Availability "off the shelf" Bolt-Action Grendels

[LRRPF52]

I've always thought if I build a bolt gun it will be a creedmoor. You guys are starting to make me second guess myself...

Either is a great choice, but the performance difference might warrant one over the other. In a bolt gun, that performance gap closes a lot, but the higher case capacity will of course edge out in any of the 6.5-08's, or 6.5 Hornady TC in the Creedmoor's case.

The main thing that would make me lean to the Grendel in a bolt gun is more affordable ammo, and the very light recoil that allows you to sit at the range all day and just practice without any consideration for recoil fatigue.

The main thing that would make me lean to the 6.5 Creedmoor or .260 Remington is longer range performance at 700-1300yds for target shooting. For common and intermediate range hunting, the Grendel makes more sense if you want a lightweight rifle with faster follow-up shots.

For the hand-loader, when looking at bullets like the 129gr ABLR from Nosler, or the Hornady 120gr GMX, a little mountain or prairie rifle chambered in 6.5 Grendel delivers large game harvesting ability, as well as terminal performance at ranges most hunters are not capable of exploiting. That 129gr ABLR expands down to 1300fps, and has a BC of .561 G1, .285 G7. Spit that puppy out at even a moderate 2500fps (which is doable from even the AR15), and you have expansion out to 925yds. You still have 900ft-lbs of energy out to 525yds.

The Creedmoor will just give you a bit flatter trajectory, and less wind drift, with even more performance that can't be used by most of us. I personally am not taking the shot unless I have a register at those distances past 500yds, and I can register with the Grendel just the same. The Creedmoor with a 129gr ABLR hand load retains 900ft-lbs out past 700yds, and expansion out to 1125yds.

If I'm looking for a dedicated long-range hunting rifle, I think George Gardner has it right with the 6.5 SAUM, which is a very well-balanced rifle, laser-like trajectory, low recoil, and he prefers the 130gr Bergers that expand well at extreme long range. Finding brass for that cartridge is a different ballgame, but those that have the money for long range hunting seem to be able to horde it when they find it.

For the more common hunting distances, especially within 500yds, I think there are several good arguments for the 6.5 Grendel in a bolt gun. I would love to see an offering from Blaser with their straight pull action in the European market especially. I have also approached Nosler with the concept of a lightweight mountain rifle, since they sell Grendel brass, and the new line of ABLR projectiles. A custom Nosler hunting load line of ammunition would go beautifully with a new micro action from them fashioned off the M48 formula.