KREBS CUSTOM to release a SIG 556 in 6.5 Grendel

[Melensdad]

KREBS CUSTOM, INC just let out a press release that they will be producing a variant of the SIG 556 rifle. The gun will be made by SIG, but modified by KREBS CUSTOM, with a 6.5 Grendel chamber/barrel from Shilen.

Looks like they plans some additional quality upgrades to the SIG as well. I had a SIG 556, now I wish I had kept it and could just send it to KREBS for their workover. Production release is projected to be August/September of this year.

Here is their Press Release:

NEW! Krebs Custom 6.5 Grendel Rifle!!

Krebs Custom, Inc. will begin making a series of SIG 556-based rifles that have been converted to the 6.5 Grendel cartridge.

These rifles will be built with Shilen heavy barrels, 2-stage triggers, Magpul Adjustable butt-stocks, and our new and effective Krebs-designed flash suppressor. We anticipate pictures of the new rifle will be available in approx. 2-3 weeks, with testing results in approx. 3-4 weeks. Interested shooters can call us (847-487-7776) or e-mail us (krebscustom@krebscustom.com) to get on our notification list for further developments.

The 6.5 Grendel was chosen due to its very efficient nature. Although similar in size to the 7.62x39 cartridge, it offers drastically improved exterior ballistic and terminal performance. This is accomplished through the use of very efficient projectiles with higher than normal Ballistic Coefficients. The result is both greater retained velocity and energy down range. Despite its small size, the 6.5 Grendel is capable of taking large game animals at 300 yards and beyond. In addition, the 6.5 Grendel performs very well from 600 to 800 yards, even from a 16 inch barreled carbine (unlike traditional intermediate cartridges).

Compared to the NATO standard 5.56x45 cartridge, the 6.5 Grendel provides more energy, improved terminal performance, and better penetration of intermediate barriers. Due to its heavier and more efficient bullet, the 6.5 Grendel retains 59% greater energy at 400 yards, and up to 88% greater energy at 600 yards.

For a more “apples to apples” comparison, we’ll pit the (123 grain) 6.5 Grendel against the (123 grain) 7.62x39. At the muzzle, the 6.5’s bullet is approximately 200 fps faster, giving it about 17% more energy. At 300 yards, the 6.5 bullet is approximately 500 fps faster, resulting in an 81% greater energy margin over the 7.62x39. At 600 yards the 6.5 is about 600 fps faster with well over TWICE the energy of the 7.62x39. It does this without adding noticeably more recoil, or additional ammunition size or weight.

Finally, the 6.5 Grendel performs well even when compared to the full-size 7.62x51 NATO cartridge (in its standard 175 grain MatchKing sniper load). Because of its more efficient projectile, the 6.5 Grendel has less bullet drop and wind drift out to 1000 yards. At 300 yards the 7.62x51 NATO has approximately 39% greater energy. This drops to 26% at 600 yards, and to only 22-20% at 800-1,000 yards.

While the 7.62x51 NATO puts a larger diameter and heavier payload on target, the 6.5 Grendel compares better than any other intermediate cartridge.

6.5 Grendel ammunition is available from Alexander Arms, Hornady, and Wolf Performance Ammunition. Reloading dies, components, and data are also readily available. Wolf Performance Ammunition will be adding an inexpensive steel-cased load to the reasonably-priced brass-case product line later this year.

Testing demonstrates that the 6.5 Grendel easily out-performs traditional intermediate cartridges like the 5.56x45 and 7.62x39. As a flat-shooting and accurate cartridge, the 6.5 Grendel will take the SIG 556 to a new level of performance for the user.

[PBinWA]

I think you can afford a new SIG - you deserve it too!

[Randy Scheffer]

When I was in Europe I got to use some Swiss rifles.

Also have a couple of Sigarms (USA) 556's.

Sad to say, you run the risk of picking up some crap if it's made in the USA. Sig has to realize that they can't sell quality on their name alone IMO.

The 556R has already had it's documented issues of striker failures, FTF and the lower being made in all aluminum (having wear issues with the steel 7.69x39 mags).

I have no doubt Krebs will make the gun right, just surprised that they went with the Sig. Guess the name sells.

[Melensdad]

Originally Posted by Randy Scheffer

I have no doubt Krebs will make the gun right, just surprised that they went with the Sig. Guess the name sells.

Rumor has it they are modifying the gun sufficiently to make it a reliable shooter.

Also, not really a rumor, but they are also working on an AK variant too!

http://www.ak47.net/lite/topic.html?b=4&f=64&t=132831

Spent the last couple days on the range with a new rifle from Krebs Custom
actually a prototype chambered for 6.5mm Grendel.

It's basically an AK-74 pattern rifle but with his rail over the top cover.
Barrel weight is the same as factory.

Pretty cool rig. You can hammer stuff up close, like a standard AK. Recoil is
a bit milder than 7.62x39mm, but very close.

I ran it on steel out to 300 yards and then stepped out to 550 yards.
Impressed I shot groups at 550 yards. Thing is holding 2 MOA at 550 yards
with Wolf's 120 grain MPT load.

I had one box left so stepped it out to 800 yards. Target was an 11.5x20 inch
LaRue sniper target. I calculated the elevation and let fly. The wind was gusting
quite a bit but I flattened the LaRue on my 3rd shot. Then did it two more times in a
row before I missed a wind change. I scored 7 hits at 800 yards.....with an AK.

Pretty nice day today......

Picture below from the link above. Do you notice the AR15 magazine in that AK below!!! That mag is full of 6.5 Grendel rounds and the rifle is a prototype with several modifications including a mag well modification to use standard Mil-Spec mags and as well as the rail mount attached to the dust cover.