6.8 spc II vs 6.5 grendel for deer

[JohnVH]

I have a 16" Grendel, I did all that research a number of years ago, and went with the grendel as it definitely seems to be the better round.  Im going to re barrel to an 18", I hope I dont regret it, right now I can walk around holding the pistol grip and it wont touch the ground, makes carrying it pretty easy!  Deer Ive shot with it never complained. 

[lokidog]

I have a 16" Grendel, I did all that research a number of years ago, and went with the grendel as it definitely seems to be the better round.  Im going to re barrel to an 18", I hope I dont regret it, right now I can walk around holding the pistol grip and it wont touch the ground, makes carrying it pretty easy!  Deer Ive shot with it never complained. 

Do you reload? If so, about how much a round?

[JohnVH]

I have a 16" Grendel, I did all that research a number of years ago, and went with the grendel as it definitely seems to be the better round.  Im going to re barrel to an 18", I hope I dont regret it, right now I can walk around holding the pistol grip and it wont touch the ground, makes carrying it pretty easy!  Deer Ive shot with it never complained. 

Do you reload? If so, about how much a round?

Initially I bought a few boxes just to have brass and see what shot good, but Yes, 100% reload now. I have not calculated it out in a long time so I cant tell you. But its almost always cheaper than box stuff.

I use XBR8208 at 28grains and nosler 120grn bullets

[AWS]

I have a Howa Mini 6.5 Grendel barreled action(20" HB) sitting on the bed right now and the stock should be here today(Boyds light weight Varmint),  dies, loaded ammo and bullets arrive the 25th.  Hopefully I can ruin a couple coyotes days this winter.  Anyone have a bullet for the Grendle that might be fur friendly,  I'm starting out with 90gr TNT's, as I shoot them in my 6.5x58R Sauer although  they are sized to .260 and moving slower than the Grendlel.

[lokidog]

Thoughts on Bear Creek Arsenal uppers?

Thanks JohnHV

[AWS]

The Grendel Lives.   I got it put together tonight.

Everything arived while I was at the convention and I put it together tonight.

!.  Howa Mini Action 20" HB 6.5 Grendel

2.  Boyd's Forest camo Lightweight Thumbhole Varmint 12 3/4" LOP

3.  Burris Signature Select 1.5x6x42mm duplex in Weaver GS QR steel rings and modified Weaver bases.

4.  Weight 8 lbs all up

[lokidog]

I love the stock!

[yorketransport]

Looks great! The Grendel is perfect on those little mini actions.

[Biggerhammer]

As I said earlier I have a preference for the 6.5 Grendel, but I have no problem slumming a 6.8 SPC out to 500 yards or so.

I may even slum it for my bull permit.

Threw this together a bit ago, shoots half MOA with several factory loads.

Hornady 110gr BTHP
Hornady 120gr SST
SSA 110gr Accubond

ARP 16" , 11.25 twist Scout profile 6.8 SPC Spec II.



Five shot group 300 yards with Hornady factory 110gr BTHP loads.



200 yards with factory Nosler SSA 110gr Accubond loads.



200 yards with Hornady factory 120 SST loads.



300 yards with handloaded 110gr Sierra Pro Hunters @ 2800. MOA of Mule deer heart.

[lokidog]

Happened to be at Cabelas today, did not see any 6.5 Grendel on the shelves, is that normal?  How hard is it to find factory ammo?

[Biggerhammer]

Happened to be at Cabelas today, did not see any 6.5 Grendel on the shelves, is that normal?  How hard is it to find factory ammo?

Locally here all the gunshop pretty much carry both Hornady factory loads in the 123gr SST and A-Max. Sportsmans also carries the new Hornady "Black" which is loaded with the new Hornady 123gr ELD-M.

I've shot one box of the Hornady Black 123gr ELD-M and was very impressed. This was my first 100 yard group with the new ELD-M ammo. This was shot through a 16" Alexder Arms M4 carbine  barrel. This same carbine has taken 3 Mule deer over 300 yards and one spike bull elk at 411 yards.

[Biggerhammer]

Another option for a AR based 6.5 is the ARP SIX5. The ARP SIX5 is based on a shortened 6.8 SPC case which is a cool option if you alread have a 6.8 SPC upper and fired brass on hand to form into SIX5 cases. All you need is 6.8 bushing die, swap the bushing out for the proper one to size 6.8 down to 6.5. So a guy could just build a SIX5 upper and swap it out.

I put one together for myself a couple weeks ago, had a chance to break in the barrel and try one load.

Fired 40 or so rounds at the 300 yards line with the new Hornady 100gr ELD-M.

The rifle with the optics is the SIX5.   ARP 16" SIX5, 1-8.5 twist Socom profile.

Both rifles are coated in heat cure Barrett Brown Cerakote.



From left to right.

6.5 Grendel cartridge
6.8 SPC case
SIX5 ARP cartridge