6mm Creedmoor > 6.5 Grendel??? And... can Ruger American stabilize the Barnes 95 LRX?

[polishmanmike]

Alright, my wife told me she wants to go whitetail hunting with me, so I naturally want to put together a decent rig for her. Don't want to spend a ton of money and Tikka t3x doesn't come in any of these (yes I can rebarrel, yes it comes in 243 with higher twist rate, but that's neither here nor there).
I have boiled it down to the Ruger American Ranch Gen 2 in 6.5 Grendel and Ruger American Gen 2 in 6mm Creedmoor.
Here are few questions, especially if you own the rifle I am looking at:

1. Recoil, being one of the most important factors, will the Grendel in Ranch configuration really be that much lighter of a recoil than the 6mm in regular ruger American config (especially once I put a recoil pad on it)?
2. I have seen concerns about Ruger American 6mm CM not being able to stabilize the 95gr Barnes LRX, that's what I would like to shoot. Barnes says 1:8, Ruger made the barrel 1:7.7, should be fine, right? I have seen a reported issue. Can anyone share personal experience with that set up and that bullet?
3. Any other recommendations for a light shooting rifle that can put down deer size game out to 200-300 yards? (I have already looked into 6 arc, 300 BLK, 243, 223, 6.8 spc)

Thanks

 

[bruceleroy]

6 ARC or 22 ARC are better options than the Grendel, and I LOVE the Grendel.

 

[SloppyJ]

If you want a ruger, the 6arc would be the play for that application. Less recoil than a creed and you can get close to the velocity if you step on it.

The 22arc would be even less recoil and would work just as well.

Both offer the appropriate barrel twist. The only reason not to go with one of those is if you don't handload. Although it seems the 22arc stuff is popping up. I even have 6arc at my local bass pro.

IMO, there are more options for hunting projectiles in the 6mm variety but what's offered currently will get you by. If you handload, even better.

I see no reason not to do one of those. Why did you decide against them? I'd take either of the 6.5 grendel.

 

[polishmanmike]

6 ARC or 22 ARC are better options than the Grendel, and I LOVE the Grendel.

I looked at the 6 arc but ammo availability deterred me, I don't reload

 

[iburns]

If 6 ARC had been around when I put together my 6.5 Grendel I would have gone that route. Not that there is anything wrong with Grendel for deer. Take a look at the Howa mini action. They’re available in the 6.5 Grendel or 6 ARC. You can get a barreled action from brownells, add a stock for not much more than the ruger.

 

[polishmanmike]

If you want a ruger, the 6arc would be the play for that application. Less recoil than a creed and you can get close to the velocity if you step on it.

The 22arc would be even less recoil and would work just as well.

Both offer the appropriate barrel twist. The only reason not to go with one of those is if you don't handload. Although it seems the 22arc stuff is popping up. I even have 6arc at my local bass pro.

IMO, there are more options for hunting projectiles in the 6mm variety but what's offered currently will get you by. If you handload, even better.

I see no reason not to do one of those. Why did you decide against them? I'd take either of the 6.5 grendel.

I decided against 6 arc because of the ammo availability, I hunt for meat and feed it to my babies, therefore only use copper. Kind of slim pickings in the 6arc copper category. I don't reload.
The 22 was never an option, because, well... I just don't want to take a 22 deer hunting (I know man, you can probably shoot holes through that logic with velocities, diameter comparisons, etc, I just passed on it, maybe I need to look more into it).

 

[polishmanmike]

This may be really elementary, but just the though of Grendel pushing a heavier bullet (thank 6arc) for a bigger sized buck makes me feel a little bit better. Especially since I will be slinging copper monos.

Question still stands though, anyone out there shot and stabilized 95 LRXs out of their 6mm CM Ruger American?

 

[SloppyJ]

I decided against 6 arc because of the ammo availability, I hunt for meat and feed it to my babies, therefore only use copper. Kind of slim pickings in the 6arc copper category. I don't reload.
The 22 was never an option, because, well... I just don't want to take a 22 deer hunting (I know man, you can probably shoot holes through that logic with velocities, diameter comparisons, etc, I just passed on it, maybe I need to look more into it).

I understand where you're at. While I think you're severely limiting yourself on ammo availability, it seems that a .243 would be the best choice. You can run the 80gr ttsxs that are loaded by barnes. I don't believe they make 6 creedmoor ammo or I'd recommend that.

Have you thought about picking up a cheap reloading setup? If you're only going to run copper, you've limited yourself to a very small subset of factory ammo. Basically ttsxs and hornady gmx. If you were to reload, you could try some of the more modern, frangable copper offerings that would likely kill a bit quicker than the typical copper stuff. While I've never used them, there does also seem to be a cult following of the 80gr ttsxs out of a .243. I couldn't get my 6creed to shoot them very well but my best load in my .308 is with the 150 ttsxs. I'm going to keep trying to test the 80s at mach speed next year.

 

[SloppyJ]

This may be really elementary, but just the though of Grendel pushing a heavier bullet (thank 6arc) for a bigger sized buck makes me feel a little bit better. Especially since I will be slinging copper monos.

Question still stands though, anyone out there shot and stabilized 95 LRXs out of their 6mm CM Ruger American?

Well that's about the opposite of what you want with copper. You want to sling them as quickly as possible which is why most of the bullet weights are lower than normal weight for caliber rounds.

About the last thing I would want to do is fire a heavy for caliber, slow, copper bullet at an animal from a cartridge that doesn't have much speed to begin with as compared to similar bolt action cartridges.

 

[RWT]

Grendel is plenty fine for the task and ammo is much easier to locate. For the distance and application I would go with the Grendel. Are you running suppressed? It will make a difference for her if you are. If you aren’t I would suggest adding a SME until you pick up a suppressor. They do make a noticeable difference in the concussion and sounds of the shot. They reduce recoil by ROM 5-10%.

StealthBlast SMD (Standard)

The StealthBlast SMD (sound mitigation device) is a is a game-changing compensator/diffuser engineered to provide an unparalleled shooting experience. What sets this innovative device apart is its unique ability to address the issue of firearm noise, all while still reducing felt recoil. Instead...

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[polishmanmike]

Well that's about the opposite of what you want with copper. You want to sling them as quickly as possible which is why most of the bullet weights are lower than normal weight for caliber rounds.

About the last thing I would want to do is fire a heavy for caliber, slow, copper bullet at an animal from a cartridge that doesn't have much speed to begin with as compared to similar bolt action cartridges.

this is what I was looking at for the 6.5 Grendel:

Barnes VOR-TX 6.5 Grendel Ammo 115 Grain Barnes Tipped Triple-Shock X

Barnes bullets have historically had the reputation of offering quick, clean and humane kills. Now they are taking their highly regarded bullets to the...

www.midwayusa.com

6mm CM:

Barnes VOR-TX Long Range 6mm Creedmoor Ammo 95 Grain Barnes Long Range

Barnes ammunition is manufactured to precise tolerances to ensure excellent accuracy and consistent velocities. VOR-TX LR is an extreme-distance load...

www.midwayusa.com

Have seen someone mention their Ruger American 6mm CM couldn't stabilize them properly (even though twists seemed right)

Definitely considered one of the newer 243 from Tikka with 1:8 twist, for:

Barnes VOR-TX 243 Winchester Ammo 80 Grain Barnes Triple-Shock X

Barnes bullets have historically had the reputation of offering quick, clean and humane kills. Now they are taking their highly regarded bullets to the...

www.midwayusa.com

 

[polishmanmike]

I understand where you're at. While I think you're severely limiting yourself on ammo availability, it seems that a .243 would be the best choice. You can run the 80gr ttsxs that are loaded by barnes. I don't believe they make 6 creedmoor ammo or I'd recommend that.

Have you thought about picking up a cheap reloading setup? If you're only going to run copper, you've limited yourself to a very small subset of factory ammo. Basically ttsxs and hornady gmx. If you were to reload, you could try some of the more modern, frangable copper offerings that would likely kill a bit quicker than the typical copper stuff. While I've never used them, there does also seem to be a cult following of the 80gr ttsxs out of a .243. I couldn't get my 6creed to shoot them very well but my best load in my .308 is with the 150 ttsxs. I'm going to keep trying to test the 80s at mach speed next year.

I wouldn't even know where to begin looking how to learn to reload. How much would an initial set up cost?

 

[RWT]

I have helped 25+ new shooters between family and friends. Most started with 223 then moved up to 22-250. The main goal is make it enjoyable. If she enjoys it and wants to do more then that is the excuse to buy another rifle. I would go Ruger Ranch in 6.5 Grendel , add a SME and a trijicon huron with Warne rail and MT rings All in for under $1300.

 

[polishmanmike]

Grendel is plenty fine for the task and ammo is much easier to locate. For the distance and application I would go with the Grendel. Are you running suppressed? It will make a difference for her if you are. If you aren’t I would suggest adding a SME until you pick up a suppressor. They do make a noticeable difference in the concussion and sounds of the shot. They reduce recoil by ROM 5-10%.

StealthBlast SMD (Standard)

The StealthBlast SMD (sound mitigation device) is a is a game-changing compensator/diffuser engineered to provide an unparalleled shooting experience. What sets this innovative device apart is its unique ability to address the issue of firearm noise, all while still reducing felt recoil. Instead...

deercreekarms.com

i guess what im hearing you say is that grendel is gonna be nicer on the recoil than the 6cm

hoping to suppress the grendel, especially with the 16" ranch barrel

 

[RWT]

Rifle Recoil Table: Updated for 2024 with all popular cartridges – Backfire

backfire.tv

Even if figures are 20% off the Grendel has less recoil for certain.

 

[bruceleroy]

Worrying about lead in meat is an irrational fear at best. The few studies done on the matter had to show that the "contaminated" meat was eaten daily for lengthy periods of time.

 

[flyfisher117]

As a fan girl of the 6.5 Grendel I will echo above. I would have chosen the 6mm if it were available when I got into it.

I will say, since you are not reloading. If you go with the Grendel, buy a nice stash of ammo now while the getting is decent. So many people get into the Grendel and they are shocked when the ammo dissappears during a panic. It is one of the last cartridges to return. The past 5 years I have watched so many people ditch the round because they ran out of ammo and couldn't get more.

The 6 creed will be easier to find ammo for during a shortage.

 

[tony]

OP, where are you? 6 ARC ammo is almost everywhere, and online.

Been eating lead shot meat most my life. 56 years I'm still here

As someone wanting to get into reloading as well. I wouldn't do it for one cartridge.

Low recoil cartridges- obviously subjective: 6.5 cm, .243, 7mm-08 in no order with easier to find ammo. Many ammo makers offer "low recoil" rounds.

 

[polishmanmike]

Worrying about lead in meat is an irrational fear at best. The few studies done on the matter had to show that the "contaminated" meat was eaten daily for lengthy periods of time.

that's fair
I still however don't want to fed it to my babies, that's just me

 

[Orchemo]

I had a Ruger 6 ARC and currently have a Ruger 6 CM. Also have a Howa 6 ARC mini action.

Both calibers shot very well and very easy on the shoulder. 6 ARC is like a 223. The 6CM adds a couple hundred fps, but the 6 ARC is plenty for deer to 300 yds.

Both the Ruger and Howa stabilize 108 and 107 bullets fine. The 95 LRX should shoot great in either case.