Varminterror
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Why do you make these particular differentiations for these two? What makes the 6.5 Grendel less suitable for self defense, and the 6.8 SPC less suitable for distance shooting?
AR Ignorance and Education
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Why do you make these particular differentiations for these two? What makes the 6.5 Grendel less suitable for self defense, and the 6.8 SPC less suitable for distance shooting?
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One is splitting hairs, I probably should have said they both will do the same relatively equally by my mind.
The 6.8 hits harder under 300 yards, the BC of the 6.5 takes over at distance. Like I said splitting hairs, and these are just my opinions.
The 6.8 hits harder under 300 yards, the BC of the 6.5 takes over at distance. Like I said splitting hairs, and these are just my opinions.
Varminterror
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Thanks for the clarification. I load for both and hunt with both, and have since 2004/5, and I’ve always found it interesting to hear how guys develop their opinion to so commonly lump that same assignment on these two - 6.8 = hunting, Grendel = long range...
If I said I felt there was a real difference between the two for most applications outside of the form factor of the rifles, I’d by lying. I’m within a few inches at 1,000yrds, and the penetration difference vs. anchoring speed difference has been nothing better than random for me. With the wrong common bullet in the Grendel and the right common bullet in the 6.8, I have less drop at 1,000 with the SPC than the Grendel.
There’s a slight but undeniable difference on paper between loads, and I do think it gets blown far out of proportion on forums far too often. I picked the 6.8 as my preferred of the two originally, then have changed my preference in the last few years - making the decision both times wholly based on market availability since I don’t find the field performance to be notably different. Most other classic forum comparisons are typically far more significantly different than these two: 7-08 vs. 270, 308 vs. 30-06, 223 vs 22-250, 375 H&H vs. 416 Ruger...
If I said I felt there was a real difference between the two for most applications outside of the form factor of the rifles, I’d by lying. I’m within a few inches at 1,000yrds, and the penetration difference vs. anchoring speed difference has been nothing better than random for me. With the wrong common bullet in the Grendel and the right common bullet in the 6.8, I have less drop at 1,000 with the SPC than the Grendel.
There’s a slight but undeniable difference on paper between loads, and I do think it gets blown far out of proportion on forums far too often. I picked the 6.8 as my preferred of the two originally, then have changed my preference in the last few years - making the decision both times wholly based on market availability since I don’t find the field performance to be notably different. Most other classic forum comparisons are typically far more significantly different than these two: 7-08 vs. 270, 308 vs. 30-06, 223 vs 22-250, 375 H&H vs. 416 Ruger...
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@Varminterror Good summation of my thoughts on 6.5 Grendel vs 6.8 SPC II. I do like the bolt on the 6.8 better as it allows for better longevity when pushing up on the pressure limits.
I would be lying as well if I tried to convince someone either way. And I probably should have stated that clearly in my post, I was giving the minutiae between the two. They really are pretty interchangeable.
I would be lying as well if I tried to convince someone either way. And I probably should have stated that clearly in my post, I was giving the minutiae between the two. They really are pretty interchangeable.
illinoisburt
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I am not an AR expert by any measure, so take this as one new owner to another.
Your experience of variety overload is dead on. There are a ton of possibilities. Do yourself a giant favor and go with a basic gun in 6.5. Swapping uppers is all well and good, but unless you are already knee deep in 223 why get involved in another cartidge that doesn't fit your needs? Seems like extra cost "just because" and frankly it's just as easy to step down to 223 in the future if for some reason the 6.5 looses its shine for you.
Also since you don't know what works/doesn't work for you, going with an entry level gun is not a mistake. Upgrades are easy and you won't likely end up any more cost than the higher priced guns should you change things down the road. It seems the AR design has worked out its bugs, and just about any of the standard guns work well and come together accurate from the start. Whenever someone says their AR has issues, its almost always after part swaps to "improve" them.
I bought a BCA upper and am quite happy with it, so don't be diswaded by the price. A sample of one doesn't mean much, but it arrived quickly and has proven accurate and trouble free so far. Certainly there are some things I think about changing, but nothing is expensive or super difficult so definitely a win.
Your experience of variety overload is dead on. There are a ton of possibilities. Do yourself a giant favor and go with a basic gun in 6.5. Swapping uppers is all well and good, but unless you are already knee deep in 223 why get involved in another cartidge that doesn't fit your needs? Seems like extra cost "just because" and frankly it's just as easy to step down to 223 in the future if for some reason the 6.5 looses its shine for you.
Also since you don't know what works/doesn't work for you, going with an entry level gun is not a mistake. Upgrades are easy and you won't likely end up any more cost than the higher priced guns should you change things down the road. It seems the AR design has worked out its bugs, and just about any of the standard guns work well and come together accurate from the start. Whenever someone says their AR has issues, its almost always after part swaps to "improve" them.
I bought a BCA upper and am quite happy with it, so don't be diswaded by the price. A sample of one doesn't mean much, but it arrived quickly and has proven accurate and trouble free so far. Certainly there are some things I think about changing, but nothing is expensive or super difficult so definitely a win.
There is something about MagPul stocks that eliminates the "SPROING" from the action spring. I've found the sproing to be most noticeable with the A1 & A2 stocks.
There are several free float handguards that work fine with the FSB (Front Sight Block).
Easiest way to get a good running AR is to buy a Colt.
The best value right now is the basic Centurion 16" middy with 10.5" Centurion Arms MLOK CMR handguard for $995. You're not going to find an AR of equal value or features for the same price. All you gotta do is add sights & ammo. https://www.centurionarms.com/product-p/cm4rfl.htm
There are several free float handguards that work fine with the FSB (Front Sight Block).
Easiest way to get a good running AR is to buy a Colt.
The best value right now is the basic Centurion 16" middy with 10.5" Centurion Arms MLOK CMR handguard for $995. You're not going to find an AR of equal value or features for the same price. All you gotta do is add sights & ammo. https://www.centurionarms.com/product-p/cm4rfl.htm
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