I have zero experience with the 6.5 Grendel, but I really like the 6.8 SPC. I have two ARs in that caliber and they are my “go to” hog rifles. I used to have a day and night gun, but since I put a digital scope on my night gun it’s now a day or night gun. Both of them shoot Federal Fusion 115 grain bullets very well. I’ve also killed a few axis does with them as well as a ton of hogs. That little 115 grain bullet will drop a 250 pound hog in his tracks with a high shoulder shot !
When I was a boy I studied cartridges and could name them all, but I get kindof lost with all these newer cartridges. There's around 26,000 different cartridges in the world, but SAAMI lists only about 189 cartridges in active production in the US, which covers most commercial retail inventory. 189 is still a bit much for my elderly memory, 6.8 SPC, 6.8 Western, 6.5 this, that, and the other, I wonder if I'm suffering cartridge burnout?
Then of course I have a bit of a chip on my shoulder because I can't buy ammo for my beloved .284 Winchester, my dad's 16 gauge Ithaca shotgun, 32 black powder revolver, and a few others. And they are already talking about lesser availability for some of the newer and greater inventions, the 7mm08, 300 wsm, and 260 Remington.
Yes, reloading is an option, but a time consuming and expensive one for someone who shoots mostly under 200 yards.
I guess I've learned my lesson, for me it seems smarter to buy gun calibers that have more readily available ammo. Looking back I almost wish I would have bought all 300 win mag, .308 and .243 rifles over the past 45 years. Of course, as you might have guessed, im someone who enjoys the thrill of the chase more than the weapon used. Rant over
