6.5 Grendel AR

BoomSplat

BoomSplat

New member
Looking for any info or experience on the 6.5 Grendel in AR. Intended purpose is for hunting hogs and deer in Florida. I still haven't decided on my upper build. My interest in which way to go 6X45, 6.8 SPC, or 6.5 Grendel. Any thoughts or help is appreciated. My build will most likely be based on 20" - 22" barrel full length gas tube and hand gaurd.

Thank,
Boom
 
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The 6.5 grendel has a ballistic advantage of the three and is my favorite round for the AR15. It has plenty of punch for coyotes and deer. The 6.8 has a little more punch, but not as good trajectory wise at long distances. 6x45 is most economical if you have 223 brass already, but has the least amount of knockdown power of the three.
I Hope this helps
 
Thanks for info. Range is not that important as range is limited here in Fl. If I was still in Idaho it would definitely be a more important factor.
 
IMHO the 6.5 Grendel is THE cartridge to have in the AR15 platform. If you talk about the AR10 then the 6.5CM is the better way to go. I think the Grendel provides the best ballistics with the possible exception of the 243 WSSM and 6.5 WSSM but then you are looking at short barrel life and extreme wear due to high pressure rounds.
 
For the ranges and uses in FL, the 6x45 will be easiest to deal with. I had a grendel but never felt I could benefit from it due to limited ranges I'd use it at. the 6x45 will knock down deer and hogs fine with the right bullet and componets are cheaper and more plentiful than the 6.8 or grendel which can make a big difference.
 
Originally Posted By: MNHNTRIMHO the 6.5 Grendel is THE cartridge to have in the AR15 platform. If you talk about the AR10 then the 6.5CM is the better way to go. I think the Grendel provides the best ballistics with the possible exception of the 243 WSSM and 6.5 WSSM but then you are looking at short barrel life and extreme wear due to high pressure rounds.
Spot on with my thoughts,I just wish the .243 LBC/6mm AR would pick up(since its based on the grendel case),I think it would be the cats meow for anything from Chucks to Wolves.
 
Jump on over to the 68 forum and you can read to your hearts content. The 6.8 has proven to be a hog and deer slayer. Yes
it does not have the overall range of the Grendel but it is definitely a 350 yard hog and deer killer plus there is alot of hunting ammunition and also if you reload there is alot of different hunting bullets out there for it.
Also there is no need for a 20-22 inch barrel on a 6.8. The muzzle velocity between a 16 inch barrel and a 20 inch barrel on
the 6.8 is around 75FPS. The 6.8 is very effiecient in 16-18 inch barrels.
 
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Every 6.5 Grendel I have seen at the local range has been nothing but problems in the AR15s the owners have built/bought or had custom made. I have seen way to many FTF/Jambs/FTE blown out primer pockets to ever consider owning that caliber.
The one out there yesterday failed to eject, failed to load, one case that was ejected had the primer blown out & his other issue was the bolt not closing, his other was it was not picking up a round & when it did it stove piped going in. 2 rounds had to be hammered out of the chamber on FTE.
I gave him some of my ideas as to what it may be, BUT was talking into the wind in the end.
NOW there are tons of owners w/no issues out there over what I have seen in person.
 
Thanks for all of the imput guys. The build is on hold for the time being as I did a trade for a 6.8 upper with a member here. Now I'm reading up on the 6.8 to see what bullet I'm going to use and getting some dies, mags, etc. on the way. I'm open to any input on the 6.8 SPC you can provide and it will as always be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Boom
 
Originally Posted By: BoomSplatThanks for all of the imput guys. The build is on hold for the time being as I did a trade for a 6.8 upper with a member here. Now I'm reading up on the 6.8 to see what bullet I'm going to use and getting some dies, mags, etc. on the way. I'm open to any input on the 6.8 SPC you can provide and it will as always be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Boom
http://68forums.com/forums/forum.php
I don't have a 6.8, but am doing a 6x6.8 and I have got tons of basic info here.
 
Originally Posted By: 5spdEvery 6.5 Grendel I have seen at the local range has been nothing but problems in the AR15s the owners have built/bought or had custom made. I have seen way to many FTF/Jambs/FTE blown out primer pockets to ever consider owning that caliber.
The one out there yesterday failed to eject, failed to load, one case that was ejected had the primer blown out & his other issue was the bolt not closing, his other was it was not picking up a round & when it did it stove piped going in. 2 rounds had to be hammered out of the chamber on FTE.
I gave him some of my ideas as to what it may be, BUT was talking into the wind in the end.
NOW there are tons of owners w/no issues out there over what I have seen in person.


5spd
In my opinion, those issues happen when the end user doesnt load properly. Too many people want to run the grendel too hot. Ive come into contact with folks who wanted to push their 107gr sierra match bullets 2800-2850fps. Broken bolts and primers being blown is a common problem then.
 
Originally Posted By: scottmilk9Originally Posted By: 5spdEvery 6.5 Grendel I have seen at the local range has been nothing but problems in the AR15s the owners have built/bought or had custom made. I have seen way to many FTF/Jambs/FTE blown out primer pockets to ever consider owning that caliber.
The one out there yesterday failed to eject, failed to load, one case that was ejected had the primer blown out & his other issue was the bolt not closing, his other was it was not picking up a round & when it did it stove piped going in. 2 rounds had to be hammered out of the chamber on FTE.
I gave him some of my ideas as to what it may be, BUT was talking into the wind in the end.
NOW there are tons of owners w/no issues out there over what I have seen in person.


5spd
In my opinion, those issues happen when the end user doesnt load properly. Too many people want to run the grendel too hot. Ive come into contact with folks who wanted to push their 107gr sierra match bullets 2800-2850fps. Broken bolts and primers being blown is a common problem then.

I have to agree 100%. My Grendel has never had a failure to feed or eject. It loves CFE223 and is an easy 1/2 minute rifle.
 
If you're shooting inside 300 yards go with the 6.8 SPCII and the Hornady 120gr SST. The Hornady 110gr BTHP are pretty good too. Of course the solid copper Barnes bullets are great but pricey. 130gr and 140gr VLD Berger's are premier Elk and Hog stoppers but again; pricey.

Top pick for me is the Hornady 120gr SST for hunting punch and for paper targets. (.400 BC) My best loads are:
26.3grs H322 .266" at 100 yards
27.0grs AA2200 .284" at 100 yards
Both seated at 2.280" with no crimp.

 
The only problems with the Grendel round is user induced loading. Like Scott stated. I now have 3 Grendel's and all are hammers. By far my favorite AR round. But if you aren't reloading a bunch I would consider something else. So my vote is the Grendel and I have all the calibers you are considering.
 
I appreciate all the feed back and information I have gotten on my post. I was going to change this post on the Grendel like I did on the other posting for the 6X45 and 6.8 but figured I might get my wxxwxx smacked for similar double post. Anyway I swapped my 17-223 upper for a 6.8 SPC upper and think it will work out fine here in Fl. Now just have to decide on which bullet for the 6.8. and be lucky enough to find what I want. Thanks again guys for all the help keep it coming if you think of anything.

Thanks
Boom
 
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