Choosing the right Grendel barrel lenth

[XcountryRider]

I made this chart to help those deciding on what barrel length to use for hunting purposes. These numbers are at zero elevation. As you go up in elevation so does your max effective hunting range.

[Klem]

Interesting...based on the premise of 1,800+ fps, yes?

Depends why you have a Grendel in an AR receiver I suppose...

Not much difference between 400 and 500 yards for such a big difference in rifle weight and profile. I have always thought that if you are wanting a 24" barrel with all the length and weight that goes with it you may as well go an AR10 platform and use .260Rem for similar weight, same bullet and more case capacity. It is all about proportion; the receiver (which is a light-weight AR15 frame) the barrel length, and the scope. So, big scopes and long barrels belong on larger receivers for more dedicated supported shooting.

Yes, we love our Grendels but to put it in perspective the AR15 is a light-weight alloy receiver, designed as a short-medium range auto-loading military platform for 10-20" barrels. 400yards form a 16" barrel is plenty of range for most shots you will take in normal country. Anything further and your group size is getting larger than the kill zone on the target and you should be looking at stronger receivers capable of more precision to ensure early kills. Dare I say it... a bolt gun in a larger calibre with a longer barrel and a bigger scope, for long shots from a supported shooting position.

[XcountryRider]

Interesting...based on the premise of 1,800+ fps, yes?

Depends why you have a Grendel in an AR receiver I suppose...

Not much difference between 400 and 500 yards for such a big difference in rifle weight and profile. I have always thought that if you are wanting a 24" barrel with all the length and weight that goes with it you may as well go an AR10 platform and use .260Rem for similar weight, same bullet and more case capacity. It is all about proportion; the receiver (which is a light-weight AR15 frame) the barrel length, and the scope. So, big scopes and long barrels belong on larger receivers for more dedicated supported shooting.

Yes, we love our Grendels but to put it in perspective the AR15 is a light-weight alloy receiver, designed as a short-medium range auto-loading military platform for 10-20" barrels. 400yards form a 16" barrel is plenty of range for most shots you will take in normal country. Anything further and your group size is getting larger than the kill zone on the target and you should be looking at stronger receivers capable of more precision to ensure early kills. Dare I say it... a bolt gun in a larger calibre with a longer barrel and a bigger scope, for long shots from a supported shooting position.

I agree with you for hunting its 16 to 20in. I like the 18in i have. The S&W M&P10 .308 is less than 8lbs with a 18in barrel that should deliver a 150gr SST at around 2700fps with a 460yard effective hunting range. That makes more sense than carrying a 24in Grendel in the woods to me. A 20in grendel will have close to that same effective hunting range.

[Michael]

Why 1800FPS? I though Hornady recommended an impact velocity of 2000+ for full expansion?

[XcountryRider]

Why 1800FPS? I though Hornady recommended an impact velocity of 2000+ for full expansion?

They have also said 1700fps so 1800 is a nice medium spot to make a point with.

[Michael]

They have also said 1700fps so 1800 is a nice medium spot to make a point with.

OK. Thanks.

[lrgrendel]

I made this chart to help those deciding on what barrel length to use for hunting purposes. These numbers are at zero elevation. As you go up in elevation so does your max effective hunting range.

Very nice and informative chart!

So I have a 24" and I shoot it to 1000yds. I am going hunting in the morning and am very happy to use the same rifle.
I don't live in Colorado and am not hiking a great distance around any mountains.

One gun for both purposes. Not sure you can argue with that.

[XcountryRider]

Its funny hearing the 6.8SPC crowd saying the 6.8SPC is so efficient in the 16in barrel but the Grendel "needs" longer barrels. The 16in Grendel has a longer effective hunting range than a 20in 6.8SPC.