Howa Mini Action (6.5 Grendel vs 6mm ARC vs 22 ARC)

[Packmansion]

I have to ask. Does it makes a difference to the critter I am shooting if the requirements are under 300 yards? All 3 should have less than 2” of difference in drop and less than 100 fps at that distance. The 6.5G replaced my 22-250 for first time hunter as it has the same recoil and is pushing a heavier bullet than the 22-250. Besides I set up first time hunters to be under 150 yards with their shots. I want happy successful experiences. If they enjoy it they will do it again.

For any of the new catridges that utilize high bc bullets there is no benefit gained inside of 300 yards. If you are a long range shooter you will appreciate the advantage they provide. The other benefit is reduced recoil while not compromising on lethality.

 

[FredH]

Inside 300 yards and for general purpose deer and feral hog hunting my experience gives the 6.5 Grendel the edge. The benefit of more bullet diameter and mass with adequate speed. I have a 6 Grendel which I have been shooting for a couple of years. I like it and it is a fine shooter. I have shot a few raccoons with it but mostly it is a paper puncher. My 22 ARC is also a good shooter but other than handle high BC bullets in a Gas gun magazine it is not a lot better than a 22" barreled bolt gun in 223. If you want to shoot fragmenting type bullets the Grendel gives at least 20% more mass to turn into fragments. If you like controlled expanding bullets that same mass and diameter work in your favor also. This year I have decided to run a 300 Ham'r and a 22 ARC and compare results. I rarely have a shot past 200 yards but I do a lot of night time hog hunting where all I can try for are solid hits in the chest or trying to break bone. Deep penetration is a plus. The 223 has been less than satisfactory but the Grendel does a pretty good job. Not saying the 223 didn't kill the hogs but they went far enough that they couldn't be found in the dark.

 

[Needle Specialist]

22 ARC vs 6 ARC vs 6.5 Grendel for a 300 yard deer rifle. I’m stuck between these 3.

22 ARC - 80g ELDX or 88g ELDM

6mm ARC - 108 ELDM

6.5 Grendel - 123 ELDM

This is going to be a light recoiling 300 yard max deer rifle. More like 100-200 yards. I just bought a 6.5 creedmoor tikka t3x, but I’ve been wanting a bows mini action and the ARC cartridges give me a reason to get one. Very intrigued by them.

I do plan on adding a 6mm creed next year at some point.

I have a 223.

I think the grendel gets a slight edge over the 6mm for deer sized game. I did take a buck last year with the 6 arc and it worked great though. Probably not much difference for deer, but the 6mm gives you a paper punching rifle too. It’s possible the Grendel stagnates a little and the 6mm continues to grow because hornady will push it.