6.5 vs 6.8 in an AR platform

[bm22]

I am wanting to build a new AR that hits alittle harder than a 223. I read a few articles and it seems the 6.5 is the superior round past 300 yards by a wide margin and doesn't give up much of any under 300 yards.

Am I missing anything? I have shot the 6.8 but have never fired a 6.5 grendal.

This is going to have a 20 in barrel and I plan on shooting deer, hogs and targets out to 600 yards, maybe further for targets.

Thanks,

Brandon

[JustinJ]

I built a 6.8 because I don't reload and ammo is cheaper and easier to find. If you reload I think the 6.5 might be the better round.

[jhuddleston]

No advice but following for info. I am thinking along the same lines for a future build

[Colton]

Ammo is way more available and cheaper for the 6.8, which is a pretty big advantage for a non reloader like me... Plus, the lease I will use my 6.8 at doesn't offer many shots past 150-200.

If you reload and need to take those 300+ yard shots, I would seriously consider the 6.5 Grendel

[TxMedic]

I love my 6.8, but want to build a 6.5 Grendel! I'd so both

[ElGatoBandito]

Why neither are an option when compared to the .458 socom!


I personally would go with the 6.5 grendel... but that is just me.

[150class]

Love my 6.8!

[trakker]

Ammo is way more available and cheaper for the 6.8, which is a pretty big advantage for a non reloader like me... Plus, the lease I will use my 6.8 at doesn't offer many shots past 150-200.

If you reload and need to take those 300+ yard shots, I would seriously consider the 6.5 Grendel

X2

[stx tomcat]

I Love my 6.8 spc

[PBFrijoles]

My Grendel drives tacks and I built it light. Look a Lilja and Maxim BCGs that what I have.

http://www.riflebarrels.com/products/ar.htm

[Bily Lovec]

best round in the AR w/12.5"-16" barrel is the 6.8
you like longer barrels, go for the 6.5

lots of elk kills w/the 6.8 @ 400 yards.

6.8 was designed to shoot people,
6.5 was designed to shoot paper...

[bustacap]

The grendel will be the better all around cartridge, in terms of ballistics.
I built a 6.8 with a 16" barrel and a 6.5 grendel with a 22" JP Supermatch barrel. I found no need for the 6.8, so I gave it to my dad.
Go with the 6.5. If you don't reload, just buy the hornady 123sst ammo. It has a .510 bc and it's available at many Academy's.

[denimdeerslayer]

I have a Grendel and now they have developed the Grendel II which has a deeper throat to allow loading of more hunting bullets. X2 on the .123 SST my Satern barrel loves them.
Here is some info...

http://www.msrhunt.com/post/grendel-ii-264-lbc-reloading-project-6878030?pid=1282600654#post1282600654

[yanta61]

I love my grendel and I would think you would want a grendel for shooting out to 600 yds. I've never shot a 6.8 so I really have no input on it

[Mike D]

I have both. I've been very happy with my Grendel. I've killed a TON of critters with it. I typically load 100 grain Barnes TTSX and it runs 2800 fps with an 18" barrel.

My 6.8 has a 12.5" barrel and it runs 95 grain TTSX rounds at 2630fps. I'm sure I can squeeze more out of it by hand loading.

I believe they are going to be comparable in terminal performance out to about 300 yards and the higher BC of the 6.5 will show beyond that IMO.

I haven't killed anything with the 6.8 yet.