Anyone running a 6.5 Grendel bolt action these days?

[Marksman]

I'm curious if the 6.5 Grendel is still relevant with all of todays different offerings.

 

[Sniper338]

Whats not relevant about it? I've hunted with one all deer season this year. I love the round..

 

[SVT_Tactical]

I got a Howa Carbon Stalker recently in 6.5 Grendel. So far only took to the range once with factory Hornady ammo. Held sub MOA and is very mild shooting. Suppressed it's amazingly mild. I bought for my son and wife to shoot. Total package with leupold scope is less than 6lbs and easy for them to hold. Am considering a reduction in barrel length but likely hold off on any changes for now.

I think the grendel thrives in the AR platform but certainly has a place in compact bolt guns. You can push them much faster than the ar platform and really shine. The 120gr Sierra TGK is designed for grendel velocities. I'm going to load for it soon and see how she stretches them legs.

 

[STOMP442]

I run a Howa mini as one of my primary Coyote rifles. Love that thing. The 85gr Sierras (no longer made) shoot small and work really well on the dogs.

 

[jghoghunter]

I have one in a howa mini. I load 123 sst over 8208. Killed one buck with it. Very accurate on 1 moa plates out to 600 yds (run out of elevation 20 yds short of 700) but its embarrassed many RPR and more than one $3500+ "tactical" custom at the range. I paid $350 for it, it is bone stock with an old 6.5-20 Leupold. I can't see how to have more fun for less!

 

[koger]

I recently got one used, a Ruger Gen 2 American Predator, the first load I tried is shooting right around .450 for 5 shot groups, using some old Sierra 100 gr HPs, I had 2 boxes and this is my first go round. I like it a lot so far

 

[Oso]

Are you only interested in comparing 6.5mm Grendel to the other Grendel Siblings (6mm ARC and 22 ARC) or are you also comparing against other intermediate/micro cartridges?

Are you limiting comparison to cartridges that fit in AR15 &/or mini-action bolt rifle, or also short action bolt rifle?
—————————————————

My answer is slightly different depending on primary purpose of rifle and distance. All of the Grendel-based cartridges are accurate and punch well above their size, and are extremely capable for hunting and precision shooting. I hunt with the 6.5 Grendel (123gr SST) out of Mini Howa and have friends using it through AR15’s without issue. I have no complaint on capability on whitetail and pigs. I would not hesitate to also use the 6 ARC for hunting or target shooting. The 22 Grendel “ARC” is just a few steps behind 22BR. Hard to argue with that. Not every state will allows .22 cal cartridges for hunting.

 

[Oso]

Here’s a comparative gel test of different Grendel’s / ARCs.