300 Blackout vs 6.5 Grendel

[PGMidwest2]

I’m considering a new gun for whitetail hunting and drives in Wisconsin. I have a long-range stand hunting Bergara, but want something 100 and in mostly that is more mobile of a setup. I’m currently considering a 300 blackout with a 9” barrel or a 6.5 Grendel in the 12.5” - 16” barrel length. I will be shooting these suppressed and in an AR platform. For the 300 blackout id be shooting supersonic ammo.

Any insight on these would be greatly appreciated, and recommendations are welcome. Ideally looking to be in the $1000-$1500 range. I’ve only really done research on the 300 blackout build and I’d likely be looking at an AERO.

 

[Ganderzone]

6.5 grendel has a handful of decent deer bullets with enough energy to 300 yards. The 300 blackout is a cool round especially suppressed, but for hunting purposes the bullet selection is limited and the energy falls off rather quickly. Under 200 yards either one will take a Wisconsin whitetail with no problem, I just feel the grendel offers a little more versatility.

 

[justinspicher]

I’d go Grendel if it were my decision. Better bullet selection, more velocity and energy as well.

I don’t believe the 300blkout is designed for being used outside.

 

[Taudisio]

I’d go Grendel if it were my decision. Better bullet selection, more velocity and energy as well.

I don’t believe the 300blkout is designed for being used outside.

That is the best description for a blackout I have heard! “Intended for indoor use only”

 

[NRA4LIFE]

Grendel, for sure. Is Aero producing in another state now? I believe WA laws now prohibit the manufacturing here.

 

[Johnboy041586]

I'd also recommend the grendel. 300BO will get it done short range for sure. But if I was putting something together with deer being it's main purpose 6.5 grendel is a better round IMO.

 

[Presswood_936]

I shoot both calibers several nights a week on hogs . If i was only shooting supers I’d go 6.5 for sure

 

[timekiller13]

Grendel all the way.

300 blk is a 150 yd gun.

Grendel is a 300 yd round. I’ve killed deer with both and while they both are effective I prefer the Grendel.

 

[ARK_Ginger]

Of the two, Grendel. Realistically a 12.5" 5.56 is more practical and kills fine. I'd do a 6 ARC if for some reason you couldn't use 224 bullets.

 

[PGMidwest2]

6.5 grendel has a handful of decent deer bullets with enough energy to 300 yards. The 300 blackout is a cool round especially suppressed, but for hunting purposes the bullet selection is limited and the energy falls off rather quickly. Under 200 yards either one will take a Wisconsin whitetail with no problem, I just feel the grendel offers a little more versatility.

Ya, I like the idea of a 300 BO but probably not best for my application. Part of my hesitation was wondering if the shorter barrel made a big difference for optimization.

 

[PGMidwest2]

Grendel, for sure. Is Aero producing in another state now? I believe WA laws now prohibit the manufacturing here.

Not sure where they’re producing but have seen a lot still flowing out. Alway read good things.

 

[PGMidwest2]

I'd also recommend the grendel. 300BO will get it done short range for sure. But if I was putting something together with deer being its main purpose 6.5 grendel is a better round IMO.

Thanks! Probably was more of a stretch vs practical.

 

[PGMidwest2]

I shoot both calibers several nights a week on hogs . If i was only shooting supers I’d go 6.5 for sure

Would you have any recommendations on 6.5 manufacturer? Anything you’ve had good luck with?

 

[PGMidwest2]

Of the two, Grendel. Realistically a 12.5" 5.56 is more practical and kills fine. I'd do a 6 ARC if for some reason you couldn't use 224 bullets.

For whitetail, I just feel a little better with the 6.5 vs 5.56. I know it can be done, just more of a preference if practical. I have a 6” can, so should function closer to a 18” barrel unless I do just go 16” and not mess with the tax stamp or pistol.

 

[Presswood_936]

Would you have any recommendations on 6.5 manufacturer? Anything you’ve had good luck with?

I have a Franken AR that I put together . Aero precision upper ,12.5” ballistic advantage barrel that shoots wolf 1.5 moa and federal just under an inch . Grendel’s can be finicky with mags so you may have to do some tweaking . Get a good adj gas block .

 

[PGMidwest2]

I have a Franken AR that I put together . Aero precision upper ,12.5” ballistic advantage barrel that shoots wolf 1.5 moa and federal just under an inch . Grendel’s can be finicky with mags so you may have to do some tweaking . Get a good adj gas block .

Nice, I was leaning Aero upper. Not sure if you considered it, but given the 12.5” barrel, any thought to going 6.8 instead?

 

[Presswood_936]

Nice, I was leaning Aero upper. Not sure if you considered it, but given the 12.5” barrel, any thought to going 6.8 instead?

6.8 works great too , several of my buddies use it . I got 6.5 cause the ammo was cheaper and bought several cases of wolf

 

[NRA4LIFE]

If you go with the Grendel, I would suggest buying the Grendel specific magazines versus the standard pmags. If I recall, the follower is slightly different on the Grendel mags.

 

[ARK_Ginger]

For whitetail, I just feel a little better with the 6.5 vs 5.56. I know it can be done, just more of a preference if practical. I have a 6” can, so should function closer to a 18” barrel unless I do just go 16” and not mess with the tax stamp or pistol.

I’ve kill some with my 11.5” 5.56 and had no issues. I personally think the 6 ARC is a better round that 6.5 Grendel and that the market will favor the 6 in the coming years strongly.

 

[PGMidwest2]

6.8 works great too , several of my buddies use it . I got 6.5 cause the ammo was cheaper and bought several cases of wolf

Makes sense. Now that I’m down the rabbit hole, I’m considering the 6.8 because of barrel length. Cant imagine it’s a cheap cartridge, but I don’t shoot a ton (although I’d like to).