6.5 Grendel Sierra 120 TGK

[OpsMan]

Hey all. I am new to reloading and I just shot my first batch of reloads I have ever made. This looks like it’s going to be quite addicting . Not much info out on this bullet (Sierra 120 TGK) so figured I’d post this info for others to view.

6.5 Grendel
Howa 20” in an MDT LSS chassis
SilencerCo Harvester EVO
Sierra 120 Grain Tipped Game King
CCI BR-4 small rifle match primers
Starling brass
CFE 223 powder
2.245 COAL

 

[The Guide]

What did you settle on?

Jay

 

[OpsMan]

I loaded up 10 rounds of the 31 grains of CFE 223 to see what 5 shot groups look like couple days ago. Need to shoot them. I also did some development with the 129 ABLR and it shot pretty well also. I’ll probably hunt with both bullets this fall and see how they do on game.

 

[Natebonebusta]

I bought some to load for the Grendel also. I hope they do well in the Grendel since Sierra specifically mentions they were designed for it. I half way cut one open to see how thick the jacket was. First time I’ve ever attempted something like this. Note the image on the right is from another member here. My cut is terrible comparatively, but I got to see what I was looking for

Here is my result with TGK from my Howa 1500 mini @80y. 28.2gr of Tac showed some pressure on my fourth shot so I’ve downloaded to 28gr for another range session. I’ve had great results with 28gr of Tac for 123sst and 120 Nosler BT.

Sierra released load data after I had produced my loads.

 

[The Guide]

I bought some to load for the Grendel also. I hope they do well in the Grendel since Sierra specifically mentions they were designed for it. I half way cut one open to see how thick the jacket was. First time I’ve ever attempted something like this. Note the image on the right is from another member here. My cut is terrible comparatively, but I got to see what I was looking for View attachment 754383

Here is my result with TGK from my Howa 1500 mini @80y. 28.2gr of Tac showed some pressure on my fourth shot so I’ve downloaded to 28gr for another range session. I’ve had great results with 28gr of Tac for 123sst and 120 Nosler BT. View attachment 754384

Sierra released load data after I had produced my loads. View attachment 754385

What speeds were you seeing with your 28.0g load? I'm going to try some CFE223 with the 120 TGK and 120 NBT to see if any of my rifles like them.

Jay

 

[Natebonebusta]

What speeds were you seeing with your 28.0g load? I'm going to try some CFE223 with the 120 TGK and 120 NBT to see if any of my rifles like them.

Jay

I’ve yet to shoot those 28gr loads, but the 28.2 load produced an average of 2492fps from an 18.5” barrel. My guess is the 28gr load will be 2475ish.

 

[wind gypsy]

Seems like a very stout bullet for modest velocities.

 

[Natebonebusta]

Seems like a very stout bullet for modest velocities.

Agreed. I would have rather had a 120 TMK with what I know now.

 

[TxLite]

Seems like a very stout bullet for modest velocities.

Agreed but it also looks like that’s at the BT and not the tip. I’d be interested to see how thin it is near the tip.

 

[OpsMan]

You’d think with it designed around the Grendel they’d make the jacket thinner towards the tip. Maybe they tapered it so it holds together and mushrooms well. Who knows. I’m looking forward to trying the 129 ABLR this year. 120 BT worked pretty well last year. Exit holes were hit and miss. All bullets exited just varied on size. All lung shots.

 

[Natebonebusta]

Now that I’ve switched from the 300 harvester to the 6.5 OCL hydrogen S, my Howa 1500 really showed a liking to the 120tgk.

Talking with Sierra they have confirmed this bullet was designed for the 6.5 Grendel, therefore it’s been customized to work down to the 1800fps threshold.

I’m excited to put them to work this fall.

 

[cal30_sniper]

Hey all. I am new to reloading and I just shot my first batch of reloads I have ever made. This looks like it’s going to be quite addicting . Not much info out on this bullet (Sierra 120 TGK) so figured I’d post this info for others to view.

6.5 Grendel
Howa 20” in an MDT LSS chassis
SilencerCo Harvester EVO
Sierra 120 Grain Tipped Game King
CCI BR-4 small rifle match primers
Starling brass
CFE 223 powder
2.245 COAL

Not a critique, just data for you. Those velocities are very low for a 20” barrel based on what I’ve seen from the 6.5 Grendel handloads and factory ammo in shorter barrels.

My handloads with a 16” barrel and 120gr Nosler Ballistic tip average 2520fps. Same barrel with Hornady 123gr American Gunner was 2450fps.

My same 120gr handloads in a 12.5” barrel were 2433fps. That barrel does 2325fps with the 123gr American Gunner.

I’d expect to see 2550-2600fps from a good load in a 20” barrel. Maybe 2500 on the low end if you’re sticking to 52ksi AR loads with a slow barrel.

Edited to add info for handloads:
Powder: IMR 8208XBR
Case: Starline

 

[OpsMan]

I ended up using a 100 grain Hammer HHT this fall. Oldest boy shot a 9 point whitetail at 125 yards. Ran 40 yards with massive blood trail. Youngest boy shot his first doe at 273 yards. Doe didn’t go 25 yards. CFE 223 33 grains @ 2675. Howa 20” barrel. Groups under .5”. Probably a better powder for lighter bullet but used what I had. I’d suggest the hammers if anyone wants to try a mono.