Load for 6.5 Grendel

Discuss ammunition and reloading topics here.
Post Reply
User avatar
Lwstarks
ArizonaShooting.org Member
ArizonaShooting.org Member
Posts: 151
Joined: May 25th, 2018, 5:30 pm
Reputation: 5
Location: Mesa

Load for 6.5 Grendel

#1

Post by Lwstarks »

Today I decided to load some rounds for my Grendel, and it seemed like case capacity is an issue with this round. I don’t understand how with some powders that I’m supposed to get it in the case. I started with beginning load of h322, with a 100gr slug. Unfortunately I have to wait until at least next week to try them out. Are compressed loads typical for this round?


User avatar
Azrckcrawler
ArizonaShooting.org Member
ArizonaShooting.org Member
Posts: 121
Joined: September 20th, 2018, 12:16 pm
Reputation: 3
Location: Peoria, Az

Re: Load for 6.5 Grendel

#2

Post by Azrckcrawler »

I mainly use ARComp, CFE 223, 8208 or BLC2 and have had no issues with compressed loads using 120 and 123gr projectiles. Only time I have come close is with some of my 129gr loads. Now loading those long since my Howa mags are slightly longer than AR grendel mags.

Now that I typed this I do recall a 100gr projectile that caused issues due to the ogive shape. They had to be seated deep in order for the ogive to clear the rifling on my BA Hanson barrel. I think they were the old 100gr SST or Amax. What's your oal? How much powder you using? You really shouldn't have problems with the lighter bullets.
User avatar
stomp442
ArizonaShooting.org Member
ArizonaShooting.org Member
Posts: 115
Joined: October 22nd, 2018, 4:00 pm
Reputation: 1
Location: Safford
Contact:

Re: Load for 6.5 Grendel

#3

Post by stomp442 »

I have two Grendels one in an AR and one Howa Mini action. Both are shooting really well with H4895. The AR is running 26.5gr with a 123gr Sierra Match King and the Howa is running an 85gr Sierra Varminter with 29.0gr
Attachments
Howa Mini Grendel.jpg
Grendel Group.jpg
User avatar
was21
ArizonaShooting.org Member
ArizonaShooting.org Member
Posts: 282
Joined: September 18th, 2018, 11:52 am
Reputation: 0
Location: east mesa

Re: Load for 6.5 Grendel

#4

Post by was21 »

Pressures can build quickly in 6.5 Grendel.
Try to avoid powders that require compressed load.
Stay around 50k psi and should be fine.... go to the 58k max and you’ll be needing a new bolt soon.
FWIW
YMMV
been loading for Grendel since it’s inception. Learned some things the hard way and watched a lot of bolts get trashed in AR’s. If for a bolt action gun you can run to the top of the flagpole.
User avatar
Lwstarks
ArizonaShooting.org Member
ArizonaShooting.org Member
Posts: 151
Joined: May 25th, 2018, 5:30 pm
Reputation: 5
Location: Mesa

Re: Load for 6.5 Grendel

#5

Post by Lwstarks »

Yes the compressed load is what I really am trying to avoid.
User avatar
Azrckcrawler
ArizonaShooting.org Member
ArizonaShooting.org Member
Posts: 121
Joined: September 20th, 2018, 12:16 pm
Reputation: 3
Location: Peoria, Az

Re: Load for 6.5 Grendel

#6

Post by Azrckcrawler »

Thread back from the dead. Been playing around with my AR Grendel again and looking for an economical yet accurate load. Stumbled upon the 105gr Sierra BlitzKing, reasonably priced ($230 for 500) and decent aerodynamics (G1 of .425 above 1750fps) so I gave them a go. So far not disappointed, found an accuracy node pretty quickly with 28.8gr of 8208, Load chrono'd at 2733fps avg thru my 20" Faxon Match barrel. Duplicated the results in three shooting sessions and 2 different rifles. Would be looking at .50 MOA if I could quit pulling 1 of 5 shots.

Don't have much 8208 left so am going to try and duplicate results with ARComp.
Attachments
Ballistic-X-Export-2023-04-29 13_24_59.376255.png
Ballistic-X-Export-2023-04-29 13_36_58.372700.png
User avatar
tabascoman79
ArizonaShooting.org Member
ArizonaShooting.org Member
Posts: 53
Joined: July 26th, 2022, 6:54 pm
Reputation: 0
Location: Safford

Re: Load for 6.5 Grendel

#7

Post by tabascoman79 »

Nothing wrong with a compressed load. Generally speaking you’ll have better es and sd. You’ve just gotta run the right powder. I shoot a lot of 130gr Nosler rdf and arcomp when I could find it. Now I use cfe223, arcomp and aa2520. Faster powder might not be as happy with it. But my 2520 load is 27.9gr with a 123gr eldm and it’s compressed and shoots well. No pressure on brass using Hornady. federal brass may be different. But starline and lapua have more volume by a little bit. My 130gr load ran 27gr arcomp and was a great shooting load.
Post Reply