6.5 Grendel or 6.8 SPC Poll or .223

[ugaarguy]

I have an AR in 5.56, but I've had it for much longer than a year. It's a Colt SP1 though, so it has a 1:12 twist bbl that likes nothing heavier than 55gr. I plan to buy a 5.56 carbine upper with a 1:9 twist bbl for versatility, and to get a shorter upper. I will be getting a 22 LR conversion kit for it soon. I'm also considering buying or building another AR in 9mm. If all that leaves me thirsty for more I'll look into the 6.5 & 6.8 uppers.

 

[RevolvingCylinder]

Why won't anyone make any decent 7.62x39 magazines? That's the AR that I want if someone will make good magazines for it.

 

[Reginhild]

In response to the "under .50 a round" comment: 6.5 Grendel is just about .50 a round with Wolf Gold ammo at $10.99 per 20 round box (can order through Cabela's right now). Wolf is supposed to have steel cased stuff in 6.5 Grendel coming also this year which will be cheaper than the Gold line.

The 6.5 Grendel also makes a good combo with a 7.62x39 rifle as you can fireform the 7.62 brass to make 6.5 Grendel brass.

 

[Charshooter]

I have a 223 Bolt action Browning A-Bolt that shoots under MOA at 200 yards and that is all I use for shooting varmints

 

[Reginhild]

Charshooter, the 6.8 SPC and 6.5 Grendel are being used to hunt medium game with great success - they are not really competing with the .223 in the sole varmint role (although the 90gr factory TNTs in the Grendel can serve as a good varmint round).

The reason we are seeing so much interest in the 6.8 SPC and 6.5 Grendel is the ability to take the AR15 (vice the AR10) platform to the level of medium game hunting. The AR15 in .223 has become highly popular in varmint hunting now the popular platform is moving into other game areas.

There is also some target shooter interest in the 6.5 Grendel round as everyone seems to be reporting 1/2 MOA or better with great wind bucking capability. The 2005 IHMSA competition (Open Class Any Sight division) was won with a 6.5 Grendel.

RevolvingCylinder, I still don't know why anyone wants an AR in 7.62x39 - poor external ballistics, poor terminal effect in combat, not known as being accurate - might as well stick with a cheap AK instead to go with the cheap ammo. Why move up to a platform used for accuracy but with lots of cleaning needed?

 

[No_Brakes23]

Waiting on Mega to make another set of stripped lwoers, and then when I can afford it a 6.8SPC upper will compliment my the RRA Mid-Length I plan to put on the Mega lower.

If I have cash sitting around for no good reason, a .458SOCOM upper mind find its way into my safe, as well.

 

[Reginhild]

Poll bump to try and get more responses. Great number of responses so far!

 

[rbernie]

RevolvingCylinder, I still don't know why anyone wants an AR in 7.62x39 - poor external ballistics, poor terminal effect in combat, not known as being accurate - might as well stick with a cheap AK instead to go with the cheap ammo. Why move up to a platform used for accuracy but with lots of cleaning needed?

I have used a 7.62x39 AR-15 exclusively for hog and deer hunting for three years now. I've dropped at least a half dozen critters, including a 500+lb hog, with the rifle. I run handloads that are topped with either Hornady or Sierra bullets. The rifle is a solid MOA performer (some five shot groups under an inch, but with most five shot groups hovering right at an inch at 100 yards).

7.62x39 is a fine intermediate chambering; anything under 400lbs and inside of 200 yards is gonna fall if the shot is placed in the vitals. It lacks the legs of the latest intermediate chamberings, but for most hunting or social work (which occurs inside of 200 yards as a rule) it's just dandy.

I have built a number of 6.8SPC uppers for hunting and other uses - not because the 7.62x39 is inaccurate or because the terminal ballistics are poor (they're not, if you use proper ammo) but because of the dearth of hi-cap AR-pattern magazines suitable for 7.62x39.

 

[countryrebel]

I have one in 223 and dont plan on any other caliber,but you never know.

 

[PedalBiker]

BLR in 6.8????

This might be totally off base, but I wouldn't mind buying a BLR in 6.8 SPC. Remington also made a special pump in .223 that would make a nice 6.8 rifle. That would make a good beginner deer rifle for the kids as well as a nice varmit/deer rifle for me.

I had too many bad experiences with M-16s in the Army to ever buy an AR.