I consider myself a nomad, but I've been in an around central Carolina (Moore County) for most of the last seven years or so. However, perhaps more germane to this forum, I was into 6.5 mm waaaaaaay before it was cool. I came to love the 6.5mm as a teenager back in the 90s. I am analytically inclined and a mechanical engineer by education. I started exploring long range shooting and cartridge efficiency back when sites like Sniper's Hide were just getting off the ground and internet was dial up. I poked around places like Sniper Central as well as others because long range shooting always fascinated me. I remember the introduction of the McMillan M99, the development of the Mach 5, the .408 Chey Tac, a host of Dakota Arms stuff and various other odds and ends in the long range game. However, once upon a time, VLD wasn't quite the buzz word it is now. No one loaded for aerodynamic efficiency...the state of rifle shooting in the late 90s and early 00s, as you may recall, was all about pushing the same old bullets out of bigger cases with more powder. At the time, I was all about the 6.5x55mm Swede...or, at least, it's potential. Folks made a big deal about how "light" the bullets were and missed out on the fact that, at range, they hit harder than .308 or even .30-06 because they retained energy and velocity much, much better with common loads. The 6.5 bore got a jump start on today's hotness with relatively aerodynamic loads in common bullet weights and access to high BC bullets that 6mm, 7mm, and 7.62 really couldn't match. Anyhow, you all already know that, right? So...
If I'm completely honest, I don't own a 6.5 Grendel yet...it's in the mail and the fine folk at UPS say it should be here tomorrow courtesy of the fine folks at LaRue Tactical. Worse still, I bought parts for a 6.8 SPC that, eventually, got assembled by my Dad into a complete rifle. I suppose that makes me something a heretic - I do like throwing 90-95 grain pills at what are, essentially, 5.56 equivalent velocities from 16 inch and shorter tubes (perhaps even better in some cases). With heavier bullets, neither the SPC or Grendel has really blown my skirt up - however, the 6.5 does seem to have an edge in economics and...of course...it IS my favorite bore size from way back. Anyway, I've got a case of cheap ammo on the way while I get sorted out and will be poking around here for information on a cartridge that I've always paid attention to, but have never really been enthusiastic about (gasp!).
If I'm completely honest, I don't own a 6.5 Grendel yet...it's in the mail and the fine folk at UPS say it should be here tomorrow courtesy of the fine folks at LaRue Tactical. Worse still, I bought parts for a 6.8 SPC that, eventually, got assembled by my Dad into a complete rifle. I suppose that makes me something a heretic - I do like throwing 90-95 grain pills at what are, essentially, 5.56 equivalent velocities from 16 inch and shorter tubes (perhaps even better in some cases). With heavier bullets, neither the SPC or Grendel has really blown my skirt up - however, the 6.5 does seem to have an edge in economics and...of course...it IS my favorite bore size from way back. Anyway, I've got a case of cheap ammo on the way while I get sorted out and will be poking around here for information on a cartridge that I've always paid attention to, but have never really been enthusiastic about (gasp!).
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