6.5 Grendel

[wch]

I've been thinking about rebarreling a bolt action rifle to 6.5 Grendel, but the options for cases and loaded ammunition seem to be declining.
What's your opinion of the future of this cartridge?
Would you consider another 6.5 caliber instead of the Grendel?
Thanks.

 

[SteveW-II]

Just speaking personally, I think the 6.5G is a autoloader round. I.E. for an AR15.
Again, just speaking personally, I wouldn't chamber a bolt action for it.
If I was shopping for a 6.5 round to put in a bolt, I would be looking at the new 6.5
Creedmore, the 6.5x47 or a 260 Rem. You could always go back to the 6.5x55, but if
this is a new gun, then the modern rounds might be a better bet.

You can read up on those last the here.
http://demigodllc.com/articles/6.5-shootout-260-6.5x47-6.5-creedmoor/

As for the life of the 6.5 G for the AR, I would say it is going to get some tough competition from
people necking down the .30 AR to 6.5. That said, given the limitations of bolt thrust on the AR rifle,
I wouldn't think that you will see much difference in energy between the respective rounds. The 6.5 G
also allows double stack mags that the 30 AR won't.

 

[rhetor]

Hornady just came out with cases for 6.5 Grendel, so availability is less of an issue. It's readily available through Midway.

Although 6.5 Grendel was developed around the AR platform, a bolt gun isn't out of the question. CZ makes, or used to make, a stock 6.5 Grendel bolt gun.

I shoot the Grendel out of a 15" SSK made Encore pistol barrel that's not much shorter than many AR guns. 90 gr. Speer TNTs make a good plinking round in this configuration.

I think you'll like the Grendel.

 

[wch]

I'm looking at a Ruger Mk II, factory chambered for the 7.62x39; everything of similar dimension including bolt head and magazine box, so I wouldn't think there'd be feeding or extraction problems.
I do wonder about the "real world" performance of the cartridge, though. The press says it's sufficient (with the right bullet and load) for everything from squirrels to whitetails.
I'm a bit sceptical!

 

[longdayjake]

What exactly is it that you are skeptical about? How long of a barrel are you looking at? Most ruger barrels come in 22" but I know of some that are 16.5." If you go with a normal 22" or longer barrel you should have no problems whatsoever getting a 123-130 grain bullet up to 2700 fps from a bolt action. The upside is that those bullets have much better ballistics than your typical .308 bullets and will carry their energy extremely well. Though the hunting bullets don't have quite as good a BC as the match bullets they still benefit from being 6.5. As was mentioned before, the 6.5 grendel was originally designed as an AR round but you should be able to ring out even more from that short case out of a bolt action. If you still have any doubts check out this elk kill past 400 yards.

http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=2&f=219&t=164444&page=2

The Grendel is a great cartridge but if I was to rebarrel my ruger it would have to be in .260. I just want more powder.

As far as availability it is getting easier and easier to come by. As was mentioned, hornady is now making factory loads as well as selling brass for it. Also, you can always make your own brass from 7.62x39 stuff. I do it all the time.

the one on the left is before firing. The middle and right are fire formed 6.5 grendels.

 

[wch]

I have decided to go with the Grendel; while searching for components I found 100 Lapua 6.5 Grendel cases on sale for $80.00 at Crenshaw Ammunition.
Walt

 

[FTSESQ]

but the options for cases and loaded ammunition seem to be declining.

Actually, there are more options now than there ever have been. As others have said, Hornady now makes cases and a Grendel specific bullet. Berger is now making a Grendel-licious 100 gr bullet. and Wolf 120 MTHP is available.

 

[Zak Smith]

In a bolt gun, 6.5x47 or .260 Remington are better choices unless you really want to use a 7.62x39-size action.

 

[Muttt]

Nothing wrong at all with the 6.5 Grendel. There are many more manufacturers of bullets than there was previously. Lapua, Hornady and Wolf just to mention a few have brass/ammo available. There are also many bolt guns out there, as long as AR rifles. Go to www.65grendel.com and check out the forum if you need more info.