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

 

[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.