6.5G or 6.8 for 16" AR build?

[Lefty2506]

Wanting to build another AR. This time I'd like to do more of a DMR configuration with a 16" barrel. I'd probably put a 1-6 optic on it, with an RMR and flip up irons. Main use would be training (ie fun), but I would also use it as my house gun (currently using a 16" 300 aac), and maybe whitetail. I already have a 24" Grendel that's set up for plinking off the bench out to 500 yds and I love it. This is also my current deer rifle (105 gr MKZ @ +2800 fps, BC .47, 1/4 - 1/2 MOA), and it works great for that also. As I understand it, 6.5G and 6.8 ballistic and terminal performance is basically identical out of a 16" barrel. Advantage of a 6.5 would be that I already have the reloading tools and "some" materials. By "some" I mean I have plenty for the needs of my current 24" upper, but not enough to feed 2 rifles, especially if I'm doing CQB drills with one of them. One disadvantage to the 6.5g would be that I may need to keep the loaded ammo separated since the loads are "tuned" for each of my rifles (don't want to inadvertently blow through expensive hunting or match loads). Another disadvantage to the Grendel would be that 6.5G brass can be a little harder to find sometimes, where as I've been able to find 6.8 brass through out the last several months. The 6.8 brass also seems to cost a little less than the Grendel brass (which was always out of stock). 6.5 has a bigger selection of projectiles, but it seems to be easier to find cheap ones in 6.8.

So I guess the real question is do you think the cost of adding a new cartridge and caliber is worth it in order to prevent getting things mixed up over time?

 

[mdram]

i think the 6.5 has the edge at the 500yd range
and if you wanted to buy factory ammo for some reason, there is a better supply (usually)

 

[rickt300]

I have had both and at the same time. As for my average hunting they would both do the same for me. I had trouble sometimes finding the .277 120 gr. SST's for the 6.8 as it was the only bullet I loaded in it. That said I think the Grendel has gained on the 6.8 in the last few years and ammo availability has caught up at least around here. I sold out my 6.8 stuff and focused on the Grendel mostly because of the larger variety of 6.5 projectiles, so now I have two a long barreled shooter and a 16" barreled hunting rifle.

 

[kevinbritvec]

I wrote on my stainless steel barrels with a sharpie in big letters, 6.5 Grendel, 6.8SPC, 7,62x39mm, 6mmWOA. It helps if you look at it.... It will come off with solvent if it needs to. They sell decals and ejection port covers in most caliber names.

I have these "oddball" calibers, but rarely shoot them. I keep going back to 5.56mm because of economy, ease of finding components, ability to share ammo, less recoil, probably other reasons I can't recall. Getting magazines to work in these calibers required Dremel work and feed lip modification sometimes. I would suggest only taking one to the range on any given day so you don't mix things up.

6.5 Grendel has the best brass available, Lapua hasn't seen fit to make any 6.8SPC........yet. I prefer and usually shoot light for caliber bullets in 6.5. 90 grain, 95 grain, 100 and 107 grain bullets are my usual varieties. The same can be said about 6.8SPC, I prefer Speer 90 grain bullets. I will shoot 110's and 115's if I catch them on sale.

E-Lander 17 round magazines have worked best for me in 6.5 and 7.62x39. ASC and C-Products have been shaky in any round. I use Barrett and Precision Reflex Inc for 6.8 with good results. Color code your magazines and your rifle so they match. Blue to blue, red to red and so forth. Using colored tape will work unless you load the wrong ammo in the magazines.

 

[rickt300]

Oddball calibers! Hah!

 

[Lefty2506]

I've considered a .223/5.56 to keep cost down, but I already have 2 of those. One is a very heavy 22" flat top. The other is an A2 that I used to shoot across the course with. Neither lend themselves well to what I want to do with this one. That may be the best option since the cost of feeding it will be more than the cost of the upper over time. I could always build another identical one later in 6.8 and wrap tape around one to identify quickly.

Really like the tape on the mag idea. I used to do that with my match ammo for rapid fire. Works great.

 

[fabbrisd]

I use Book-Binding "cloth" tape in colors - sticks well - ages well w/no fade or rub off - and if I need to pull/change color on a mag - a little "Goo Gone" get the residual off clean.

I am a Mag-Hungry-Animal - yep for my Grendel E-Lander or E-Alexander have been totally reliable.

I check my local Armslist once-a-week - and if there is a Private Seller offering his Grendel-Complete - or selling his Grendel Upper - I message the Seller asking if he has Mag's or Ammo he wants to sell.

Experienced gunner's - usually moving to another caliber/build - know that a Buyer just needs 1 Mag - and a Buyer for Complete or Upper will ALWAYS want any "extra's for free.

I pick up Grendel mag's every month 4-6 at a time for like $10 each - decent ammo like Black ELD comes up too - and I get a decent buy price and no 10% retailer tax - heck the Parking Lot transfer's feel like a mini Drug-Deal - meet good shooter's too - they appreciate that it helps them build their War Chest a bit for their Next-Build

 

[dk17hmr]

I have a six5, which is a 6.8spc with the neck cut back and necked down to 6.5.....Best of both worlds. It's a 16" barrel and am currently shooting a 100gr Nosler ballistic tip to 2700fps with out really standing on it.

It's interesting enough but I gravitate to my 11.3" 6.8 when I grab an AR from the safe.