10-27-2011, 12:54 PM
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!
I'm with you. That's what drew me to the Grendel in the first place. It is useful at close range. It can be used in a lightweight AR, but can still reach out and be effective at 600+ yards. I'm a practical shooter and I strive to be well-rounded. I enjoy the close range "run and gun" as well as true marksmanship from a distance. Never from a bench, though. I'm not saying I'm all that great, but I'm trying to be.
I don't worry about factory support. The only factory ammo I buy is stuff that is cheaper to buy than to load (5.56, 7.62x39, etc.). I also build my own ARs, so if something goes wrong, it's my baby. I'll fix it.
I don't mind load development, but I definitely don't get as involved as many on here. As long as I have a few safe, effective loads to use, I'll be happy. I'll let others do the load development and learn from them.
The great thing about 5.56 based wildcats is the fact that, as long as I have dies and plenty of bullets (either 6.5 or .30), I'll always have ammo. Don't need factory ammo or support.
Brodady, my recommendation would be the 18" barrel/bolt kit from AA. (Nothing wrong with the 16" either.) You can sometimes get a good deal on the forum fundraiser barrels from Hanka. It's long enough to get good velocity, but light enough to carry anywhere as long as you don't weigh it down with a bunch of extraneous doo-dads.
But by all means, find someone who has knowledge and experience building ARs and have them guide you through it at least once. It's not difficult as long as you have the right tools, but it's also easy to screw up without enough knowledge.
Will