texashuntingforum.com logo
Main Menu
Advertisement
Affiliates
Advertisement
Newest Members
nmmuledeerhunter, Dzia-Dzia, TraeMartin, Beatixre, MooseSteed
71989 Registered Users
Top Posters(All Time)
dogcatcher 110,788
bill oxner 91,416
SnakeWrangler 65,416
stxranchman 60,296
Gravytrain 46,950
RKHarm24 44,585
rifleman 44,461
Stub 43,769
Forum Statistics
Forums46
Topics537,029
Posts9,719,580
Members86,989
Most Online25,604
Feb 12th, 2024
Print Thread
Grendel or 7.62x39 #8791880 01/31/23 05:01 AM
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 6,168
T
Tactical Cowboy Offline OP
THF Trophy Hunter
OP Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
T
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 6,168
I’m buying an upper. Probably in one of the above calibers. It will be 16” or 18”. It will be a hunting/truck gun, with a little target shooting here and there. Here’s my issue:

6.5 grendel: never had one, been interested. Have absolutely nothing to reload or a single round of ammo for it.

7.62x39: I have an AK that’s set up with a red dot. I have brass, dies, bullets, bullet molds, and a bunch of cheap steel case ammo.

What do I pick? I’ve been trying to condense my reloading stash, so that, and the cheap ammo makes me lean towards the 7.62. But I have also been wanting to try the Grendel.


The secret to a long life is to try not to shorten it.
Re: Grendel or 7.62x39 [Re: Tactical Cowboy] #8791882 01/31/23 05:10 AM
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 39,481
R
redchevy Offline
THF Celebrity
Offline
THF Celebrity
R
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 39,481
I was between those two and a blackout for a hunting gun for my kids. Was able to find a gun I was happy with first in the BO. Honestly if you compare them they offer a lot of the same, I was content with what I found first.


It's hell eatin em live
Re: Grendel or 7.62x39 [Re: Tactical Cowboy] #8791889 01/31/23 05:23 AM
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 32,442
kmon11 Online Shocked
junior
Online Shocked
junior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 32,442
7.62X39 ammo is a lot cheaper, often hear of feeding and jams from it in the AR platform though. The tapered case and straight mags seem to cause more issues with some rifles. Lots of ARs run great with it but others not so much or so I have been told and read in many places. Best thing for it IMO is ammo availability most of the time. O took a few deer with an SKS when I had it but dang sure would not trust it on deer past 200 yards and might not even there. Shot gallon jug full of water 3 times at 400 yards with it on a bet one day. Hole in and out 0 expansion from the holes with Winchester factory soft point ammo.

6.5 Grendel I have a couple AR and boltaction. I have taken them on targets to 600 yards and have taken hogs at over 400 yards no problems there. Ammo availability in crazy times does get hard to find but so do lots of others. Easy to load for though light recoil as well.

300BO lots use successfully but I find it fun to shoot and hunt to yardages further than what I would trust it.

30 HAM'R from Wilson combat would be another.

6.8 SPC is another that lots of people like.

Inside 200 yards all those work on deer and hogs but if you want to stretch it further the Grendel IMO is my choice and past 300 yards becomes the logical choice at least to me.


lf the saying "Liar, Liar your pants on fire" were true
Mainstream news might be fun to watch
Re: Grendel or 7.62x39 [Re: redchevy] #8791892 01/31/23 05:26 AM
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 6,168
T
Tactical Cowboy Offline OP
THF Trophy Hunter
OP Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
T
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 6,168
Originally Posted by redchevy
I was between those two and a blackout for a hunting gun for my kids. Was able to find a gun I was happy with first in the BO. Honestly if you compare them they offer a lot of the same, I was content with what I found first.

I’ve had two blackout uppers. Wasn’t ever impressed with them.


The secret to a long life is to try not to shorten it.
Re: Grendel or 7.62x39 [Re: kmon11] #8791893 01/31/23 05:28 AM
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 6,168
T
Tactical Cowboy Offline OP
THF Trophy Hunter
OP Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
T
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 6,168
Originally Posted by kmon11
7.62X39 ammo is a lot cheaper, often hear of feeding and jams from it in the AR platform though. The tapered case and straight mags seem to cause more issues with some rifles. Lots of ARs run great with it but others not so much or so I have been told and read in many places. Best thing for it IMO is ammo availability most of the time. O took a few deer with an SKS when I had it but dang sure would not trust it on deer past 200 yards and might not even there. Shot gallon jug full of water 3 times at 400 yards with it on a bet one day. Hole in and out 0 expansion from the holes with Winchester factory soft point ammo.

6.5 Grendel I have a couple AR and boltaction. I have taken them on targets to 600 yards and have taken hogs at over 400 yards no problems there. Ammo availability in crazy times does get hard to find but so do lots of others. Easy to load for though light recoil as well.

300BO lots use successfully but I find it fun to shoot and hunt to yardages further than what I would trust it.

30 HAM'R from Wilson combat would be another.

6.8 SPC is another that lots of people like.

Inside 200 yards all those work on deer and hogs but if you want to stretch it further the Grendel IMO is my choice and past 300 yards becomes the logical choice at least to me.


I like the idea of being able to shoot crap ammo and not have to worry about brass at the range or for a hog/coyote with the 7.62. The feeding/ignition issues I’ve read about turn me off. That being said, I’m perfectly fine with a 10 or 20 round mag for this one.


The secret to a long life is to try not to shorten it.
Re: Grendel or 7.62x39 [Re: Tactical Cowboy] #8791896 01/31/23 05:34 AM
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 39,481
R
redchevy Offline
THF Celebrity
Offline
THF Celebrity
R
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 39,481
I don’t know what doesn’t impress you about the blackout but if it’s a no go the 7.62 doesn’t offer anything different other than cost and availability of ammo.

Honestly not much about it impresses me either but it fills all the hills I need it to.


It's hell eatin em live
Re: Grendel or 7.62x39 [Re: redchevy] #8791901 01/31/23 05:48 AM
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 6,168
T
Tactical Cowboy Offline OP
THF Trophy Hunter
OP Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
T
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 6,168
Originally Posted by redchevy
I don’t know what doesn’t impress you about the blackout but if it’s a no go the 7.62 doesn’t offer anything different other than cost and availability of ammo.

Honestly not much about it impresses me either but it fills all the hills I need it to.


1200FPE in the BO (bout the same as a 223) vs 1600 in the x39 vs 1800 in the grendel.

I shot a few hogs with 150 grain hand loads and didn’t like the performance. I know that’s kinda heavy for that cartridge but it’s what I had on hand.


The secret to a long life is to try not to shorten it.
Re: Grendel or 7.62x39 [Re: Tactical Cowboy] #8791958 01/31/23 12:23 PM
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 6,782
GasGuzzler Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 6,782
When loaded for what it's best at (short barrel suppressed), the performance of .300BO does not come close to 7.62X39 or 6.5mm Grendel. While 7.62 has doubled in price, it's still waaaay cheaper than the other two. Don't expect that to last forever either with the import ban. Go back in time and buy a couple cases of Golden Tiger for $215 shipped. That was only three years ago...plus a couple months.

.300BO feeds better in an AR to many because of the .223REM parent case. With CPD 20-rounders and a properly manufactured BCG, you should have no feed issues with 7.62X39.

All I know about 6.5 Grendel is what I researched several years ago when I was making the choice between .300BO and 6.5 Grendel. I chose .300BO. I no longer have the rifles and even sold the dies. Even though I reload, the availability of 6.5 Grendel scares me, as does the price. Everything costs too much now days.


Pass the gravy.


Re: Grendel or 7.62x39 [Re: Tactical Cowboy] #8792001 01/31/23 01:31 PM
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 276
L
LuckyDucker_TTU Offline
Bird Dog
Offline
Bird Dog
L
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 276
I assembled a 7.62x39 last July. It did require some tuning to get it to run properly. I did have feed issues and primer strike issues. I adjusted the gas block, added an enhanced firing pin, and H3 buffer. Also I have a milspec trigger on it, the heavier hammer seems to help. I haven’t had feed issues lately, but still get the occasional light strike of the prime which I attribute to ammo.

If you don’t want issues I’d go with the Grendel. I went 7.62x39 for the cost of ammo, but I totally forgot about the import ban. It’s getting harder to find by the day. I do enjoy the round and it works well for what I need. All my shots are typically within 150 yards.

Re: Grendel or 7.62x39 [Re: Tactical Cowboy] #8792036 01/31/23 02:25 PM
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 11,658
G
GusWayne Offline
THF Celebrity
Offline
THF Celebrity
G
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 11,658
Ive had several in multiple calibers over the years

I finally went back to just 223/308 because of the ammo of anything else hard to really hard to find at times if you don't reload

I probably shot the most pigs w the 762x39, it works well but I liked the 6.8 the best

Of your choices, I prob pick the 762

Re: Grendel or 7.62x39 [Re: Tactical Cowboy] #8792102 01/31/23 03:34 PM
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,502
R
RiverRider Online Confused
THF Trophy Hunter
Online Confused
THF Trophy Hunter
R
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,502
There was a time I would never have considered 7.62x39, but I rethought that attitude when curiosity got the best of me and I tried the 6.5G. My reservations on the AK round are based on the stuff kmon has mentioned, at least in the AR platform. I did like the Grendel and played with it for a while, even though I didn;t have it long enough to hunt with it...I got sidetracked to the 6mm AR (6mm Grendel, essentially) which has never been offered as a factory loading AFAIK, and I like the round with 90 to 105 grain bullets. The 6mm ARC is the same round with the shoulder pushed down the body a little further and it has a bit less case capacity but doesn't give up any real performance potential.

I don't really know because I don't buy factory ammo other than occasional pistol rounds for carry, but I'd expect factory ammo for the 6 ARC to be more plentiful than factory ammo for the 6.5G. That's a guess based on how big a splash the ARC made with Hornady's typically well executed marketing strategy. Maybe I just wasn't paying attention when the 6.5G hit the streets, but it just wasn't such big news then as I recall.

I really wish the .30 Rem AR had taken off, but Remington did what they always seem to do. Someone should teach them to keep their finger off the trigger until the gun is outa the holster and maybe then they won't shoot themselves in the foot every time.


[Linked Image]

"Arguing with you always makes me thirsty."

-Augustus McRae
Re: Grendel or 7.62x39 [Re: Tactical Cowboy] #8792109 01/31/23 03:40 PM
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 743
M
Mr. Jeem Online Content
Tracker
Online Content
Tracker
M
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 743
For all of the talk about the 7.62x39 having feeding issues in AR's, I've just never seen it. I've shot a Wyndham AR for thousands of rounds and never experienced a FTF incident. Not saying it doesn't happen but I've not seen it. Also, never seen it shooting a Ruger Mini-30 either. Don't hesitate to buy either.

Re: Grendel or 7.62x39 [Re: Tactical Cowboy] #8792116 01/31/23 03:48 PM
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,487
syncerus Online Content
Extreme Tracker
Online Content
Extreme Tracker
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,487
I’ve been interested in the CMMG Mutant, but the price tag is pretty substantial.


NRA Patriot Benefactor & DSC Lifer
Re: Grendel or 7.62x39 [Re: Tactical Cowboy] #8792220 01/31/23 05:24 PM
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,560
G
garyrapp55 Offline
Extreme Tracker
Offline
Extreme Tracker
G
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,560
Originally Posted by Tactical Cowboy
Here’s my issue:
6.5 grendel: never had one, been interested. Have absolutely nothing to reload or a single round of ammo for it.
7.62x39: I have an AK that’s set up with a red dot. I have brass, dies, bullets, bullet molds, and a bunch of cheap steel case ammo.
I’ve been trying to condense my reloading stash, so that, and the cheap ammo makes me lean towards the 7.62. But I have also been wanting to try the Grendel.

If what you say is true the answer is obvious. If you are kidding yourself, the 6.5G will certainly give you a distance advantage. You may not be interested in that now, but you might later.

Re: Grendel or 7.62x39 [Re: Mr. Jeem] #8792284 01/31/23 06:28 PM
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 5,275
J
jeepercreeper Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
J
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 5,275
Originally Posted by Mr. Jeem
For all of the talk about the 7.62x39 having feeding issues in AR's, I've just never seen it. I've shot a Wyndham AR for thousands of rounds and never experienced a FTF incident. Not saying it doesn't happen but I've not seen it. Also, never seen it shooting a Ruger Mini-30 either. Don't hesitate to buy either.


Ive seen it first hand. With both ASC and CP mags. Tried 10, 20, 30rd mags. Thats the problem, its a novel idea but not well supported. When the best mag options are ASC and C Products its a red flag.

Only paths Id be exploring in 7.62x39 are AK, SKS, Bren, PWS Diablo, Mini 30 and Id start stacking it deep. Remember when you could buy cheap cases of 5.45x39 just a few years ago?

Re: Grendel or 7.62x39 [Re: Mr. Jeem] #8792292 01/31/23 06:42 PM
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,502
R
RiverRider Online Confused
THF Trophy Hunter
Online Confused
THF Trophy Hunter
R
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,502
Originally Posted by Mr. Jeem
For all of the talk about the 7.62x39 having feeding issues in AR's, I've just never seen it. I've shot a Wyndham AR for thousands of rounds and never experienced a FTF incident. Not saying it doesn't happen but I've not seen it. Also, never seen it shooting a Ruger Mini-30 either. Don't hesitate to buy either.



What mags are you using for 7.62x39?


[Linked Image]

"Arguing with you always makes me thirsty."

-Augustus McRae
Re: Grendel or 7.62x39 [Re: RiverRider] #8792343 01/31/23 08:02 PM
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 743
M
Mr. Jeem Online Content
Tracker
Online Content
Tracker
M
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 743
Originally Posted by RiverRider
Originally Posted by Mr. Jeem
For all of the talk about the 7.62x39 having feeding issues in AR's, I've just never seen it. I've shot a Wyndham AR for thousands of rounds and never experienced a FTF incident. Not saying it doesn't happen but I've not seen it. Also, never seen it shooting a Ruger Mini-30 either. Don't hesitate to buy either.



What mags are you using for 7.62x39?


Stock Wyndham mags. I've got 6 or 8 of them and none has given me any trouble. I haven't tried them in the mini-30 yet but they should work.

Funny thing is I was planning to buy a Sig but Cabela's didn't have one so I bought the Wyndham instead. I've had it for a few years and it's worked flawlessly.

Re: Grendel or 7.62x39 [Re: Tactical Cowboy] #8792363 01/31/23 08:28 PM
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 484
H
howl Offline
Bird Dog
Offline
Bird Dog
H
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 484


https://www.sgammo.com/site_search?populate=grendel


123gr SST generally does something like this:



[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

Re: Grendel or 7.62x39 [Re: Mr. Jeem] #8792368 01/31/23 08:33 PM
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,502
R
RiverRider Online Confused
THF Trophy Hunter
Online Confused
THF Trophy Hunter
R
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,502
Originally Posted by Mr. Jeem
Originally Posted by RiverRider
Originally Posted by Mr. Jeem
For all of the talk about the 7.62x39 having feeding issues in AR's, I've just never seen it. I've shot a Wyndham AR for thousands of rounds and never experienced a FTF incident. Not saying it doesn't happen but I've not seen it. Also, never seen it shooting a Ruger Mini-30 either. Don't hesitate to buy either.



What mags are you using for 7.62x39?


Stock Wyndham mags. I've got 6 or 8 of them and none has given me any trouble. I haven't tried them in the mini-30 yet but they should work.

Funny thing is I was planning to buy a Sig but Cabela's didn't have one so I bought the Wyndham instead. I've had it for a few years and it's worked flawlessly.



Interesting. I don't doubt what you say but I don't doubt the negative experiences others have had either. It could be instructive if you were able to use someone else's magazines to see if that's the difference that makes your gun run well...there's something that's gone right for you and it would be nice to know exactly what it is.

Or would you chalk it up to good clean living? grin


[Linked Image]

"Arguing with you always makes me thirsty."

-Augustus McRae
Re: Grendel or 7.62x39 [Re: RiverRider] #8792401 01/31/23 09:18 PM
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 276
L
LuckyDucker_TTU Offline
Bird Dog
Offline
Bird Dog
L
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 276
The issues are well documented if you dive into the research before building one. I ultimately ended up using c-products duramags 20 rounders. Once I added an H3 buffer, new spring and tuned the gas block my issues have all but disappeared. It has become my go to rifle for hogs and coyotes.

Re: Grendel or 7.62x39 [Re: Tactical Cowboy] #8792856 02/01/23 10:53 AM
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 22,691
B
BigPig Online Content
THF Celebrity
Online Content
THF Celebrity
B
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 22,691
I’d take the Grendel all day long. I shoot mine from a 16 inch barrel with the 123 SST and it’s absolutely devastating on everything from coyotes to pigs to deer. For its size, ease of shooting, and devastation, it’s a winner in my book and my go-to AR for hunting.


Wade Dews, REALTOR ®
Rendon Realty, LLC
Frontline Real Estate Team
www.RendonRealty.com
WadeDews@gmail.com
214-356-2410
Up to 1% for closing costs for First Responders & Veterans
Proudly partnered with Assist The Officer Foundation https://atodallas.org/
Re: Grendel or 7.62x39 [Re: Tactical Cowboy] #8793144 02/01/23 06:02 PM
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,031
V
Vern1 Offline
Veteran Tracker
Offline
Veteran Tracker
V
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,031
You answered your own question.
You have plenty of 7.62x39 stuff already and want to consolidate ammo.

You may have to tune the 7.62 a little but you will be rewarded with the most accurate 7.62x39 you have and can actually securely mount optics on it.
The tolerances on ARs are measured with precision tools while the tolerances on AK/SKS, etc. are measured using wooden school rulers so they will run full of jungle mud.
With that in mind, if you like to shoot it until it cooks off rounds, reserve that for the AK/SKS as the laquer coated rounds may stick in the chamber.


Cheers,
Vern1
Texans since The Old 300 in 1824
NRA Lifetime Member
Re: Grendel or 7.62x39 [Re: Tactical Cowboy] #8793253 02/01/23 07:25 PM
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 6,168
T
Tactical Cowboy Offline OP
THF Trophy Hunter
OP Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
T
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 6,168
Well, thanks for y’all’s thoughts. I pretty well decided I’m scrapping the upper idea, and plan to order a couple of QD scope mounts to move a LVPO and a 3-15 between my AR10 as the intended use dictates.


The secret to a long life is to try not to shorten it.
Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread

© 2004-2024 OUTDOOR SITES NETWORK all rights reserved USA and Worldwide
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.3