6.5 Grendel Load Recommendations

[WestMOhunter]

What are you finding for max loads of ARComp with 120gr bullets? The available Speer data seems pretty low compared with other reloading resources. I understand that your data is safe in your rifle only and that if I blow myself or my gun up, it's on me. Please PM me if you'd rather.

Also, ARComp, one of my new favorite powders for the Grendel and 223 heaviers, has been impossible to find, along with other Alliant powders. Have you looked at any ARComp substitutes? I have just over 1 pound left and am getting nervous.

Thanks.

Frank

I see guys loading up near 28 gr of AR Comp with 123s. My experience has been somewhere around 27 is the sweet spot. I get both ejector and extractor marks much over. My Nosler CC 123 loads are 26.9 and my 123 SSTs are 27.3 I believe. I’ve killed multiple deer with the 123 SST. I don’t use that bullet for any other cartridge but IMO it is THE bullet for Grendel. And that includes two .264 LBC barrels I’ve loaded for.

Alternatives to AR Comp? Unfortunately, none that are true equivalents. I am an AR Comp fanboy. It is the best powder in my Grendel and in two .223s with 55 SBKs. I have 3-4# so I’m good for a bit, but sure hope it comes back eventually.

My next go-to is IMR8208… then H4895… or Benchmark for lighter bullets. I don’t prefer ball powders, though some would argue they’re best for this little case.

 

[112Savage]

123 ELDM or 123 SST 28.5 gr 8208 this was THE AR load. I haven’t messed with it in nearly a decade. I tried CFE223 to get above 2600 but didn’t feel like it was worth it in an AR.

 

[fshaw]

Thanks WestMo and 112.

 

[diygunsmith]

i love loading 95 gr. vmax for varmints and such.i use120 gr. sierra tipped gamekings for deer.3 of us in deer camp use a 6.5 grendel and we all have killed deer with this bullet effectively out to 300 yds.

 

[RWT]

Anyone try the 107 TMK’s? I am getting set up for a bolt action Tikka in the Grendel and am curious if I could see 2700 fps out of an 18” barrel.

I will try the 130 TMK’s but am expecting low velocities.

 

[diygunsmith]

Anyone try the 107 TMK’s? I am getting set up for a bolt action Tikka in the Grendel and am curious if I could see 2700 fps out of an 18” barrel.

I will try the 130 TMK’s but am expecting low velocities.

i have ran alot of 107 sierra mks. i was getting 2750.

 

[diygunsmith]

myload of h322 in 130s i was getting 2450 with 25.5 gr,that was my accuracy load,i can get more speed but it starts going 1moa after that charge.

 

[22Conch]

Anyone try the 107 TMK’s? I am getting set up for a bolt action Tikka in the Grendel and am curious if I could see 2700 fps out of an 18” barrel.

I will try the 130 TMK’s but am expecting low velocities.

I am about to have a buddy load some for me. Gonna try Tac but may have to try IMR8208 XBR


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[diygunsmith]

mine likes h335 and rl10x

 

[fshaw]

i love loading 95 gr. vmax for varmints and such.i use120 gr. sierra tipped gamekings for deer.3 of us in deer camp use a 6.5 grendel and we all have killed deer with this bullet effectively out to 300 yds.

How often do you estimate that you get exits with the TGKs? Thanks.

 

[diygunsmith]

How often do you estimate that you get exits with the TGKs? Thanks.

I honestly haven't paid it no attention.

 

[jesco88]

123 ELDM or 123 SST 28.5 gr 8208 this was THE AR load. I haven’t messed with it in nearly a decade. I tried CFE223 to get above 2600 but didn’t feel like it was worth it in an AR.

I’m definitely looking forward to trying that combo. Just worked up a .5gr ladder to 28.5, using starline brass and cci 450 primers. I don’t think I will crimp, been having a hell of a time getting my blaster to group these 123sst

 

[Oldffemt]

Anyone try the 107 TMK’s? I am getting set up for a bolt action Tikka in the Grendel and am curious if I could see 2700 fps out of an 18” barrel.

I will try the 130 TMK’s but am expecting low velocities.

I’ve been shooting 107 tmk’s over h335 in my 18” ar for years. Mine shoots just under 1” for 10 shots. I’ve killed a pile of whitetails with this load but elk haven’t cooperated yet. Maybe I’ll get a chance at a cow this fall.

 

[Natebonebusta]

I’ve been shooting 107 tmk’s over h335 in my 18” ar for years. Mine shoots just under 1” for 10 shots. I’ve killed a pile of whitetails with this load but elk haven’t cooperated yet. Maybe I’ll get a chance at a cow this fall.

I’d love to know that load. I can’t get them to group under 1.7 moa. My best load is with xterminator, and it gives excellent speed in my Howa.

 

[Oldffemt]

I’d love to know that load. I can’t get them to group under 1.7 moa. My best load is with xterminator, and it gives excellent speed in my Howa.

From memory it’s 28gr H335, any more and I get an ejector swipe on the brass and it dents up my cases. I’d love to have a bolt Grendel/Arc but with the other options I have, there’s really no reason for it. I’ll look up the load when I get home and pm you. I just loaded 300 up a couple weeks ago so the info should be handy.

 

[22Conch]

Another that would like that 107 load!


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[Oldffemt]

Another that would like that 107 load!


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For anyone interested in my 107tmk load;
Please be safe and work up to this in your rifle!
107tmk
28.5gr H335
2.245 oal
Remington 6 1/2 primer
Starline brass with shoulder bumped back .002 after each firing
I’m on my 6th loading with this brass and no issues that I have seen.
I don’t have velocity info as I traded my labradar and haven’t replaced it yet. I’m seeing 10 shot groups hovering right around 1”@100yds from my 18” faxon barrel franken AR and it hammers out to 400.