6.5mm Grendel?

[Hayden]

Anyone shooting 6.5 Grendel in thier AR? Looking at building a dedicated Grendel AR for hunting. Would like to know your thoughts with this over the 300BLK. Or maybe a different barrel and BCG for the LMT instead of another gun.

Hayden.

 

[Lineman73]

I chose the .300 AAC Blackout!

I had an S&W M&P Sport that's purpose was recreational shooting and coyote hunting. While I know there are 5.56/.223loads that can be used on deer, I wanted something that had a bit more authority. I did weeks of research with the criteria of: 1. reliability in an AR platform, 2. cost of new upper and any other items required for the caliber change over, 3. range of bullet weights available and 4. availability of commercial ammunition. After checking into all of these, I came to the conclusion that the .300 AAC Blackout was what I was looking for.

Since it is a 5.56mm necked up to .30 caliber, the Blackout can use standard AR-15 magazines and it will reliably function in the AR platform. I found uppers ranging from $549 (CMMG) to $899 (AAC)- I chose a S&W quad rail upper for $749 (just to have an S&W upper and lower). Last of all, loads are available form 85 to 220 grain bullets covering velocity ranges from supersonic to sub-sonic. While not the fastest velocity, it should get the job done for shots under 200 yards.

Just my thoughts. I did look at the grendel, but found it too limited in several areas to be realistically considered. Hope this info proves useful to you.

 

[caromrk]

I love 6.5mm, got a bolt action Grendel and two '96 Swedes. great bullet selection, good enough ballistics for target shooting and all sorts of game. I love my Grendel.

That said, if I was looking for a AR rifle, I would go for the 300 Blackout.

For each caliber reloading is the best option due to the newness of each cartridge, and the expense/limited availability of factory stuff. Brass for the Grendel is not cheap, and I would cringe each time I popped off a round, wondering if I would ever find the brass. 300 BO can be easily made from 223 brass which is plentiful and cheap. Bullet selection is great for both.

The bolts in 6.5 have had some issues, so if going that route you need to get quality components, which equals more money.

I just don't have the money to have a good AR in 6.5. To me the 300 BO would be a lot easier on my wallet and I would actually get to shoot it enough to enjoy it.

The only reason I would go the 6.5 route is if I was planning on doing more long range shooting. I think the 6.5 has much better ballistics and would be better in this regard.

If money was not a problem, yeah I'd get the Grendel, but then I'd also have the funds to get another upper in 300 BO....