What's new in the grendel world

Brownie

Brownie

New member
A few years back I ordered an upper from a sponsor here and the whole ordeal was a giant PITA. I was far from impressed with the accuracy I was getting and sent it down the road. Seems the grendel has gotten a boost in sales again due to the valkyrie falling on its face. So whays new with the grendel. Is it still good? Are the 120 class bullets still the go to? XBR powder?? Looking a a 20" ballistic advantage barrel and bolt for a new build. What's everyone loading for mid range varmint loads? Hows accuracy
 
I’m really addicted to the 6.5 Grendel and have numerous AR-15’s and one Cz 527 American in 6.5 Grendel. I’ve only used IMR8208XBR with 107 grain Sierra SMK but others get good resultswith 8208 with bullets from 100-125 grains. I haven’t loaded any of the 129-130 grain bullets but they are getting popular. A R Comp powder is proving to be another good powder for the 6.5 Grendel.

The 129 grain Nosler Accu Bond Long Range (ABLR) bullet expands down to 1300 FPS and is getting a lot of attention for hunting. The Federal 130 grain Berger BTHP in Gold Medal Match ammo is proving to be accurate. The Federal 90 grain TNT and 120 grain Fusion is very popular ammo.

Hornady has started making American Gunner 123 grain BTHP bulk ammo sold only at Sportsman’s Wharehouse. The Hornady Black ELD-M and 123 grain SST are still popular.

Most manufactures have standardized on the SAAMI chamber and .136 Bolt Face Depth 6.5 Grendel bolt. If there is a problem it is finding 6.5 Grendel ammo on the shelf as retailers who stock it sell out quickly but ammo can be found online.

Starline has started selling 6.5 Grendel brass and the price of Hornady brass has come down in price.

Reviews on Ballistic Advantage 6.5 Grendel barrels are positive and I’d buy one if I was in the market. There are several sources now for 6.5 Grendel bolts and BCG. The 6.5 Grendel is a very accurate versatile cartridge.
 
+1 on the BA barrels.

I just finished two builds using their 18" SS barrel and their 20" SS barrel.

Waiting on glass for the 20" so can't comment on the performance but the 18" was delivering sub-MOA 5-rd groups with just one try at the loading bench... using the 123gr SST and IMR 8208 XBR, I tried 27.5and 28.0 gr's and settled on 28.0 after a few consistent sub-MOA 5-rd groups. The groups were in the .800's so I called it a day, I have no interest burning more powder, bullets, or time to maybe gain 1/4" or so as this is a hunting stick.

I hope the 20" likes the same load... I might try to tweak a load for it but doubt it.
 
I'm shooting an 18" Alexander Arms upper, and after a lot of different loads, settled on a 100 gr Nosler with 8208 for coyotes. I'm using a thermal, but did most of my load testing with a 18x Leupold. Got a wild hair to try some 90 gr TNT and loaded with 8208. So-so accuracy, but the TNT really came to life with a load of Benchmark. Now, it is my primary coyote bullet and powder. Definitely not a fur friendly combination, but really thumps a coyote.
 
Originally Posted By: nr123I'm shooting an 18" Alexander Arms upper, and after a lot of different loads, settled on a 100 gr Nosler with 8208 for coyotes. I'm using a thermal, but did most of my load testing with a 18x Leupold. Got a wild hair to try some 90 gr TNT and loaded with 8208. So-so accuracy, but the TNT really came to life with a load of Benchmark. Now, it is my primary coyote bullet and powder. Definitely not a fur friendly combination, but really thumps a coyote.

What kind of FPS are you getting with your 90 gr?
 
I have good loads with 123gr Hornady SST's, 95gr VMax and have been playing with 85gr Sierra Varminters.

Picked up some 120gr Sierra's but haven't shot any yet
 
My gun isn't crazy about a 123 SST in factory loads, or my reloads. Tried the 95 Vmax, wasn't impressed with it either. I bought some 85 Sierras, but never got around to try them. I'm only interested in a good coyote load. The key is trying different bullets and powders till you find what your gun likes. Glad mine is liking the TNT's, they're a LOT cheaper than the Noslers I was using.
 
Originally Posted By: nr123My gun isn't crazy about a 123 SST in factory loads, or my reloads. Tried the 95 Vmax, wasn't impressed with it either.

I have AA's 16" barrel and it's ok but I expected better performance considering where it came from. I wanted to try one of their 18" barrels but went with BA instead... glad I did.
 
A couple buddies and I are building 12" 6.5's for our SBRs and suppressors. I have some 85Gr Sierras and 95gr Vmaxs loaded up with TAC but haven't shot them yet. If anyone want's to share their Benchmark loads I would appreciate that, I have a ton on hand.
I'm hoping the reduced velocity of the 12" barrels will make them a little more fur friendly on coyotes, while still providing a lot more thump than a 223 SBR?
 
Originally Posted By: Stu FarishPicked up some 120gr Sierra's but haven't shot any yet

The 120 pro hunter is my go to bullet for hags at the present time. Accurate enough and do the job.
Only problem is in the 14 round cpd mag I use, I get the bottom rounds flat nosed from recoil I guess by not emptying the mag. If I can't find a solution, I'll live with it..
I use AA 2520..
 
you should try benchmark since you have a lot. Mine seems to like it, best primer with it has been federal 205.
 
Originally Posted By: Stu Farishyou should try benchmark since you have a lot. Mine seems to like it, best primer with it has been federal 205.

I intend to, it's my go-to powder for .223 so it would be nice if it works for both. And I have about 16lbs of it. My old Hornady manual doesn't list 6.5g, but everything I'm finding online shows a max charge of benchmark at around 30 grains for bullets under 100 grains. Does that sound about right? I'm using Rem 7 1/2 primers.
 
Originally Posted By: VASCAR2I’m really addicted to the 6.5 Grendel and have numerous AR-15’s and one Cz 527 American in 6.5 Grendel. I’ve only used IMR8208XBR with 107 grain Sierra SMK but others get good resultswith 8208 with bullets from 100-125 grains. I haven’t loaded any of the 129-130 grain bullets but they are getting popular. A R Comp powder is proving to be another good powder for the 6.5 Grendel.

The 129 grain Nosler Accu Bond Long Range (ABLR) bullet expands down to 1300 FPS and is getting a lot of attention for hunting. The Federal 130 grain Berger BTHP in Gold Medal Match ammo is proving to be accurate. The Federal 90 grain TNT and 120 grain Fusion is very popular ammo.

Hornady has started making American Gunner 123 grain BTHP bulk ammo sold only at Sportsman’s Wharehouse. The Hornady Black ELD-M and 123 grain SST are still popular.

Most manufactures have standardized on the SAAMI chamber and .136 Bolt Face Depth 6.5 Grendel bolt. If there is a problem it is finding 6.5 Grendel ammo on the shelf as retailers who stock it sell out quickly but ammo can be found online.

Starline has started selling 6.5 Grendel brass and the price of Hornady brass has come down in price.

Reviews on Ballistic Advantage 6.5 Grendel barrels are positive and I’d buy one if I was in the market. There are several sources now for 6.5 Grendel bolts and BCG. The 6.5 Grendel is a very accurate versatile cartridge.

Good info about the 129's. We have been working with the 129 sp's from Hornady. Gonna have to give the Accubonds a go.
 
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