Risasi

I also love my 2-7x Viper, and lower power in the 1.5-3x magnification can be fast on target for a close range shot. I think the reason they don't work well for 3-gun is when engaging multiple point blank targets. First shot is no problem, it's transitioning from target to target where you lose time. It really does boil down to field of view when engaging multiple targets at 0-50 yards. Since my rifles are mainly for hunting I have no problem running a 2-7x. In a pinch at bad-breath distance on just a couple targets, I was taught to index by pointing my finger along the bottom of the forearm, and aim over the scope as a visual index. Works pretty good at 0-15 yards, even in low light. If the main function of my rifles was 3-gun or room clearing I'd probably just run irons, or my Eotech. Or a true 1-Nth power scope.

I was thinking it was .011 deeper, but I could be mistaken. And guys have used 7.62x39 bolts in Grendel barreled rifles. No, I don't think it's a very good idea, but it has been done. Especially now that you have guys loading and fire-forming 7.62x39 brass (also not my first choice). Regarding your pressure testing. On paper it would make sense that your 30 Major would have a lighter pressure spike, and I will take you at your word. You have done your homework. I read some of your posts on other forums a few years back, and found your wildcatting the 6.5G interesting. I just forgot who you were. You have something to bring to the table. So for pulling your cousin's girlfriend's sister's husband into this conversation, I apologize. Still, I don't think it's fair of you to make a blanket statement about the "common" bolt problems in 6.5G rifles using barrels and bolts made to Alexander's specs. Especially when you have your own horse in this race. I've followed Arne Brennan's project since 2004 when I first got wind of it. A lot has changed over the years. Frankly, I think there is room for both 6.5G and 30 Major, and I don't see the two cartridges as direct competitors. And as for a strictly 3-gun use rifle, particularly the context of this thread, the 6.5G would not be my first choice.

No I am not aware of all the broken Grendel bolts. You have to help me out... I entered "bolt failure" at the 65grendel.com forum and didn't get any relevant threads. What search words should I use to read up on all the broken Grendel bolts? And are you saying the max load for A2520 is dangerous? The AA chart doesn't list a pressure for the load. Can you tell me what the max pressure is for 6.5 Grendel and what the pressure is for the A2520 load? Something tells me you won't get a coherent answer. Likely some hearsay passed down as the Gospel truth (you know, from his cousin's girlfriend's sister's husband...) There are bolt failures, but I don't think it's any higher than the normal 5.56/.223 chambering. More than likely any perceived increase for bolt failures in 6.5G is hot-rodded handloads, or due to out of spec bolts being used. Like someone grabbing a 7.62x39 bolt and using it instead. Bill Alexander has made subtle changes in the bolts he sells from the run of the mill stuff that's out there. Personally running a non-AA bolt wouldn't scare me, but if I was using one for 3-gun I'd stick to AA bolts only, and not get crazy with pushing the envelope on hot loaded ammunition.

What he said... +1. I concur. Only I didn't replace mine. Just ditched the scope, fixed the stripper clip guide and run it irons only. If I ever put an optic on it again most likely it will be an Ultimak rail and a red dot of some sort. P.S. My personal preference for a forward mount like the Ultimak, is so I can continue to use stripper clips.

I love the .264 cartridges. Since I reload and I own a couple 6.5 Grendels I'm giving serious thought to building or buying a bolt-action or two in 260 Remington. If you reload, you're shooting long range, on a budget, and want a high degree of accuracy the .260 makes sense. If you're just going to use factory ammo and want a proliferation of ammo where you need it, when you need it, it makes more sense to stick to 308. Since you mention reloading, makes sense to go for it...

It depends. Is that reticle in FFP? If so and the hash lines are super thin (i.e. small enough you can't really see at 1x) you might have something. P.S. I'll take mine in MOA. Addendum: Ah, it appears to be the new Vortex Viper 1-4x24 coming out this next spring. It appears to be the TMCQ Reticle they have been working on. It also looks like it will be SFP. I'm losing interest.

For 6.5Grendel you need new barrel, bolt and magazines. And while the 7.69x39 bolt head will work, there are some minor differences in dimension on the bolts from AA. I'd recommend you get directly from them. Also, regarding brass; on the 6.5, you can use 7.62x39 that has been necked down to .264 caliber. Problem can be finding any that is boxer primed and worth reloading, but it's out there. If it isn't already obvious, I fall into the 6.5 crowd. But my fairly unbiased opinion is this; If you predominantly reload consider the 6.5mm. If you want to shoot factory ammo go 6.8mm. Out to 400-500 yards terminal performance isn't enough to matter. Beyond that there is an edge for the 6.5. Inherent accuracy and BC seems to tip in favor of the .264. But they keep improving both both calibers. It's debatable which one is better right now. Longer range I think there is still a slight edge to the 6.5, mainly because there are plenty of bullet options out there and a little more case capacity. Enough to matter for your intended use? Probably not. Option 3, shoot .308. (Or I'm leaning .260 remington, but that's just because I want to keep with the .264 theme )

Not a 3-gun rig, but a hunting rig; 18" barrel in 6.5Gr. w/ A2 flash hider, Spikes Upper/Lower, DPMS mid-length carbon fiber free float tube, six-position telestock. 6lb 9.5oz. I have a fixed 4x on it right now. With that I'm at 7lb 9oz. I'm contemplating changing to a 2-7x scope and off-set shotgun bead or post on the free float tube for tilt and hose at CQB distances. Hoping to keep it under 8lbs.