6.5 Grendel for hunting

[jmr40]

I didn't want to piggyback onto the other thread but I'm considering adding an upper for one of my AR's. Primary use is hunting and casual target shooting, probably no more than 300 yards.

I have no issues with deer hunting with the 223 round as long as proper ammo is used and within limited ranges. But don't feel comfortable shooting anything larger than deer nor much over 100 yards. Since black bear and deer hunting seasons pretty much run together here most of the Fall. And since most of the places where I hunt have as many bear as deer I rarely actually hunt with my AR.

But this year was in a place where there were no bear, I tried it, and liked it. The Grendle seems to be the logical option since I don't want to go to the AR10 platform. Not interested in the big bore options either. I've seen enough dead elk, bear and deer taken with various 6.5's to feel completely comfortable with the round for game bigger than deer. At least out to 200, maybe 300 yards.

I'm thinking an 18" barrel to keep things compact. Not wanting to spend a premium for a target rifle, if it'll shoot MOA for 3 shots I'm good to go. I may, or may not load for it. I don't envision shooting it a lot so I'd probably go with factory loads at least initially. I may find that I shoot it enough to justify loading for eventually. I'd still use 223 a lot more at the range and my bolt guns will still be my primary hunting rifles. But for some uses I'm thinking it would fill a niche.

But other than that don't know where to start. Looking for advice on uppers, magazines, or anything else I may have not considered.

 

[adcoch1]

If you're willing to assemble your upper you can save a lot of $$, I have a close friend who just a few weeks ago built a 20" upper with the odinworks barrel and bolt set shown here
https://www.joeboboutfitters.com/Od...Grendel-Barrel-w-p/odin-b-6.5-20-r-tg-bcg.htm
It makes for a nice upper and shot 3 five shot groups into .75 MOA out of the first box of hornady black after a few fowling shots. I believe Odinworks sells a complete upper with this barrel as well.

 

[adcoch1]

They also make an 18" barrel as well.

 

[farmerboy78]

I have used the grendel to 302yds on whitetails. Wouldn' hesitate to take it to 400yds hunting. Used factory hornady 123gr amax.

 

[LoonWulf]

Ive taken 4 axis deer and 2 goats with the 6.5G. My rifle delivers 123s at about 2500fps. I shot the deer with Amax bullets and performance was text book, good penetration l, good expansion. The only downside is the round isnt fast enough to cause the shock a larger case can provide, or the wound channel a larger bullet can.
This isnt a huge issue, but i would not EXPECT animals to drop on the shot as i would with a larger round.

The 100s should be around 2650-2700, havent chronoed them yet, but those were fast enough to open up quick and dump the goats i shot on the spot.

Im selling my 6.5 because i just dont care for the AR platform that much, but i really like the round and will probably get a bolt gun bassed grendel in the future.

Oh forgot i built my current upper as a ultralite smooth side, and were i doing it again, or if no one buys my current one ill modify it for recip side charger.

 

[Varminterror]

Personally, I'd build my own. But if you're not shooting much, consider some of the cheap pre-built uppers out there. They won't be great, but it sounds like you don't need great, just good enough.

I'd assume you won't find any cheap clamshell handguards on any pre-built Grendel, so anything you get will have a free floating barrel, field ready for hunting. Personally, for an 18" 6.5 Grendel, I'd get an adjustable gas block on a mid-length gas system and an H2 buffer. I like 20" rifles, but the 18" should do everything you need - my own "mid-game" hunting AR upper is an 18" midlength 6.8SPCII - same principle as you're describing: not targets, just hunting, access to factory ammo... The 18" upper is damned handy for the purpose - but in 6.5G, my mind immediately favors 20".

If you're interested in building your own, or having one built for you, then Young or JP bolts would be the only ones I'd buy. Be careful to match your bolt type with your barrel chamber, as there are two types of Grendel bolts. I've never had any issue with AR-Stoner or Alexander Arms magazines.

How much are you looking to spend? Only looking for a turnkey factory upper? Would you build your own? Any interest in having one built?

 

[ScrapMetalSlug]

Since you are looking for a shorter barrel and shots are less than 300 yards, why have you chosen the grendel over the 6.8spc ii?

Not a criticism, just curious. I am looking for something similar as you are for hunting. From what I've read, the grendel is better past 400 yards with longer barrels, while the 6.8 is better with short barrels within 300 yards.

 

[jmr40]

why have you chosen the grendel over the 6.8spc ii?

Simply because I'm more familiar with it and know I can easily find factory ammo. This is one of those things where I'm open to suggestions. This is an area of firearms that I'm less knowledgeable about.

Simply buying a complete upper would be preferable, but I'm open to suggestions. Not even 100% sure I want to do this, but if I do I want to make an educated decision.

The 18" upper is damned handy for the purpose - but in 6.5G, my mind immediately favors 20".

I envision this as a close range thick cover rifle where quick follow up shots may be needed, but versatile enough for longer shots if they come along. If in an area where longer shots are the norm I will be carrying one of my bolt guns.

This Fall I had an opportunity to hunt a good management area and was on a hillside overlooking a power line. I saw several deer early on, but as the hunt wore on saw fewer. They were coming out of a really thick patch of woods across the power line. Finally on he next to last day I decided to go into the thick stuff and chose my 16" 223 AR. I was really impressed by how handy it carried and how quickly it came up. Much better than traditional deer rifles I've used.

On the last day of the hunt I set up in my usual spot overlooking the powerline about 45 minutes before sunrise. I didn't see the point in going in the thick stuff until there was some light. At 25 minutes before sunrise, 5 minutes into legal shooting time, a small 4 pointer stepped out 60 yards away and I took him.

I've always used more traditional rifles to hunt with and viewed my AR's as primarily personal protection or range toys. But the experience was positive enough that I'm exploring other options for next year.

 

[rayatphonix]

The Grendel is an excellent round for southern deer. I have an upper and bolt rifle in that cartridge. You will enjoy it.

 

[viking499]

I have one of these and like it so far. Not a target match upper, but has done good with the steel cased Wolf ammo and even better with 123 grain Hornady.

http://www.jgsales.com/mobile/wolf-...th-bcg-and-charging-handle,-new.-p-94750.html

 

[TIMC]

I love my Grendel!

Here is a kit for you, great price.
https://www.deltateamtactical.com/D...6819.html?mc_cid=eb6ce689c0&mc_eid=2566cc68f2

 

[Water-Man]

I'd go with the 6.8 for your application but the 6.5 will do nicely.

 

[AndyP]

I'd go with the 6.8 for your application but the 6.5 will do nicely.

I would too. Much more 6.8 ammo on the shelfs and the 6.8 has a much stronger bolt.

 

[SharpDog]

Simply buying a complete upper would be preferable, but I'm open to suggestions. Not even 100% sure I want to do this, but if I do I want to make an educated decision.

I envision this as a close range thick cover rifle where quick follow up shots may be needed, but versatile enough for longer shots if they come along. If in an area where longer shots are the norm I will be carrying one of my bolt guns.

I just ordered an ultralight custom upper, 12 E-Lander magazines and 4000 rds. of Wolf 100 gr. ammo for $2500. The only other caliber that comes close to that is .223 for factory ammo (I know you reloaders can beat that). For me, here in East Tennessee, it's great. I expect when I put it on my lightweight DDM4 it will lose weight ... the DDM4 is exactly at 8lbs all in with an optic, sling, etc. And I can still use my .223 upper and even cheaper ammo for practice. I made a pdf comparing the top of the line Black Hills 77 gr. match with the wolf 100 gr. 6.5 Grendel. Kind of the top of the .223 ammo compared to the bottom of the barrel in 6.5 G ammo. BTW you can easily save $500 over what I paid but I wanted an ultra light, top of the line and Cerakote Camo.

 

[CarJunkieLS1]

Are you a reloader? If you aren't the either the 6.5 G or 6.8spc will serve you well.

If you reload may I suggest a wildcat AR-15 round. The 7mm Valkyrie is a large step up from either the 6.8 and 6.5G. It uses standard PRI 6.8 mags. Everything you need is available from MDWS. Look it up and any info you see is real world from actual users.

 

[Newtosavage]

I wouldn't hesitate to hunt deer with a 6.5G out to 250 yards. I am thinking of rebarreling one of my Savage bolt guns to that caliber just for deer.

 

[js8588]

https://www.larue.com/products/larue-ultimate-ar-15-upper-kit/

Still the best deal going (I do not own one but the guys over on 65Grendel swear by em. 18 is too short for the Grendel FOR MY TASTE but Mark LaRue bagged an elk @ 400 with one. Good enough.)