One rifle to rule them all...

[Pancho Villa]

Mental exercise I've been running in my head for the better part of a year, now it's becoming relevant.

Long story short, I liquidated my gun collection to make sure we had the cash on hand to pay the (substantial) bills related to bringing a new human onto the scene. Now baby is here and I'm taking stock of what is important and what isn't. I've decided that 1 rifle + lots of ammo is better than a lot of rifles and a little bit of ammo, and less trigger time.

Maybe I'm just growing up. Who knows.

Anyway, my needs are very specific, and I'd like to get feedback from people here. I want a HD/Playing Around/Hunting rifle. Needs to be good to go for game up to elk, killing intruders up close and playing around at the range up to 400-500 yards.

After some research I have settled on a final two: 6.8SPCII and 6.5 Grendel. While many old timers will look askance at the two as elk cartridges, given some research, a solid hit with a modern bullet will put even the big'uns down.

What I would like from you guys are your learned opinions: which is better for the assigned purposes, and why?

[cofi]

Why not just go. 308 if your planning on stockpiling its gonna be way cheaper

[SideShow Bob]

I am not one of the learned old timers, but ammo availability would be in the equation as to what caliber. And platform type such as an AR 15 or AR 10, depending on caliber choice would come second. The AR platform would give you the all around usage you are looking for.

[Pancho Villa]

I would prefer an AR15, Sideshow.

As for why not .308...I don't like my options. The less expensive rifles don't impress me regarding reliability, and the more reliable ones are pushing $3k for the basic rifle.

[20X11]

Home defense and elk hunting seem mutually exclusive....that being said, inside 200 yards on elk, home defense/SHTF, fun time at range, it would be hard to beat the .300 blackout. Brass is easily made from 5.56/223 cases, New plinking ammo is relatively cheap, you can put a can on it and run subsonic loads for home defense, and get 150gr 30 cal bullets going 2000 fps for elk. And since it uses all the same parts as a 5.56 AR except the barrel, parts are cheap and readily available. Plus the effective range (as rated by the military) is 440 meters...which meets your 400-500 yard requirement.

[Goodburbon]

Not $3000, Accurate, compact enough for HD, Powerful enough for elk, Ammo cheap enough to stock up.

http://dpmsinc.3dcartstores.com/COMPACT-HUNTER_ep_151-1.html

[netsecsys]

I would prefer an AR15, Sideshow.

As for why not .308...I don't like my options. The less expensive rifles don't impress me regarding reliability, and the more reliable ones are pushing $3k for the basic rifle.

You could get a LMT MWS for around $2400 new (going around $2100 for used in good condition) . They are no OBR but well made, accurate, and are fun to shoot (especially after putting a PWS brake on it). You can take them out some distance as well. YMMV.

[Fentonite]

I've got a DPMS LR308B, that's been nothing but reliable. Sub MOA. Youre welcome to try it out. Shoot me a PM, and maybe we can figure a time to meet at cherry creek.

[C Ward]

Grendal and 6.8 are at the top end of the effectiveness on deer and antelope size game , no way that I would use either on elk unless your planning on head shots all the time .

[BadShot]

I'll support .308 as well. Plenty of build it yourself options out there not to mention plenty of other platforms (FAL, CETME, HK/PTR91) in the arena that are just as capable as any AR10 in the sub 2k range. Mags are affordable, parts are super easy to come by and on par with many AR10 accessories and parts. Not sure what a DI .308 gets you, but as an entry level weapon that you can use to fit the roles you've described, if it has to be an AR platform, the there ain't no shame in either building it yourself or starting with a DPMS and upgrading from there as reason and finances allow.

Me, when I go the .308 AR route, I'm looking at something more in the Piston configuration, but that's a preference.

I'm not sure I'm a fan of the non-mainstream calibers for a variety of reasons. Then again, nothing wrong with a few different uppers, keeps the price reasonable for both, keeps your manual of arms the same and falls into your basic requirements. In short, I don't think there is a "single" solution for your requirements.

[BPTactical]

What ever you can employ the most effectively.
All of the awesome rifle and whiz bang gadgets mean squat if you cannot achieve your task with it.

[dtbighit]

I'm thinking a Daisy Red Rider..................in all seriousness what a tough decision,so many guns to choose from,have you narrowed it down yet?

[Delfuego]

Why not just go. 308 if your planning on stockpiling its gonna be way cheaperDitto...

Have you tried to locate any 6.5/6.8? Slim pickings and expensive.

[fitz19d]

Another +1 for not 6.8 and 6.5. For a while I had the 6.8 craze, and I'm happy I never pulled the trigger. I'm not knocking those rounds, but they are certainly better suited to the hobbyist that has the $ to have numerous toys and the very pricy ammunition/reloading costs of those exotic flavors.

Problem is somewhat the original post. I want a close in home defense, hunting, 500 yard rifle.... it sounds like that animated ascii voice video a while back making fun of random new posters on ar15. (Who also want plate carriers but no plates.)

If you are doing this because of funds and want simplicity, I'd encourage sticking with affordable off the shelf calibres, again like the .308. Yes the fancy ar10's are up there, but there are plenty of reasonably priced ones that will do the job.

One thought is instead of trying to make a rifle do several different generalities. Just get yourself a $300 870 or something for your HD needs and that allows you to focus on a true hunting calibre rifle that will deal with elk/distance/and some fun range needs. (If you suddenly strike it rich, bump fire stock on that .308 with a drum...)

Opposite side, get a $100 mosin or a basic real hunting caliber bolt gun for a few hundred and then focus your HD/Range fun/400 yards need with a 18-22 inch AR15.

[osok-308]

Opposite side, get a $100 mosin or a basic real hunting caliber bolt gun for a few hundred and then focus your HD/Range fun/400 yards need with a 18-22 inch AR15.


+1 If you can't afford a semi auto .308, get an ar in 5.56 (for ammo availability) and a mosin nagant. The 7.62x54r is more powerful anyways, and the money you save on a rifle, will afford hundreds of rounds of 7.62 ammunition. Ammunition is incredibly cheap to shoot. It was my first rifle (even before a .22 as I got my mosin for $75 from a buddy) and as I shoot it, I feel compelled to quote Ivan Drago from Rocky IV "I must break you" and "I can not be defeated. I beat all man. Someday, I will beat a real champion."

[Dalendenver]

I did a lot of research before spending money and bought a 6.8 then reamed it to spcII. I love the way it shoots. I have a Mini14 and am working on the upper for my AR15. Go to 68forums.com, there is a world of information there and many of the top manufacturers involved in 6.8 are on there.

I saw a Stag 7 in 6.8 at the last gun show for under $1000.

[obawon]

If it had to be just one...I'd have to cast my vote in with the 308 crowd. Ammo options and availability are PDG. Another option in 308 is the M14.

[Troublco]

Of the two you mention, I would (and did) choose the 6.5 for several reasons. First, the 6.5 has a far greater variety of bullet weights and styles to choose from. (Same argument holds for the 458 SOCOM over the 50 Beowulf...) The 6.5 bullet has a better BC, which translates to greater efficiency. The 6.5 has the added advantage of being able to have the case formed from 7.62x39 brass if you don't want to buy Grendel brass; and it's a simple process. Here are a couple of links for a little info-

http://www.atgreloading.com/t315-cartridge-conversion-762x39-to-65-grendel

http://www.65grendel.com/forum/showthread.php?1334-Conversion-7.62x39-to-make-6.5-Grendel-Brass

You'll hear all sorts of things about the two, and some folks get downright heated in their defense of one or another, but the bottom line is that inside 400 yards they'll do about the same thing. Still have the lack of choices in bullets with the 6.8, and past 400 the 6.5 takes over.

The other usual nice thing about one of these two is the ability to get more low cost (compared to the whole gun) uppers, like a .22, a 5.56, a .300 Blackout, later on in the game when you can. Can't do that with one of the .308 platforms.

[ronaldrwl]

My 2 cents.: Don't do it. Get a home defense rifle ($200-300 shotgun). And pick your hunting rifle with the big scope. There are all kinds of good deals for under $500. For the 'having fun' rifle use the same caliber as the hunting rifle. The two ideas of home defense and hunting don't mix.

[Ianski]

Never used the 6.8 or 6.5, but if you are looking for a do-all rifle that you can stock ammo for, i'm putting my chips on .308 as well. I've seen multiple dpms 308's that were sub moa from the factory and at the $1200-1500 price range it will be cheaper than the 6.5 or 6.8 for the platform and the ammo. also, by going .308, you've just increased your effective range out to 700-800 yards if you have the barrel for it! I'm a 7.62 junkie so i may be alittle biased, so grain of salt and all that :)

[Delfuego]

I changed my mind.....

Get a nice M1 Garand. It won the war after all and could very well be the best rifle ever. Fits the title of this thread for sure!

[Beer]

[Wulf202]

Socom

[spittoon]

well if you are not scared 300 rum[Muaha]

[spencerhenry]

head shots on elk only? elk to 200 yards with a 300aac? you guys must not really hunt much. head shots are very questionable and often result in fatal hits on lost game. a 300aac is NOT an elk gun at any distance much less 200 yards. while a "solid hit" on an animal with something under powered will often kill it, it is just plain unethical to use an underpowered round on game.

what happens when you take that 200 yard shot at an elk with a 6.5 or a 6.8, or a 300aac and the wind pushes the bullet into the shoulder bone instead of the ribcage? it means a broken leg for the animal, but probably not a quick kill. are you a good tracker? is there the potential for the animal to run onto private property? way to many problems with using a cartridge that while cool, is NOT big enough for big game.

[funkymonkey1111]

part of your plan is a lot of ammo. are you a reloader? how much is 1000 6.5 or 6.8? freedommunitions has 480 .308s for $229.

seems like the better overall choice, if you insist on the one-rifle concept, is the .308--get the rifle and buy a ton of ammo. Or, the M1 sounds like a great choice, too.

[ark3maxu5]

Again, maybe not what you want to hear but I say .308 as well. DPMS LR 308 to be exact, mine shoots 1/2 moa groups all day long with factory match ammo. If I could only have one rifle, that would be the one. Not to mention the great price tag.

[DHC]

Mental exercise I've been running in my head for the better part of a year, now it's becoming relevant.

Long story short, I liquidated my gun collection to make sure we had the cash on hand to pay the (substantial) bills related to bringing a new human onto the scene. Now baby is here and I'm taking stock of what is important and what isn't. I've decided that 1 rifle + lots of ammo is better than a lot of rifles and a little bit of ammo, and less trigger time.

Maybe I'm just growing up. Who knows.

Anyway, my needs are very specific, and I'd like to get feedback from people here. I want a HD/Playing Around/Hunting rifle. Needs to be good to go for game up to elk, killing intruders up close and playing around at the range up to 400-500 yards.

After some research I have settled on a final two: 6.8SPCII and 6.5 Grendel. While many old timers will look askance at the two as elk cartridges, given some research, a solid hit with a modern bullet will put even the big'uns down.

What I would like from you guys are your learned opinions: which is better for the assigned purposes, and why?

It seems like a number of the replies are intended to provide options/considerations even though you stated you have already settled on a choice of two calibers (the 6.8 SPC II and 6.5 Grendel).

Given your choice, my guess is you will find few, if any, responses from someone with objective first-hand experience with the specific two calibers you are choosing between. Seems like most folks are EITHER 6.8 or 6.5 proponents - and those who promote one have little or no experience with the other. I am in that camp. I have some experience with the 6.8 and have been quite pleased, but cannot offer any comparison from first-hand experience because I've never fired the 6.5 Grendel.

In terms of suitability of purpose(s) for the 6.8, I would offer that it should be as good for HD as an AR platform in 5.56/.223 - so long as you invest in good reliable mags (PRI or Barrett). While I have not tried shooting out beyond 200 yards, range reports from others seem to indicate it is capable out to about 500 yards and SSA has recently produced some new ammo with Berger bullets that are supposed to offer even greater reach. Like others, my sense is that the 6.8 is a bit 'light' for elk (use 30-06 myself), but if you are dead set on the 6.8 (or 6.5) be sure to look carefully at your bullet selection and set rational limits on the range to take your shot.

I wish I could offer some first-hand experience with the 6.5 to compare/contrast with the 6.8, but I cannot.

I hope this helps anyway.

Good luck with your choice - and please be sure to let us know how things work out with whatever your choice. I, for one, will be interested to hear back.

[splogan]

If I were cutting back to one and only one I would pick my M1A scout followed closely by my FAL. All the AR's and AK's would go away. I will always have a 12ga pump also.