Grendel Question

[bucksnort]

Gents,
It appears as though the 6.5 Grendel does not have a 'standard' diameter case head. How would one go about building a rifle, starting with a Remington 700 action? Can you buy bolts with different face diameters, or would it have to be custom cut by a gunsmith?
Thanks for any info.

 

[chuckbuster243]

Most all makers make ppc bolts. Its the same size as a Grendel. Matt

 

[Buzz]

As someone who has done this in the past, I would strongly advise against it. The grendel is one of the best cartridges in an AR platform, but in a bolt rifle there is no real reason for it. My grendel barrel is sitting in the closet waiting to be my next 6.5x47 lapua barrel.

 

[GSPV]

There might be several reasons for it...just not the Grendel as originally loaded.

The well-proven is as benchrest case when necked up to 30 cal.

Another interesting idea is as a 6 PPC scaled up for 80-ish gr pills.

 

[Buzz]

The 30 major and 6mm versions do seem to have a niche, but the 30BR and 6BR cartridges still have the edge I think. I have a 6.5, 6, and now a 224 caliber based on the grendel cartridge in AR platforms and I think they're great. When you're not worried about feeding in an auto loader and staying under AR magazine oal, there are much better cartridges out there in my opinion.

 

[GSPV]

The 30 major and 6mm versions do seem to have a niche, but the 30BR and 6BR cartridges still have the edge I think. I have a 6.5, 6, and now a 224 caliber based on the grendel cartridge in AR platforms and I think they're great. When you're not worried about feeding in an auto loader and staying under AR magazine oal, there are much better cartridges out there in my opinion.

Mike Stinnett who owns the world record small group with a 30 Stewart make from Grendel cases would likely disagree with you.

I was actually talking about a 6.5 Grendel with 80-ish bullets as a scaled up 6 PPC. Bullets and, of course being out on a limb by yourself, are issues. Bob Cautercio (sp?) makes a bullet in that range. If UBR ever has a 6.5 target, I'm going to build one.

 

[Buzz]

niche, defined: A situation or activity specially suited to a person's interests, abilities, or nature

I think everyone will agree that Stinnett falls within that niche that I spoke of. In general, many more shooters have found success across many more disciplines with the 6ppc, 6br, 6.5x47 lapua, 260 rem, 308, 30BR, etc. All of these are options in a short action bolt gun.

Based on the original question, I assumed the OP wasn't looking to break into the BR game with a brand new cartridge, but was rather looking for a cartridge that performs well for general recreational shooting and hunting. The 6.5 Grendel is that cartridge in the AR, but (in my opinion) there are much better options in a bolt gun.

 

[GSPV]

I pretty much agree with you unless someone had a PPC bolt face for some reason.

Buying a used LV benchrest action would be one route to that. Lots of them around.

OTOH, as you are leaning toward, the .473 is sometimes called the "standard bolt face" for a reason.

BTW, the 30 Major makes a dandy AR. That was its original purpose. I have one on a custom matched billet upper/lower. With a brake, it is loud, but kicks like a 223. It would make the sweetest little deer rifle on e planet. Unfortunately, I currently live in Ohio....

 

[Buzz]

Oh I agree with you there. If I had an extra PPC action with a 6mm barrel that needed a new throat just laying around, I wouldn't hesitate to build a 6 Rat out of it. It almost gets you to 6BR velocities, but there is some fire forming involved.

Like we've both discussed, there are quite a few nice cartridges that can be built off of the 6.5 grendel case, I'm just not sure a 6.5 Grendel in a bolt gun is one of them

Take care sir, and if the OP comes back and has any questions about my adventures with my 6.5 Grendel bolt gun feel free to ask away.

 

[bucksnort]

I might just stay with the 6BR for now. The 30BR should be next. We only fire at 100/200/300-yds. Thanks again.

 

[GSPV]

If you shoot 100-300, you have a BR/standard boltface and the score rings don't greatly reward a bigger hole, it is hard to beat a straight 6 BR.

I have on in 10 twist set up for 300 yard varmint matches shooting mid-weight bullets. It likes the Berger 90 BT very well.

Here is a target from our 300 yard winter varmint match. The spotter dot was from a crossfire, which happens pretty often.

 

[kmon]

I built a Grendel on a CZ action before they became available commercially. It has become one of my favorite hunting rifles, no not a bench gun but still fun and plenty for hunting whitetails. I know different use than many on here will put it to but at 7.2lbs scoped, accurate with low recoil and works great for hunting so far to past 400 it is kinda nice. Have some of the bigger 6.5s that stay in the safe most of the time now.

If the OP really wants to build a Remington 700 actioned Grendel, get a PPC bolt from Pacific Tool and Gauge and have fun