11-11-2012, 07:30 PM
amedeo1227 Wrote:I do plan to compete, i currently don't. I am signing up as soon as i get a break from work. I have a friend at work that is getting me into it. Most guys from what I read use 308's, but I don't want to dump a lot of money into a new rifle, when I love my AR. So for the record, I plan on competing more than hunting with the Grendel. I get to play a little bit with my 5.56 AR, but I want to step up with a Grendel before I compete.
To be honest, I'm not sure of what all the competitions are either. I guess a better description would be to say - I want to have a rifle with more "umfff" at longer ranges, I feel like the 5.56 at 600 yards is like throwing pebbles. I feel like I would be more confident to enter these matches with a Grendel, being less effected by wind and straighter trajectory. I dont want to go into the competitions with the wrong rifle, wishing in a couple of months I didnt get chrome lined or with I got a 24" or something like that.
Amedo:
The loads guys are using with their 5.56 AR's are equal to or superior to any safe Grendel load. You won't get an advantage from a Grendel over a handloaded 5.56 at 600 yards if your intent is to punch holes through paper. Same goes for wind. And trajectory really doesn't mean anything for Known Distance shooting such as NRA High Power or F-Class. Trajectory does mean something when you get into those Sniper types of competition where you don't know the range and the targets vary in size, and you will win or lose given hits at distances past about 500 yards. And, the mass of the heavier 6.5 bullets compared to 5.56 will mean something if you must knock over steel targets to score.
You need to figure out what competitive venues you want to attend, then read their regulations concerning rifles or carbines, then attend one of the competitions to see first hand how they are run and the equipment guys use. Note similarities between competitors equipment as that is probably how you will have to go if they are governed by a rule or if they are just the best fit for the sport. A 16" carbine with its folding stock won't do for NRA High Power if you intend on being above the lowest five percent at a big cost to you in ammo. However, a 26" barrel probably won't do in Three Gun or IPSC due to its length.
Some guys here shoot High Power. Some guys shoot IPSC or Three Gun. Some shoot Sniper Competitions or F Class. Some are highly skilled in short and long range tactical applications. The rifles and carbines used in these applications will differ based on the application and the differences will be significant.
Identify the sport you want to get into and from that sport or application, requirements will fall out very easily.
LR1955