6.5 Grendel Load Recommendations

[fshaw]

I’ve reloaded numerous combos for 6.5 Grendel in the hundreds. If velocity is your #1 priority: CFE223 or Leverevolution. Varget works, Benchmark works. However, if you’re trying to eke out small groups with a temp stable powder, IMR8208XBR and AR Comp are the two best. The 8208 is great, but it will spike close to max in heat worse than AR Comp, but both are top 2 IMO. I’ve shot many 5-shot (yes, I know) groups in the .4s and .5s. It’s a Wilson Arms (not to be confused with Combat) fluted H-bar and it shoots really well.

Bullets:
-Hornady 123 ELDM and SSTs. I love ELDs, but the SST in a Grendel just flat shoots and kills.
-Nosler. I bought a boatload of 123 custom comp. and 26.9 gr of ARComp has been a hammer. Shoots 4-4.5” 5-shot groups at 500. Repeatable.

Some like 129 ABLRs, some like 129 SSTs. It’s already a super slow round so I just don’t see the advantage of losing another 100fps.

Next is 100 ELD-VT for non-deer loads.

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