For almost all of my shooting and hunting the Grendel will get the job done with 25% less powder and less recoil than the other calibers in 6.5 most are using today. Powder consumption is 60% of what I use in the 6.5-284. Have an AR in the Grendel and the more I hunt with it the more I like the round but prefer to hunt with a bolt action.

I for one do not see an efficient round that will get the task accomplished at 400 yards and in as a handicap. But we all have our favorites and opinions.

Really what do the 6.5 Creedmoor, 260 and 6.5X47 do that the 120+ year old 6.5X55 do other than make a little more efficient use of modern powders. If talking about hunting rounds (for distances most shoot) deer, hogs, antelope, sheep.... flip a coin. They will all work.

260, but if you want something special; build a 280ai

I have ditched the 260 in favor of the creedmoor and am building another. It's so nice to order ammo from my FFL buddy for $1 rd that shoots 1/2" and kills. I like reloading and have not used factory ammo for about 15 years but it sure is nice to not have to load. Way more creedmoor ammo avaliable than 260 where i have looked.

It wasn't on your original list and a couple of folks have mentioned it here but with what you are planning to do with it a 6.5x55 would be a great choice also. I have a 6.5x284 and my son shoots a Swede. I just got the 6.5x284 and haven't shot anything but paper but my son has taken a bunch of game with his Swede. Good availability if ammo and lots of choices in factory loads.

Got a t3 sporter 6.5x55 cut to 16.25 in and that thing is amazing

Seems to be less types of ammo available for 6.5cm but its cheaper and has momentum so going with that. Thanks guys.