Long-time readers know that I have a distinct love for non 5.56 calibers for the AR-15. I do cede that the 5.56 and its .223 Remington cousin are excellent calibers, but one can always long for a slight bit more range and “oompf”. To that desire, both 6.8 SPC and 6.5 Grendel were created to provide the extra reach. Unfortunately, the 6.8 SPC has seemed to have lost some steam in the last couple of years compared to the slowly growing 6.5 Grendel, but both received a boost when Federal Ammunition announced their latest new loads.

Federal has announced the expansion of their American Eagle Varmint & Predator lineup with simultaneous launches for both the 6.8 SPC and 6.5 Grendel. The new loads “combine accuracy, consistency, reliable performance on target and an affordable price tag to create the perfect round for the avid varmint hunter.”

Both loadings are 90-grain rounds built to Federal’s Tipped Varmint pattern. The Tipped Varmint reliably and explosively expands on impact for maximum lethality. The brass is “highly reloadable” primed with consistent Federal primers.

American Eagle Varmint & Predator offerings are sold in “bulk packs” in either 40 or 50 round SKUs. For the 6.8 and 6.5, both are 50 round SKUs. Pricing clocks in at $63.95 for the 6.5 Grendel and $53.95 for the 6.8 SPC. Not bad considering they are hunting rounds ready for the field.