08-26-2011, 12:08 PM
The Grendel compares very favorably with the .243 Winchester. There's a series of three articles at ShootersNotes.com that carry a comparison of one load each for 6.5 Grendel, .243 Win, 6.8 SPC, .257 Roberts, 30-30, and .223 Rem:
http://shootersnotes.com/grendelmania/wh...e-grendel/
http://shootersnotes.com/grendelmania/gr...arge-game/
http://shootersnotes.com/grendelmania/ho...im-points/
The real trade is a reduced point blank range in the Grendel in return for superior energy and penetration potential at all ranges.
The Grendel load used in that discussion was Alexander Arms offering of the 129 gr Hornady SST. More recent and lighter hunting bullet offerings should make the near-in trajectory more comfortable while not unduly sacrificing lethality out to beyond 400-500 yards.
Also, the analysis supporting the article was for 24" barrels. The muzzle velocities, trajectories, etc. would be different for the shorter barrel. A question will be how much trade you are willing to make for ballistic performance versus easy handling and carrying.
I believe there are folks in this forum who have used and carried Grendels and other AR's in barrel lengths from 10" to 26" and possibly longer. Their comments will be illuminating.
http://shootersnotes.com/grendelmania/wh...e-grendel/
http://shootersnotes.com/grendelmania/gr...arge-game/
http://shootersnotes.com/grendelmania/ho...im-points/
The real trade is a reduced point blank range in the Grendel in return for superior energy and penetration potential at all ranges.
The Grendel load used in that discussion was Alexander Arms offering of the 129 gr Hornady SST. More recent and lighter hunting bullet offerings should make the near-in trajectory more comfortable while not unduly sacrificing lethality out to beyond 400-500 yards.
Also, the analysis supporting the article was for 24" barrels. The muzzle velocities, trajectories, etc. would be different for the shorter barrel. A question will be how much trade you are willing to make for ballistic performance versus easy handling and carrying.
I believe there are folks in this forum who have used and carried Grendels and other AR's in barrel lengths from 10" to 26" and possibly longer. Their comments will be illuminating.