To Grendel or not to Grendel?

[adamsredlines]

So I have an AR thats got a "good" 5.56 barrel on it (1:7), a decent scope (4.5-14 Burris Mtac) and a pretty decent drop in trigger. Its just never shot what I think it should and I've tried several different "match" loads from it as well as cheap stuff. My 300 blackout with a plain trigger, 4x scope and factory Remington UMC 120gr shoots better than this thing does. That being said, I'm thinking of a barrel swap. Should I just go Grendel? I've still got the walnut AR if I want to shoot 5.56 and the rest of this gun is set up the way I want it. I figure if I'm going to be using "match" ammo from it, whether commercial or I hand load it, I may as well go for something different. At that point, the advantage of 5.56 (cost) disappears for the most part.

Shooting @chazroh Grendel kinda got the wheels turning. Granted his scope/trigger was better than I'll be using, I think a really good Grendel barrel could make up alot of ground and do better than I currently am with the 5.56.

 

[chazroh]

Do it! You won't regret it, other than cost,

 

[adamsredlines]

I'd be more inclined to do more loading on expensive ammo than I am for plinking stuff. I would have loaded up this .308 for deer if I had more time to get to the range and test some loads right now. Should slow down a bit and will work on that.

 

[chazroh]

Academy has hornady ammo for around $25 a box.

 

[rc508pir]

Details on the AR you currently have?

Id go with a 25-45 Sharps over Grendel, unless your looking at longer ranges.

 

[dennishoddy]

I'm kinda in the same boat.
I never look for short range rounds, as long range rounds can be used for short or long range.
Have had a finished lower with a timmney trigger in the safe for awhile.
Just can't figure out what upper to build with it.

 

[beastep]

I would do it. But you will need a new bolt or BCG as well as the barrel. You can get cheap ammo for the 6.5 at around $.25 or less per round. I also like the 25-45 Sharps and was going to do one of those on my next build but I think Ill do a Grendel first. I think it just fits what I need a little better right now. By the way, most factory loads for a 223 are terrible compared to even mediocre handloads.

 

[Tcox]

In my opinion, the 6.5 Grendel is the best long(er) range precision round that can fit in an ar15. It has a good BC and decent velocity. I can attest that it will be effective to 800 yards (maybe more). If you have a desire to shoot past 600, I think your best bet is the Grendel when we’re talking ar15 platform.