6.5 Grendel AR question

[janobles14]

ok i am DYING for a 6.5 grendel in the AR platform!

i have a few ar15's in 5.56 around and was wondering if i can use those complete lowers for a 6.5 grendel upper? does anything need replacing? also, what is the optimum barrel length to be use mostly as a deer hunting (short and long range) rifle? what about mags? are they standard 5.56 mags?

any and all help is appreciated!

 

[cbrgator]

Yes, you can use your lowers. I would say 20" for all around use, 24" for dedicated hunting rifle. Regarding the mags, I don't know but I doubt they are the same.

 

[sumpnz]

i have a few ar15's in 5.56 around and was wondering if i can use those complete lowers for a 6.5 grendel upper?

Yes.

does anything need replacing?

On the lower, not as far as I know.

also, what is the optimum barrel length to be use mostly as a deer hunting (short and long range) rifle? what about mags?

Whatever you like that's not too heavy, unwieldy, or illegal per your state's regs. anything 16-24" will work. The shorter end might not be great for distances over 150-200 yards though.

what about mags? are they standard 5.56 mags?

With modification 5.56 mags can work. Better to buy OEM 6.5 Grendel mags from reports I've read.

 

[janobles14]

so the grendel needs that much barrel length? i would think that the short fat cartridges would burn everything sooner.

 

[sumpnz]

24" would not be necessary. Anything in the 16-22" range is probably what I would choose based on availability (or my level of patience) and weight. Most likely I'd choose 18" or 20". Velocity gains over 20" wouldn't make that much of a difference. If I really needed more velocity and longer more difficult to maneuver in the woods barrel I'd take my CZ-550 in 6.5x55 (it has a 23.6" barrel).

 

[cbrgator]

No, it doesn't need 24" but it doesn't hurt. 20" is probably the best all-around length.

 

[janobles14]

anyone loaded for it yet?

 

[atblis]

18" is a good all around length. Not too short, not too long.
http://www.alexanderarms.com/grendel_ballistics.pdf
120gr BT
14.5" 2376 fps
16" 2450 fps
19.5" 2520 fps
24" 2600

Seems to follow the 20 fps per inch rule.

 

[janobles14]

wow...250-300 inch drops at 1000 yds! guess i never thought about how hard it is to shoot that far.

 

[TIMC]

Just gave my 20" barrel Grendel a field test today, mine is a complete rifle from Alexander Arms. I am shooting AA factory 129 grain SST ammo but will load for it after I get the empty brass. The rifle is sweet! I am impressed with the performance of the 6.5 cartridge. I took this bobcat and this pig today, they were both short range 90 and 100 yards but both were 1 shot DRT kills.

 

[sumpnz]

I assume that's an exit wound on the pig?

Have you shot the 6.5mm Hornady spire points? I'm curious of the SST's or the SP's are the more toughly constructed or if they're about the same.

 

[TIMC]

I assume that's an exit wound on the pig?

Have you shot the 6.5mm Hornady spire points? I'm curious of the SST's or the SP's are the more toughly constructed or if they're about the same.

Actually it is the entry side, the blood clot is from where the blood ran down from the entry wound just below and behind his ear. You can't see the entry wound in this pic.

This is the only ammo I have tried so far, this was her maiden trip to the woods and she did well!