill's statement at face value. Maybe it is out of context. Unless you are above 6000'. A Lapua 123 flies very similar to a Sierra 123 despite the claimed BC advantage, plug Bryan Litz's real world 123 data in JBM and you find that you have to go higher or faster than many shooters experience to get what he claims.... Also look at the yardage its Mach number gets below 1.1, this is where you are going to experience any transonic instability if/when it happens.

 

[FNARSHOOTER]

Re: Any good reason NOT to build a 6.5 Grendel ???

I find the 24" BeowulF barrel very stable and balanced the Grendel would be the same but overall lighter.I know I gain 200fps over the 16" barrel with the wulf by haveing the 24"
Grendel factory 123 lapua
16"/2480
19.5"/2565
24"/2620
Their factory stuff is always on the low side as it's not S.A.M.M.I tested/listed
I have heard of people pushing these faster with ease and good accuracy.
Scot