Golfanaticshooter
Member
I did a 6.5 Grendel about a year ago and am very happy with it. Next is 224 Valkyrie. Why? Because.
2nd AR 15 Upper Chambering?
- Thread starter ExAgoradzo
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I get a kick out of the dislike that some have for the 6.8 SPC.
Here is what I currently own:
22lr - both rifle and pistol because everyone should have multiple 22 guns
5.56 - pistol, carbine, DMR, and classic A2 - I had to have an A2 like I carried in the Army to go with my 1911
6.8 SPC - good for deer hunting where I live.
9mm - pistol made to look like a COLT SMG - it's just plain fun to shoot
I have a stripped lower and upper that want to be built, I just haven't decided on what yet. Hmmmm 45ACP, another 22, 300 Blackout, or maybe the new 6mm ARC. To add to the dilemma , do I want to build a pistol or rifle with all choices except 6mm ARC. I personally don't have a need for a 7.62x39 upper since I have that covered with other types of rifles.
Here is what I currently own:
22lr - both rifle and pistol because everyone should have multiple 22 guns
5.56 - pistol, carbine, DMR, and classic A2 - I had to have an A2 like I carried in the Army to go with my 1911
6.8 SPC - good for deer hunting where I live.
9mm - pistol made to look like a COLT SMG - it's just plain fun to shoot
I have a stripped lower and upper that want to be built, I just haven't decided on what yet. Hmmmm 45ACP, another 22, 300 Blackout, or maybe the new 6mm ARC. To add to the dilemma , do I want to build a pistol or rifle with all choices except 6mm ARC. I personally don't have a need for a 7.62x39 upper since I have that covered with other types of rifles.
OP
OP
ExAgoradzo
Member
It seems to me the 22lr shouldn’t count. But it prob does. I’ll leave that to an opportunity purchase: I happen to have cash available and I happen to see one...
the SOCOM or Bush seems to me to be an excellent #3. Obvious attraction: but prob not #2.
So, Grendel or SPC. Tell me if you think my reasoning is sound.
1. I hate when there is a cartridge that gets off the ground then it changes. Remington seems to like to do that. So the SPC has a 1/2 mark against it.
2. The SPC has a better record with shorter barrels. I’m thinking 18”. But as noted in the Hornady info above the 16” on the Gren isnt bad. Even score on this one.
3. Inside 300 the differences are small if existent. Even score on this.
4. A quick perusal of OTC ammo choices seems barely to prefer the Gren. 1/2 point Gren.
5. ??? What am I missing?
so far is +1 Gren
All opinions are still welcome!
Greg
the SOCOM or Bush seems to me to be an excellent #3. Obvious attraction: but prob not #2.
So, Grendel or SPC. Tell me if you think my reasoning is sound.
1. I hate when there is a cartridge that gets off the ground then it changes. Remington seems to like to do that. So the SPC has a 1/2 mark against it.
2. The SPC has a better record with shorter barrels. I’m thinking 18”. But as noted in the Hornady info above the 16” on the Gren isnt bad. Even score on this one.
3. Inside 300 the differences are small if existent. Even score on this.
4. A quick perusal of OTC ammo choices seems barely to prefer the Gren. 1/2 point Gren.
5. ??? What am I missing?
so far is +1 Gren
All opinions are still welcome!
Greg
7.62x39
300 Blackout
300 Hamm'r
It really boils down to what your intended use is going to be. If it's just going to be a range toy it's really hard to beat 7.62x39 based on ammo costs.
If you reload then 300 Blackout is a good option if you want a suppressor. Or the 300 Hamm'r for better ballistics for supersonic loads.
300 Blackout
300 Hamm'r
It really boils down to what your intended use is going to be. If it's just going to be a range toy it's really hard to beat 7.62x39 based on ammo costs.
If you reload then 300 Blackout is a good option if you want a suppressor. Or the 300 Hamm'r for better ballistics for supersonic loads.
FL-NC
Member
I wouldn't. I would buy an AR10 in 308.
CapnMac
Member
Plenty of good ideas above.
A couple of those actually want a different lower.
But, uppers usually breed lowers, meant to or not, so that can be self-correcting.
6 ARC is going to be a contender; .240 ruger is another good choice. The .450 or .458 are also interesting. Blackout is also interesting, but really only in some very short barrels, or rather long, and there are some issue if you are using only one lower, as you absolutely have to pay attention to what's in the magazine at all times.
A couple of those actually want a different lower.
But, uppers usually breed lowers, meant to or not, so that can be self-correcting.
6 ARC is going to be a contender; .240 ruger is another good choice. The .450 or .458 are also interesting. Blackout is also interesting, but really only in some very short barrels, or rather long, and there are some issue if you are using only one lower, as you absolutely have to pay attention to what's in the magazine at all times.
Demi-human
maybe likes firearms a little bit…
Grendel.
- It’s named after an awesome monster.
- It has better case geometry.
- It use the proper diameter bullet.
- It is much more accurate.
- Chicks dig it.
- It makes you look thinner.
- It sets you up for a pairing with the Beowulf.
- A terrible case construction.
- An unholy diameter bullet, that will not work even with a bigger case.
- Bullets with terrible BC’s.
- Cartridges that make my AR look fat.
- Magazines that are dumb, with a hook in them.
- It does not make you a hunter because a hunter once used that caliber.
Between those two, flip a coin, pick which one sounds cooler to you, bet on a horse race. Which one do you like?(6.5*cough*)
My dislike is irrational and complete. Whether it was who told me about it, an ad, a forum discussion, whatever. I do not like the doofus 6.8.
Now, if that bad boy was necked down to, like .224, and given an awesome name, maybe like 22 WarGoddess or something. And actually get SAMMI acceptance. Then I could be on board...
I
OP,
As you can clearly see. 6.8 SPC is the red headed step child of the AR calibers just as 40S&W is the red headed stepchild of pistols calibers. Now if I had a dime for every time I heard or read that 40S&W and/or 6.8 SPC were dead, I would be freaking rich
As you can clearly see. 6.8 SPC is the red headed step child of the AR calibers just as 40S&W is the red headed stepchild of pistols calibers. Now if I had a dime for every time I heard or read that 40S&W and/or 6.8 SPC were dead, I would be freaking rich
Demi-human
maybe likes firearms a little bit…
Don’t kill them off!
I won’t have any once fired brass to neck down to 357 Sig or 224 Valkyrie!
Now, if a guy got a killer deal on the 6.8 barrel and bolt that would be different...
I won’t have any once fired brass to neck down to 357 Sig or 224 Valkyrie!
Now, if a guy got a killer deal on the 6.8 barrel and bolt that would be different...
I built my 6.8 SPC upper back when it was more available than 6.5 was. I'll keep my "red headed stepchild" as long as I can get factory ammo and/or all the reloading supplies for it, along with the few guns I have in 40S&W (to include a Hi-Point carbine)
Gojo03
Member
- Joined
- Jan 11, 2012
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- 67
I went back and forth for awhile between 6.5G and 6.8 before I actually built the 6.8. There are several reasons why I picked it, but for normal hunting distances you can literally flip a coin and pick one and it would be fine. First, I went to several stores in my area to see what ammo was available. It was a noticeable difference in selection leaning to the 6.8. Second, I wanted to get the shortest barrel I could while keeping velocity up. Everything I read said the 16 inch barrel would work great with the 6.8 but the 6.5 likes longer barrels. Third, since I have many 270 rifles, if I ever end up reloading I'll have an investment in the bullets anyway.
After taking a Doe with it last year I have no doubts in it at all, but I think the 6.5g would have produced the same outcome.
After taking a Doe with it last year I have no doubts in it at all, but I think the 6.5g would have produced the same outcome.
js8588
Member
Grendel's have a weird way of multiplying. First I built a 24 inch target gun, then a 16 inch hunting setup. Now I have 18 & 12 inch barrels just waiting to get built around, then there's the CZ 527 & Howa mini action (gawd are those Howas smoooooth...) Oh and I have a 19 inch handguard & a Mega side charging upper waiting for the day I have the spare cash for a 20 inch Proof barrel...
I would say 6.5 Grendel, but my second was actually 450 Bushmaster. Depends on your needs.
Here we have a straight wall pistol cartridge law for deer hunting in the southern part of the state. The 450 fits the length limits of that law hence the choice. I have a few different choices for hunting northern MI, but up until recently was limited to either shotgun slug or black powder for the southern part of MI,
-Jeff
Here we have a straight wall pistol cartridge law for deer hunting in the southern part of the state. The 450 fits the length limits of that law hence the choice. I have a few different choices for hunting northern MI, but up until recently was limited to either shotgun slug or black powder for the southern part of MI,
-Jeff
Since my renewed interest in ARs kicked in a while back, I've found that I really like ARs in the form of SBRs/Pistols. They are really handy. I am a smaller guy so for me, they just plain make sense.
In the past few months, I've built a 10.5", which is soon going to be an 11.3" in 5.56. I followed that up with a dedicated .22 build. I went the whole route. Dedicated upper and a dedicated lower with last round bolt hold open. No kidding, as of this past weekend, I have something between 13 and 15K rounds through that thing. Been through two firing pin springs. A firing pin. An extractor, and extractor spring. Cracked a bolt frame (which CMMG replaced quick as lightning), and every time I shoot it, I think "I should have built one of these YEARS ago." I shoot that thing so much that the cost of .22 ammo is becoming something more than just a negligible expense. The little 9" CMMG barrel is very accurate too. I've never shot it for groups, but hitting golf balls at 100 yards is very easy to do.
I have two builds in the works right now. I'm sticking the the shorter barrels and rounds that do well in shorter barrels. I ordered a 350 legend barrel that has just been sitting there. I think the fire for the will burn hotter when I am geared up to load the ammo for it. I'm still on the fence on a few things too. Like red dot or LPVO and whether to do a whole build or just an upper.
I did order all of the parts for a 9mm build also. Those will be in this week...I hope. I went with an Aero upper that does have the dust cover, but does not have a forward assist, since I'll be using a Faxon BCG that has no provisions for a FA. The barrel is going to be a 5.5" Ballistic Advantage. For now, I'm going to be using a lower that I have laying around until I decide to go Colt or Glock pattern magazines, although I'm leaning toward Colt right now. I'll be uisng Mean Endo mag conversions in the mean time.
Once I finish the 9mm, the 350 legend is gonna get built. I'm in south Louisiana and even when hunting, shooting past 200 yards is rare. I'm sticking to up close stuff.
Just whatever you do decide on, pick something with a good availability for magazines and commercial ammo. It's always good to be able to find ammo in a pinch. They sell 350 Legend at Academy for $.50 a round.
In the past few months, I've built a 10.5", which is soon going to be an 11.3" in 5.56. I followed that up with a dedicated .22 build. I went the whole route. Dedicated upper and a dedicated lower with last round bolt hold open. No kidding, as of this past weekend, I have something between 13 and 15K rounds through that thing. Been through two firing pin springs. A firing pin. An extractor, and extractor spring. Cracked a bolt frame (which CMMG replaced quick as lightning), and every time I shoot it, I think "I should have built one of these YEARS ago." I shoot that thing so much that the cost of .22 ammo is becoming something more than just a negligible expense. The little 9" CMMG barrel is very accurate too. I've never shot it for groups, but hitting golf balls at 100 yards is very easy to do.
I have two builds in the works right now. I'm sticking the the shorter barrels and rounds that do well in shorter barrels. I ordered a 350 legend barrel that has just been sitting there. I think the fire for the will burn hotter when I am geared up to load the ammo for it. I'm still on the fence on a few things too. Like red dot or LPVO and whether to do a whole build or just an upper.
I did order all of the parts for a 9mm build also. Those will be in this week...I hope. I went with an Aero upper that does have the dust cover, but does not have a forward assist, since I'll be using a Faxon BCG that has no provisions for a FA. The barrel is going to be a 5.5" Ballistic Advantage. For now, I'm going to be using a lower that I have laying around until I decide to go Colt or Glock pattern magazines, although I'm leaning toward Colt right now. I'll be uisng Mean Endo mag conversions in the mean time.
Once I finish the 9mm, the 350 legend is gonna get built. I'm in south Louisiana and even when hunting, shooting past 200 yards is rare. I'm sticking to up close stuff.
Just whatever you do decide on, pick something with a good availability for magazines and commercial ammo. It's always good to be able to find ammo in a pinch. They sell 350 Legend at Academy for $.50 a round.
greyling22
Member
my 2nd upper would be a 9mm. it is much quieter, cheaper, and more pleasant to shoot. Especially in the cmmg radially delayed action.
my 2nd upper if I wanted to hunt would be the 6.5grendel. Cheap wolf blaster ammo is available, and the 6.5g hits harder than 5.56 at every distance in every barrel length, with lower pressures, a more pleasant report(deeper tone) and less muzzle blast. The only negative I can see is the higher cost of nice ammo and reduced magazine capacity.
my 2nd upper if I wanted to hunt would be the 6.5grendel. Cheap wolf blaster ammo is available, and the 6.5g hits harder than 5.56 at every distance in every barrel length, with lower pressures, a more pleasant report(deeper tone) and less muzzle blast. The only negative I can see is the higher cost of nice ammo and reduced magazine capacity.
Chuck R.
Member
In ARs I've currently got:
5.56
.223 Wylde
.300AAC
9mm
All of my hunting and serious TGT guns are bolt actions, I just have something against doing any kind of brass prep and having it eject "somewhere". However, I'm looking at putting together a SPR type rifle this summer it will be in .223 with another Wylde chamber, just cause the purpose is for "distance plinking" and occasional coyotes. .223 will suffice and I won't loose sleep over loosing brass.
5.56
.223 Wylde
.300AAC
9mm
All of my hunting and serious TGT guns are bolt actions, I just have something against doing any kind of brass prep and having it eject "somewhere". However, I'm looking at putting together a SPR type rifle this summer it will be in .223 with another Wylde chamber, just cause the purpose is for "distance plinking" and occasional coyotes. .223 will suffice and I won't loose sleep over loosing brass.
Riomouse911
Member
7.62x39 was my second caliber.
As was stated by others, it’s accurate in the AR compared to other com-bloc rifles and it’s inexpensive if you just want to plink. (Good ammo is more accurate and better for hunting, but a bit pricier.)
A lot of the other caliber ideas are really great choices. The only real downfall is $$. If you just want a lazy afternoon to plink it quickly becomes a pricy afternoon.
I do notice a bit more oomph recoil-wise as well as more bullet impact on my steel plates with the Russian rounds, so if I choose to hunt with it I’ll be good for deer/pigs put to 150 or so.
Stay safe.
As was stated by others, it’s accurate in the AR compared to other com-bloc rifles and it’s inexpensive if you just want to plink. (Good ammo is more accurate and better for hunting, but a bit pricier.)
A lot of the other caliber ideas are really great choices. The only real downfall is $$. If you just want a lazy afternoon to plink it quickly becomes a pricy afternoon.
I do notice a bit more oomph recoil-wise as well as more bullet impact on my steel plates with the Russian rounds, so if I choose to hunt with it I’ll be good for deer/pigs put to 150 or so.
Stay safe.
WestKentucky
Member
I bought a used upper so cheap that I couldn’t buy a bcg and reciever for the same money, and this one was a doublestar heavy target barrel that is a flat out awesome shooter, and it’s a 6.8spc. I ripped it apart and built a .223 and then ended up rebuilding all of the bits and pieces into the original configuration. I haven’t ever looked back. It’s a great hunting round and a solid mid-bore.
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