Long Range Heavy Hitter...?

Joeywhat · #1 12-16-10, 17:45

Looking for inputs on a good cartridge for medium to long range distances that has some ass behind it. Mainly out to 300 yards but I'd like to get into some 600 yard shooting as well. 'Above average' accuracy, nothing too extreme but not typical fightin' rifle accuracy. Sorry I don't exactly have a number to put on it...basically want this to be able to put a bullet on medium sized game out to 300 yards with some degree of accuracy. And be a viable option out to 600.

Any thoughts on what to go with? I'd prefer it use standard AR magazines and bolt, but not a huge deal if it doesn't. Not looking for single shot deals, want to keep it semi auto. Readily available factory ammo is a plus but again not a huge deal if I have to reload.

So far I've been eyeing the 6.8 SPC and 6.5 Grendel. Also open to thoughts on barrel choices for your caliber of choice...twist rate, manufacturer, etc.

koz · #2 12-16-10, 18:02

I'd look at the 6.5 G. Hornady now makes ammo for it as well as Wolf (pretty crappy), and Lapua / Alexander Arms. You can fire form 7.62x39 brass if you want to reload. A particular maker of scope/mounts killed a nice elk at 400+ yards with a 6.5G.
There are several barrel makers out there now - Les Baer (264 LBC), CSS, Alexander Arms, Sabre, Satern.

You'll need a new bolt but can use the same bolt carrier. You'll also need 6.5G magazines but they fit a 5.56 lower. CProducts makes magazines that work well. Depending on barrel length, it can be a bad-ass round out to 1000yds.

Joeywhat · #3 12-16-10, 18:12

The donor rifle already has a free float tube so I was going to throw in an 18" barrel and make it a long range gun...probably get a Trijicon 3-9x Accupoint up top. Or maybe keep 18" barrel and throw a 1-4x on there for some close range goodness at competitions...just for shits and giggles once in a while.

I see AA offers barrels (obviously, I guess...) but they charge more to buy JUST the barrel then to get the barrel with upper receiver...anyone know why that is? Get more stuff, spend less money...a LOT less money. Any opinions on 6.5 barrels to stay away from? I admittedly don't know much about 'good' barrels in regards to accuracy and such.

BAC · #4 12-16-10, 19:19

Do you have a preferred barrel length? Will this be a primarily a benchrest gun or a 'walking' gun? Are you willing to reload or consider wildcats?

The Grendel is obviously a good choice, but doesn't use standard AR mags.

-B

Joeywhat · #5 12-16-10, 19:33

It'll see 'real world' use. Hunting for sure, 'field shooting', or whatever you call shooting stuff but NOT from a bench...and some bench shooting for sure. I don't want a bench gun...it needs to be practical, hence my desire for 18" barrel...seems to be a middle ground, although perhaps a different length would be even better, I dunno.

broylz · #6 12-16-10, 20:16

what about the new .300 AAC Blackout?

full mag capacity, just a barrel swap. can get faster 110gr bullets all the way up to 220gr subsonics.

this is what ive been looking into, more power and designed for sbr/suppressed use. a 16" version with the supersonic ammo would probably give you what you want.

BAC · #7 12-16-10, 21:16

The Blackout will have one heck of a rainbow to make 300-600 yard shots, no?

If you're not willing to reload, the 6.5 Grendel is probably the best bet. Parts and ammo are available and it works best from the 18"+ length barrels. If you're willing to reload, I'd nominate Robert Whitley's 6mm AR / 6mm AR Turbo / Turbo Improved (Grendels necked down to 6mm) and the 6BR or 6BRX. The 6BR and 6BRX will be the highest-performing, but these use proprietary bolts, barrel extensions, uppers, and single-loading or 5-round magazines because of the fat BR case. It's typically made for long 28"+ length barrels, but folks have cut them down to 18" with good results (60+ gr bullets pushing 3000 fps). Whitley's rounds split the difference between the Grendel and BR/BRX in cost (it's assumed you'll reload for it) and are closer to the BR and BRX in performance. The 6mm AR sits between the Grendel and BR in performance, the 6mm AR Turbo is just shy of BR performance and the Turbo Improved (40 degree shoulder) about equals it. These use Grendel bolts and mags, 6mm barrels, and feed 105-108 gr bullets from the mag. Like the BR and BRX, it's also designed for longer barrels, but should also do fine out of an 18" barrel.

-B

Joeywhat · #8 12-16-10, 21:26

I don't mind reloading but I think for this one I'm going to want factory ammo available, even if it is pricey...just so I can get a baseline for my reloads and since I'm usually short on time can still shoot if I don't have a bunch of ammo loaded up.

.300 BLK was my other option for this rifle, but I kinda decided to go longer distances instead. I'd imagine you'd have one hell of a holdover at 300+ yards with that cartridge...

Joeywhat · #9 12-17-10, 19:02

Any opinions on twist rates for the 6.5 Grendel? Haven't been able to find a straight answer online. I'm used to 5.56 rifles where there's so many to choose from, and I'm not exactly sure if one twist is better then another for 6.5 with my needs in mind.