AR Variants

[CJJohn]

I'm starting to really look into another round for the AR. What are some of the variants you chose, and why?
My primary purpose is medium game (hogs, deer) out to 4-500 yards. Because of the distance I'm leaning towards 6.5 Grendel with the 6.8 SPC a close second.
I do reload and there are a lot of bullet choices for the 6.8 (.270). I plan on hitting most of the local stores today just to see what has the highest availability on the shelves. Thanks for your input.

[gpark09]

My shooting/hunting buddy went with 6.5 Grendel. Of course, I get to shoot it all the time and it does do it's job alright. The pig we kill was inside of 100, so I can't really say how well it will perform outside of 300 though.

I like 6.8 SPC, too. But, it's not that easy to get around its components, parts, data and whatever. Just haven't seen any 6.8 SPC around. That's the reason for 6.5 Grendel build.

[dscoduc]

6.5 Grendel is the ticket... Check out 65grendel.com for more information from a large number of hunters who rely on that round.

[KT_SF]

I'm starting to really look into another round for the AR. What are some of the variants you chose, and why?
My primary purpose is medium game (hogs, deer) out to 4-500 yards. Because of the distance I'm leaning towards 6.5 Grendel with the 6.8 SPC a close second.
I do reload and there are a lot of bullet choices for the 6.8 (.270). I plan on hitting most of the local stores today just to see what has the highest availability on the shelves. Thanks for your input.

Keep in mind that at short/medium hunting distances, 6.8 SPC II is optimized for shorter/lighter barrels (e.g. 16 inches and shorter), whereas 6.5 Grendel really shines with longer barrels (e.g. 20" -24").

However, the golden age for 6.8 SPC ammo was a couple of years ago, back when bonded Federal gold dots (probably surplus from the Saudi Arabia Royal Guard military contract) was available cheap at Palmetto State Armory ... inexpensive brass for reloading is harder to find nowadays

[Jimi Jah]

Commie 7.62x39 is a hard hitter to 300 yards. I use Grendel for long range.

[CJJohn]

Keep in mind that at short/medium hunting distances, 6.8 SPC II is optimized for shorter/lighter barrels (e.g. 16 inches and shorter), whereas 6.5 Grendel really shines with longer barrels (e.g. 20" -24").

However, the golden age for 6.8 SPC ammo was a couple of years ago, back when bonded Federal gold dots (probably surplus from the Saudi Arabia Royal Guard military contract) was available cheap at Palmetto State Armory ... inexpensive brass for reloading is harder to find nowadays

I have read all of this, I am thinking 18" barrel. I know it will give up some of the long distance, but I doubt I'll have a shot over 500..ever. If I do I will stalk more and get closer.

[CJJohn]

Commie 7.62x39 is a hard hitter to 300 yards. I use Grendel for long range.

Agreed, but I also know there "can" be some feeding issues with the x39 and the AR platform. I have no experience with this first hand though.

[dscoduc]

The 6.5 Grendel with a long barrel is great for 300-800 yards but let's not forget that it can perform with a shorter barrel...

[ozarkpugs@gmail.com]

Before you buy check out AR performance page . The 6.8 out of 16 " - 18" barrel is faster than 6.5 with same barrels and if you hand load the 16" 6.8 is faster than the 6.5 24" The Speer 90 gd is available as a re load component as is the accubond and Hornady SST plus the Hornady bthp and numerous other bullets. The 6.5 case is prone to bulging where unprotected at the rear and if you try to load to equal 6.8 you will end up with broken bolts as that limits the 6.5. Bottom line is the only way a 6.5 is on top is if it's a 24" barrel shooting factory 6.8 and over 500 yards . Seriously if you can compensate 36" drop and 24" wind drift for 6.5 at long range you can surely compensate 4" drop and 30 " drift.

Sent from my Moto E (4) using Tapatalk

[alpha_romeo_XV]

Just retested my 7.62x39 and got 100% feed (100 rounds) after the DIY dremel tool work on the mags and feed ramp. 10 minute job.
I tested FMJ, HP and lead tip. It seems the soft lead tip bullets get the tip deformed a bit during feed. I guess lead tip would be good for hunting but I've never seen a lead tip 224 bullet so feed data there to compare with.
How often to hunters take shots at 500 yards?

[CJJohn]

Before you buy check out AR performance page . The 6.8 out of 16 " - 18" barrel is faster than 6.5 with same barrels and if you hand load the 16" 6.8 is faster than the 6.5 24" The Speer 90 gd is available as a re load component as is the accubond and Hornady SST plus the Hornady bthp and numerous other bullets. The 6.5 case is prone to bulging where unprotected at the rear and if you try to load to equal 6.8 you will end up with broken bolts as that limits the 6.5. Bottom line is the only way a 6.5 is on top is if it's a 24" barrel shooting factory 6.8 and over 500 yards . Seriously if you can compensate 36" drop and 24" wind drift for 6.5 at long range you can surely compensate 4" drop and 30 " drift.

Sent from my Moto E (4) using Tapatalk

Interesting, thanks for the info. I'm going to look into this some more.....

[CJJohn]

Just retested my 7.62x39 and got 100% feed (100 rounds) after the DIY dremel tool work on the mags and feed ramp. 10 minute job.
I tested FMJ, HP and lead tip. It seems the soft lead tip bullets get the tip deformed a bit during feed. I guess lead tip would be good for hunting but I've never seen a lead tip 224 bullet so feed data there to compare with.
How often to hunters take shots at 500 yards?

I have read the issues can be corrected, thanks for the confirming. As for 500 yard shots, depending on ammo, and the rifle I would take the shot...... once I was confident with the platform.

[ozarkpugs@gmail.com]

I'm not knocking the 6.5 it's a good gun and if your wanting a 750 yard target gun and don't mind a 24" barrel it is what you want . I have a 18" &16"&12.5 ARP 6.8 and have taken numerous game with them ,all three are sub moa .

Interesting, thanks for the info. I'm going to look into this some more.....

Sent from my Moto E (4) using Tapatalk

[dscoduc]

I'm not knocking the 6.5 it's a good gun and if your wanting a 750 yard target gun and don't mind a 24" barrel it is what you want . I have a 18" &16"&12.5 ARP 6.8 and have taken numerous game with them ,all three are sub moa .

Sent from my Moto E (4) using Tapatalk

No worries. But let's be clear, the16" and 18" 6.5 Grendel rifle is neck and neck with the 6.8... The original Alexander Arms 6.5 Grendel is 18" and the ballistics are great.

Good reading if you are interested: http://abesguncave.com/6-5-grendel-v...t-perspective/

To the Grendel and SPC Fanboys: Girls you’re both pretty. Now can you stop bickering and move along?

[CJJohn]

I'm not knocking the 6.5 it's a good gun and if your wanting a 750 yard target gun and don't mind a 24" barrel it is what you want . I have a 18" &16"&12.5 ARP 6.8 and have taken numerous game with them ,all three are sub moa .

Sent from my Moto E (4) using Tapatalk

In reality 400 yards will be pushing it, and I will be in some thick brush occasionally. I would rather have something a little "handier" than a 24" barrel. I'm going to have to read a little more on re-loading the 6.8.....