iamkris
Member
First, I'll say that I'm really intrigued by the 6.5 Grendel and 6.8 SPC rounds. While I am a HUGE lover of the 7.62 NATO and also shoot the 5.56 NATO in competition, the idea of a intermediate round is appealing to me for CQB, hunting and long range work.
Personally I have a hard time getting so worked up like many do over the 6.5G vs 6.8 SPC...frankly I consider them to both be good rounds on paper. The 6.8 seems to have the edge in shots at 300 yards and under, the 6.5 has the edge at longer ranges. Both do very adequate jobs where the other excels. Since I have an interest in a new round mostly for long range and hunting, and because I already have a love affair with the 6.5x55mm, and because I like being different, I decided to give the 6.5 Grendel a try first. If I don't like it, I'll sell everything and move over to the 6.8 SPC. As a side note, it appears to me that the 6.8 SPC is getting a bit more traction in the market, probably because Remington is pushing it and Alexander Arms really need to open up the licensing of their product.
In case you haven't seen them next to each other, here's a pic of a 5.56x45mm (77 gr SMK) next to a 6.5 Grendel (123 gr SMK) next to a 7.62x51 mm (168 SMK).
Here's a bullet comparison for you. .223 55 gr surplus next to a .223 77 gr SMK next to a 6.5mm 123 gr SMK next to a .308 168 gr SMK.
I ordered an Alexander Arms 24" Overwatch upper from Midway and mounted it on a DPMS lower. I have a Magpul PRS stock on it, a DPMS target grip and a Jard adjustable 3 lb single stage trigger mounted. The optic is a Haako 4.5-16x42 mm illuminated reticle on Burris Tactical rings. This scope needs to be mounted far forward so I have an extended rail on order...in the mean time, I'm making do with a raised rail mounted forward. I currently have a cheap bipod on it until my Harris arrives
First the upper. Metal work is good and the finish is even. I don't care for the aesthetics of the carbon fiber free float tube but it is very rigid. The muzzle is crowned and threaded for a muzzle device, but unfortunately it is an unusual thread pitch and Alexander doesn't make a thread protector cap from what I can see.
The PRS stock is very comfortable. I like the Jard trigger but it "rolls" a little too much for me in letoff. I like a bit more glass rod break that that...maybe I've been shooting my 2-stage NM trigger to much. I does have a very light break, though.
I only had a chance to put together 5 loads using VARGET. I've had great luck with that powder in .223. In general, this doesn't seem to be a flexible powder for this rifle and I need to try a different burn rate. While I had a few good groups (under 1MOA) there was pretty wide variation as I moved in 1 grain increments. I dodn't futz with the OAL yet...I'll wait until I find a promising powder for that. All were loaded with 123 gr SMK at 2.260" OAL and Remington SR primers. Conditions were 50 deg F with light and variable winds from behind. 100 yard range. Bipod with bunny ear bag in the rear. Next powder to try is Accurate 2520.
Here's the best target of the day at 100 yards. 5 shots in 0.65"...best three in 0.40"
Personally I have a hard time getting so worked up like many do over the 6.5G vs 6.8 SPC...frankly I consider them to both be good rounds on paper. The 6.8 seems to have the edge in shots at 300 yards and under, the 6.5 has the edge at longer ranges. Both do very adequate jobs where the other excels. Since I have an interest in a new round mostly for long range and hunting, and because I already have a love affair with the 6.5x55mm, and because I like being different, I decided to give the 6.5 Grendel a try first. If I don't like it, I'll sell everything and move over to the 6.8 SPC. As a side note, it appears to me that the 6.8 SPC is getting a bit more traction in the market, probably because Remington is pushing it and Alexander Arms really need to open up the licensing of their product.
In case you haven't seen them next to each other, here's a pic of a 5.56x45mm (77 gr SMK) next to a 6.5 Grendel (123 gr SMK) next to a 7.62x51 mm (168 SMK).
Here's a bullet comparison for you. .223 55 gr surplus next to a .223 77 gr SMK next to a 6.5mm 123 gr SMK next to a .308 168 gr SMK.
I ordered an Alexander Arms 24" Overwatch upper from Midway and mounted it on a DPMS lower. I have a Magpul PRS stock on it, a DPMS target grip and a Jard adjustable 3 lb single stage trigger mounted. The optic is a Haako 4.5-16x42 mm illuminated reticle on Burris Tactical rings. This scope needs to be mounted far forward so I have an extended rail on order...in the mean time, I'm making do with a raised rail mounted forward. I currently have a cheap bipod on it until my Harris arrives
First the upper. Metal work is good and the finish is even. I don't care for the aesthetics of the carbon fiber free float tube but it is very rigid. The muzzle is crowned and threaded for a muzzle device, but unfortunately it is an unusual thread pitch and Alexander doesn't make a thread protector cap from what I can see.
The PRS stock is very comfortable. I like the Jard trigger but it "rolls" a little too much for me in letoff. I like a bit more glass rod break that that...maybe I've been shooting my 2-stage NM trigger to much. I does have a very light break, though.
I only had a chance to put together 5 loads using VARGET. I've had great luck with that powder in .223. In general, this doesn't seem to be a flexible powder for this rifle and I need to try a different burn rate. While I had a few good groups (under 1MOA) there was pretty wide variation as I moved in 1 grain increments. I dodn't futz with the OAL yet...I'll wait until I find a promising powder for that. All were loaded with 123 gr SMK at 2.260" OAL and Remington SR primers. Conditions were 50 deg F with light and variable winds from behind. 100 yard range. Bipod with bunny ear bag in the rear. Next powder to try is Accurate 2520.
Here's the best target of the day at 100 yards. 5 shots in 0.65"...best three in 0.40"
