Why the 6.5 Grendel? For me.......

[usmcm16a2]

Folks,


Why the switch from the 6.5X55 Swede to the 6.5 Grendel. The first thought of change happened when I was humping my bolt action through the woods. It was clumsey, heavy and follow up shots were slower.
I had 2 bare AR15 receivers sitting in my safe. I though for a moment, coyote hunt with the AR. So my first build was done with a Spikes Tactical lower pars kit enhanced. A Magpul Milspec buttstock, and a Palmetto State Armory 16" 1:7 Freedom upper. Started make up loads for the 55gr TTSX, and was getting great results, groups .45 at 100 yards.
Took it hunting bagged my first yote, boiler room shot at 171 yards. BAM, DRT. Again that weekend changed my thinking, in California it is legal to use .223 on deer. BUT, I am a deer hunter also, and would not want to use the .223 on deer. I started looking around and the 6.5 calibers in the AR15. 6.5 Creedmoore, .308 action, more weight, hellishly good accuracy. Then I saw the Grendel.
Highly efficient cartridge, 6.5 accuracy, short/long range punch, efficient to reload. Can build a cartidge that can handle medium sized game, in the light AR15 platform. Quick follow up shots. Easy to reload, effciency beyond belief, wide arry of bullets and powders. Low recoil, this offers the huge benefits of the AR system with the accuracy of the 6.5 bullets. Good bye .223, A2

[BluntForceTrauma]

Good summary!

[ricsmall]

Great summary. I'm sure most of us here share those feelings. The grr was my first 6.5, now I have a260 AI, and will soon hopefully have a grr bolt gun.

Richard

[usmcm16a2]

Folks,



As I said in my original post, I wanted the punch of the 6.5G with the compactness of the AR15. The Swede is a fine round and one of the best designed cartridges ever produced. But it is a full length cartridge, and requires more space, more brass, more powder.
I just sold my Tikka T3 Sporter, I had high hopes when I bought it. I shot it twice, it was an outstanding example of the rifle makers art. BUT it was heavy, 12-15 pounds. I had big ideas of being a bench shooter, but it never panned out.
My true joy is shooting a light compact rifle from the bench, enjoying a highly accurate cartridge. In addition, when I am in the field, hunting, I want a rifle that is light and compact but with a punch.
I understand the Tikka was designed as a target rifle, but the AR15 in 6.5G wins. I adjusted my FL resizer die, and my WFT is ready. Have parts for 2 uppers in-bound! A2

[lamrith]

Welcome and great summary. I too love the 6.5 grendel in ar15. Very similar situation, looking for a light recoiling hunting legal caliber in AR15, mine is 9.5# with optic.

Grendel can handle big game not just medium, the hunter need to understand the round and its envelope and choose an appropriate bullet, but there are folks on this board hunting Elk with them with success. The gentle recoil is what lets the hunter put the round right where it needs to go and that produces DRT results.

[customcutter]

Yes, my first 6.5 was a model 38 Swedish Mauser, customized it myself. Couldn't see paying the smith $3000. The Grendel was a no brainer. It does everything it did and better. Well except for case capacity.

[BluntForceTrauma]

I sold an original, military wood-stocked M38 Swede, as well (all matching serial numbers!). The brass disk on the stock said the bore was in excellent condition. I put a pistol scope on it in the "scout" position. It was cool, but not cool enough to shed tears over. 6.5 Grendel for the win!

[usmcm16a2]

BFT,



I went from M96s to Tikkas to Howas, I thought I was set. I thought the 6.5 Swede would be the end all. But after hauling a bolt action around on coyote hunts. Nope.
As I first posted, follow up shots were slower, scope off the target after a running target. .223 a great round, AR great platform. My 16 inch PSA, .45 inch groups, with 55gr TTSX light weight. But I miss the 6.5 accuracy and punch. The bolt guns were great, but I want to be out in the wilds enjoying the sun, air,trees and carry something with punch.A2