suggestions : 6.5 AR10 or 6.5 AR15 build ?

[steve_77]

Ok I totally love the .260 (6.5x08) and have a light weight bolt gun (bearly over 6 lbs with scope) in this caliber and am considering a LIGHTWEIGHT semi auto build for hunting and such.

Lowers arent a problem, but what is of debate is the upper im considering a 260 AR-10 with the ABS carbon wrap barrel to keep weight at a minimum. Or a 6.5 Grendel AR-15 build. Iim kinda leaning 260 as already have nice competition redding die set and plenty of 260 brass. But the smaller form factor or an 6.5 ar-15 is also appealing, but then again id have to get all new brass, and dies and all that jazz.. yuk... and then id have 2 types of non-mainstream brass to keep in quantity.

So im pretty much seeking advice here - i guess weight is the key, if anyone has any experience with the ABS carbon wrapped barrels please let me know.

http://home.windstream.net/mdegerness/products.htm
http://jenseprecision.com/abs-barrels.html

 

[longdayjake]

Well, as a 6.5 grendel lover I can't help but wish it was a .260. That said, I am the type of person that really likes having all kinds of different stuff to play with so I would probably get a different cartridge just for the experience. However, if your use for a gun is more practical I would stay with the .260.

 

[Z-Michigan]

A .260 Rem AR-10 build would give you outstanding ballistics at all distances, reliable and durable bolt (since case head diameter is same as the .308 Win it's designed for), reliable and relatively inexpensive magazines (since case is largely same size/shape as .308 Win), and overall your rifle would be lightly stressed in comparison to its design for .308 Win.

In contrast, a 6.5 Grendel would give you a weaker bolt, since the face is opened way up for the larger case; few and pricey (except for C-P) magazine options; and intermediate ballistics, the high BC bullets being balanced out by a relatively slow muzzle velocity.

Personally I would do the .260 Rem, despite slightly higher initial cost. Reloading is a must, but you already indicated that you reload so no issue there.

 

[Maverick223]

I would probably go with the 6.5Grendel/AR-15 due to the lesser weight (apples to apples), but only because you already have a .260Rem. bolt gun, and I like a little "diversity" in my gun safe. If you didn't have the bolt rifle, I would say .260Rem./AR-10 hands down. Both are exceptional choices for their prospective platforms.

 

[steve_77]

Thanks to all those who have responded; the grendel does sound interesting, but think brass may be harder to get and more $. Im also pretty invested/diversified in the .223 and M43 (7.62x39) caliber - granted M43 is not 6.5 grendel, but unless over compelling evidence id much rather stay with 260, than have to invest in a bunch of new dies, brass and such.

I guess im leaning to the practical side here - sure it would be "cool" to go grendel - but
guess we will see ---

Does anyone have any experience with ABS (Advanced Barrel Systems) carbon fiber barrel wraps?

 

[longdayjake]

If you do decide to go the 6.5 grendel route I suggest you buy the .264 lbc from Les Baer. Why? Because I feel that high quality and good customer service should mean more than Alexander's proprietary claims. Though he deserves recognition for the creation, he also deserves criticism for the poor availability and customer service his company has become famous for. If he can't get the 6.5 out to the world then its time for others to try. Especially others with reputations like Les Baer.

 

[Z-Michigan]

I tend to agree with longdayjake's thoughts on the .264 LBC. AA seems to have an Apple-like approach to marketing and control, but without 1/1000th the size and ability to offer product. The LBC option will bring in another option for uppers, rifles, brass and loaded ammo (Black Hills), all of which are/were sorely needed. Maybe someone can solve the bolt strength issue too.

 

[Maverick223]

With regards to brass, it can be necked down and fire-formed out of 7.62x39mm brass, that will save you quite a bit of loot (unless you are picky about the headstamp), but you will still have to invest in a new set of reloading dies.

 

[steve_77]

I thought there was more too it to use M43 brass to make 6.5 grendel ammo?

Agree about the 6.5 LBC - heck perhaps i should just wait and see what happens (never did like AA's licensing scheme) - but the future does look interesting given that les baer can do a much better marketing job.

Still going to start looking into the weight of a 260, ar10 upper with the carbon wrap. If anyone has any input on the carbon wrapped barrels pls let me know.

 

[Maverick223]

I thought there was more too it to use M43 brass to make 6.5 grendel ammo?

Take what I say with a grain of salt, because I don't load for one, don't have one, and don't even own an AR pattern rifle , but I am pretty sure that you neck it down, trim it, and fire form it using a little pistol powder and a t-shirt patch at the end (or you could load bullets with a light charge of normal powder for the fire-forming).

 

[longdayjake]

but I am pretty sure that you neck it down, trim it, and fire form it using a little pistol powder and a t-shirt patch at the end (or you could load bullets with a light charge of normal powder for the fire-forming).

There is no need to trim the brass after sizing it. It actually ends up being a little short and you can usually get 5 or 6 loadings before they finally need to be trimmed. Also, 99% of people that fireform for the grendel usually just lessen the load by 1 grain and call it good. I have actually had some sub 1" groups from brass that was being fireformed. That said, you can only put about 5-7 pre-fireformed rounds in a normal grendel magazine before they start to bind.

Also, Les Baer does have their own strengthened bolt for it.

 

[Maverick223]

Thanks for chiming in and sharing a little first-hand experience, longdayjake.