6.5 Grendel Bolt Gun - Anyone Do It?

[Tophernj]

Has anyone on here built a 6.5Grendel bolt gun? I am looking for an interesting rifle and stumbled on this idea. I know Howa is releasing some micro actions and CZ has the 527 micro-Mauser in 7.62x39 which would make a conversion to 6.5G fairly straightforward. I'm wondering g if anyone here has done it.

Reasons... Well, its different, which appeals to me. I'm also looking for a relatively flat shooting cartridge so punch paper out to 300. Feeding will be a little cheaper than other options as it takes less powder and I do reload. Recoil should be pretty minimal. And, its different.

Any thoughts?

C

 

[MEHavey]

The Grendel was designed to get the absolute best energy/ballistics as far down range as possible given the inherent limitations from an standard AR platform.

It makes little sense to limit yourself like that in a bolt gun, wherein multiple 6.5's already exist and are really superb at what they do.

 

[Tophernj]

What other cartridges would you recommend? I'm looking for a mild recoiling cartridge that gets distance and doesn't use a ton of powder.

C

 

[68wj]

The Grendel was designed to get the absolute best energy/ballistics as far down range as possible given the inherent limitations from an standard AR platform.

It makes little sense to limit yourself like that in a bolt gun, wherein multiple 6.5's already exist and are really superb at what they do.

Same way I feel about the 6.8 SPC in a bolt gun. I want one anyway, but it doesn't have as much of an advantage as it does in the AR.

OP, in a bolt gun, if you like the 6.5 bullets you have the 6.5 Creedmoor or .260 Rem. Either are light recoiling and superior to the Grendel.

 

[Sam1911]

What other cartridges would you recommend? I'm looking for a mild recoiling cartridge that gets distance and doesn't use a ton of powder.

6.5 Creedmore
.260 Remington -- probably the most popular short-action choice.
6.5x55 Swede
6.5x284

 

[Corn-Picker]

There is a small advantage (pun intended) to the 6.8 SPC and 6.5 Grendel in a bolt gun if it's based on a micro action. The CZ 527 compact carbine weighs 5.6 lbs, and is only 36.5" long. That's not a big deal to you because you say you want to punch paper, but I would like such a small, light bolt action for when I hunt while walking.

People do make 6.5 Grendel replacement barrels for the 527.

http://m.ebay.com/itm/131327773822?nav=SEARCH

 

[dubbleA]

There is a small advantage (pun intended) to the 6.8 SPC and 6.5 Grendel in a bolt gun if it's based on a micro action. The CZ 527 compact carbine weighs 5.6 lbs, and is only 36.5" long. That's not a big deal to you because you say you want to punch paper, but I would like such a small, light bolt action for when I hunt while walking.

^^^this^^^
Even though I have several .260 Rem's, a 6.5x284, a 6.5x55 and a 6.5-06 Improved I still want to convert a CZ 527 of mine to a Grendel. With the smallish action, a trimmed stock and a short light contour barrel it would make a dandy little walking or truck gun.

 

[Tophernj]

Thanks all for your words of wisdom. I've been talked out of it by my "smith as he is repeating some of the other things I've heard. Namely that it's just not an efficient cartridge and that I would be better served with a 243 or 260 in a SA for paper. If I was looking for a sporter weight hunter the 6.5G would be neat. However for my current purposes not so much. I'll most likely stick with a 260Rem for now.

C

 

[rayatphonix]

I have a bunch of 6.5's, including the Grendel, .260, Creedmoor, 6.5x284 and 6.5 RM. I also have a 527 waiting for a Grendel barrel. Why? It's lightweight with considerably less recoil than the others, even with the lighter rifle. If shooting paper at 300 yards and less, the Grendel is ideal IMO.

I'd ask your 'smith for an explanation. His statement of the Grendel not being efficient doesn't make sense. It uses about a third less powder while maintaining about 85% of the velocity for 120 gn bullets.

You may guess I'm a 6.5 fan. If you haven't looked into it, you might want to do some research into the Creedmoor. If I had to choose, I'd pick it over the .260

With any of these cartridges, you should enjoy yourself.

 

[armoredman]

I've been told by a CZ-USA rep that people have already converted their 527M carbines to 6.5 Grendel with great results. That caliber appeals to me too, but I don't think I have the heart to chop up my 527M...I'd need another one.

 

[MEHavey]

[my] smith... is repeating some of the other things
I've heard...that it's just not an efficient cartridge...

It is a very efficient cartridge -- if not THE most efficient -- but using it in a standard bolt action does not make efficient use of what that action can do for you.

That said, the 243Win is probably one of the best medium quarterhorse cartridges there is.... for a light-medium bolt action.

 

[Tophernj]

It is a very efficient cartridge -- if not THE most efficient -- but using it in a standard bolt action does not make efficient use of what that action can do for you.

That said, the 243Win is probably one of the best medium quarterhorse cartridges there is.... for a light-medium bolt action.

I think that that's what the 'smith meant. That the cartridge in a standard SA like a 700 doesn't make use of the space that's there. I was pretty slammed at work yesterday and didn't have the opportunity to present the micro-mauser idea to him. I will later today either in person or via email.

Does anyone here load Varget in the 6.5G? If so, what's an approximate load for it. When the time comes I will do much further research. If not, what are the favored powders for the caliber?

 

[Tophernj]

Also, if it were to be done, would you get the CZ or a Zastava M85 and why?

C

 

[MEHavey]

Loading Info:
http://www.alexanderarms.com/images/pdfs/grendel_reloading.pdf

The best ballistics are obtained (generally) w/ AA 2520, but Varget is an option.

 

[Corn-Picker]

Loading Info:
http://www.alexanderarms.com/images/pdfs/grendel_reloading.pdf

The best ballistics are obtained (generally) w/ AA 2520, but Varget is an option.

I'm not a reloader, so take this for what it's worth, but my understanding is that the 6.5 Grendel can be loaded hotter in a bolt gun if desird. As I understand it, the 6.5 Grendel case has a working limit of 58 kpsi, but the spec is limited to 50 kpsi to keep hoop sress to an acceptable level in the AR receiver. Again, the above is just parroting what I believe Bill Alexander has said, so it's hearsay, but it may he worth looking into if you're running the Grendel in a bolt action that can handle the pressure.

 

[Tophernj]

I'm not a reloader, so take this for what it's worth, but my understanding is that the 6.5 Grendel can be loaded hotter in a bolt gun if desird. As I understand it, the 6.5 Grendel case has a working limit of 58 kpsi, but the spec is limited to 50 kpsi to keep hoop sress to an acceptable level in the AR receiver. Again, the above is just parroting what I believe Bill Alexander has said, so it's hearsay, but it may he worth looking into if you're running the Grendel in a bolt action that can handle the pressure.

Thank you for the information! I will certainly look into it.

C

 

[OldBrownDog]

If you're looking for a light-recoiling, relatively flat shooting cartridge for paper punching and you want something a little different check out the .257 Roberts. It's a touch long for a true SA cartridge, but open up the magazine a little bit, load lighter bullets and it'd do.

 

[dubbleA]

It is a very efficient cartridge -- if not THE most efficient -- but using it in a standard bolt action does not make efficient use of what that action can do for you.

That said, the 243Win is probably one of the best medium quarterhorse cartridges there is.... for a light-medium bolt action.

The CZ 527 is considered a " micro" sized action. It will accept the .223 family of cartridges but nothing longer. As good as the 243 Win and 257 roberts are you can not get them in the 527 action. The allure of the 6.5 Grendel and mini Mauser action is that you get a very efficient cartridge in a very small trim light package.

 

[Tophernj]

The CZ 527 is considered a " micro" sized action. It will accept the .223 family of cartridges but nothing longer. As good as the 243 Win and 257 roberts are you can not get them in the 527 action. The allure of the 6.5 Grendel and mini Mauser action is that you get a very efficient cartridge in a very small trim light package.

What he said!!

 

[blue32]

I think you should get it and report back so we can actually know for sure what kind of performance it gives out of a bolt. Beats guessing.

 

[OldBrownDog]

My bad. My understanding was your gunsmith had talked you into doing a build on a true SA since you're using this rifle for punching paper and not hunting. If you're going with the micro CZ, then heck yeah, go 6.5 Grendel and have fun.

 

[jbj]

Who cares about efficiency? It's not a solar panel. We are talking about building a fun gun for enjoyment and pride of ownership. Not to mention, 243 reloading components are like hens teeth these days

 

[Caliper_Mi]

6.5 Creedmore
.260 Remington -- probably the most popular short-action choice.
6.5x55 Swede
6.5x284

+1, but I'd reccomend the short action cartridges (260 Rem and 6.5CM) given the criteria in the original post.

There was a 6.5CM vs 260Rem thread recently. They're nearly twins. I recently put a Shilen barrel on a Savage 10 and it is very mild recoiling. Of course, a 26" heavy barrel may have something to do with that. Of course, the original sporter barrel was pretty mild even with 140gr bullets also.

 

[Tophernj]

My bad. My understanding was your gunsmith had talked you into doing a build on a true SA since you're using this rifle for punching paper and not hunting. If you're going with the micro CZ, then heck yeah, go 6.5 Grendel and have fun.

My 'smith likes the 700 actions because of the availability of parts and the ease of adding or subtracting accessories. The aftermarket for that action is un-paralleled. I however love a Mauser type of action for it's looks. They are simply gorgeous. I can't explain it however I do like them. When I came across the idea and asked him he wasn't at all impressed. That said, he will build what I want at the end of the day. He's not at all pigeonholed into using only one type of anything.

C

 

[rayatphonix]

If you try it I think you'll be impressed with the CZ. It's a beautifully made gun and both I own are very good shooters. Considerably better than my two Rem 700'S. I'll probably get another when my barrel comes in as I've enjoyed the 7.62x39 more than I expected.