Clod Stomper Wrote:I think there is something to this. Check out this wildcat: http://www.ar15armory.com/forums/65mm-Patriot-Combat-Car-t95187.html

I don't think anyone has checked velocity of that round from a shorter barrel yet, but I'm guessing that in a shorter barrel, the 5.56 case based round is more efficient. Not that one can achieve MORE velocity, but similar velocities. Of course, in a longer barrel, or with heavier bullets, the Grendel is going to win out.

I had been considering building either a lightweight pistol upper or 14.5" with a pinned flash suppressor in the PCC round primarily because of better efficiency in short barrels (plus being able to use 5.56 brass and magazines).

I have since shelved that idea in favor of the 7.62x40 Wilson Tactical. No point wasting 6.5 BCs in a short range firearm.

I have only fired a Grendel from 28", 18.5", 18" and 16" barrels. So far, my preferred barrel length is 18" to 18.5". The muzzle blast from the 16 is noticeably sharper than from the 18. To my ears at least. Of course, the 28" was just horribly unwieldy and didn't have enough increased velocity to justify the extra length and weight.

Will

jwilson1985 Wrote:a suppressor will tighten up groups as we it acts like having a longer barrel typicaly adding 30-40 fps

m796rider Wrote:I guess I come at this from a different perspective. Shooting 6.5G out of 16" or 14.5" barrels may not be maximizing the theoretical potential of the cartridge, but external and terminal ballistics still outmatch anything 5.56 has to offer in a rifle package that is reasonably lightweight and maneuverable. In addition, Grendel has factory support as well as factory ammo at very reasonable prices. For me, shooting dot drills and controlled pairs is way more fun than shooting ladder tests and spreadsheeting wildcat loads. I know that stuff is fun and rewarding for a lot of shooters -- just not for me. I'm happy 6.5 Grendel is very useful out of shorter barrels, I'm happy when I shoot my two Grendel rifles, and I'm happy to be here!

Brodady Wrote:Ah, and are there any suppressors available for the Grendel?

m796rider Wrote:I guess I come at this from a different perspective. Shooting 6.5G out of 16" or 14.5" barrels may not be maximizing the theoretical potential of the cartridge, but external and terminal ballistics still outmatch anything 5.56 has to offer in a rifle package that is reasonably lightweight and maneuverable. In addition, Grendel has factory support as well as factory ammo at very reasonable prices. For me, shooting dot drills and controlled pairs is way more fun than shooting ladder tests and spreadsheeting wildcat loads. I know that stuff is fun and rewarding for a lot of shooters -- just not for me. I'm happy 6.5 Grendel is very useful out of shorter barrels, I'm happy when I shoot my two Grendel rifles, and I'm happy to be here!

m796rider Wrote:I guess I come at this from a different perspective. Shooting 6.5G out of 16" or 14.5" barrels may not be maximizing the theoretical potential of the cartridge, but external and terminal ballistics still outmatch anything 5.56 has to offer in a rifle package that is reasonably lightweight and maneuverable. In addition, Grendel has factory support as well as factory ammo at very reasonable prices. For me, shooting dot drills and controlled pairs is way more fun than shooting ladder tests and spreadsheeting wildcat loads. I know that stuff is fun and rewarding for a lot of shooters -- just not for me. I'm happy 6.5 Grendel is very useful out of shorter barrels, I'm happy when I shoot my two Grendel rifles, and I'm happy to be here!

Whelenon Wrote:I couldn't agree more. A lot of splitting hairs on this thread, what's your intended use? Will it perform the way you want it? To say a Grendel is crippled because it has a 16" barrel? I don't think so.

StoneTower Wrote:I would be willing to bet that a .223 case necked up to 6.5mm would give about the same performance out of a 14" barrel as a 6.5 Grendel out of a 14" barrel.