LRRPF52 Wrote:I hope Steyr debuts the AUG in Grendel, since I learned from a very reliable source from within Steyr that they were working on one in 2008.

LRRPF52 Wrote:Hoping to see the new Multicam boots from different makers.

Bill Alexander Wrote:Ok, it SHOT show time again. I have the dance card from hell and I am apparently expected to be reasonable and civil for the next week.

[SIZE="5"]I know what I have new[/SIZE]and have a mixture of enthusiasm and apathy. So what does anyone else think we will see this year.

LRRPF52 Wrote:Update:

Belt-fed surprises....check DSA has their RPD's on the floor. I mentioned wanting one in Grendel, as it would be the perfect proof-of-concept weapon. They said, "Go look at the table." I walked over, and they had one chambered in.........

6.8 SPC??????????????? The 6.8 even fits in the RPD links.

Drifter Wrote:Wish someone would lobby the bullet makers for a premium 6.5 hunting bullet in the ~115gr weight range. Relatively high BC for weight without being excessively long for the Grendel case, bonded core to hold together at close range impact, and thin jacket at the nose for rapid expansion (with low expansion threshold specifically for Grendel velocities). Something along the lines of a Nosler Accubond or Hornady SST, but with expansion reliable well below the typical 1800 fps.

I know that long-range hunters of most cartridges wish for a do-it-all bullet for both long and short range, but with the relatively narrow velocity window of the Grendel (maybe 1400 to 2600 fps for a 115gr bullet), it doesn't seem like such a bullet would be too far-fetched...

LRRPF52 Wrote:The Barnes folks are just down I15 from me a ways, and I told one of their long-term guys about how Grendel hunters really like their TSX and TTSX lines, and how we'd like to see a more Grendel specific bullet right along the lines of your description. I think it would be a great seller for them. They have one of the biggest booths on the main floor with all the big-name companies...probably bigger than Sierra's booth. They are really open to end-user feedback and were really great to talk with. They even said they have doppler data on their projectiles, which I didn't know. They're just dealing with how to get that data in usable form for customers. They are top of their game, from my perspective. Looking forward to working with them on some new stuff.

texasgrunt Wrote:Probably nothing to report, but are any of the magazine builders present for a query on Grendel mags?

Grunt

Quote:A quite productive SHOT show but nothing startling.

We have polymer magazines on the way for Beowulf but[SIZE="5"][/SIZE] were surprised to leave with not one but two new suppliers for Grendel magazines. Magazines are not really very exciting but an incremental growth curve is stifled in the absence of such items and the customer likes to explore options. Lapua are supporting the caliber well and the new reloading manual has a lot more information including expanded data for the heavier bullets. Western has also done a lot more load work and this is available on their site. We may yet see more domestic brass/ ammo production but it is a little early to say. Hornady are pleased with progress to date and were in a jubilant mind at the Harris publications party.

We got to sit down with the Russian production/engineering people to discuss the test results generated from the initial batch of ammunition late last year. They are pleased with progress and are pushing for completion of the project. Propellent remains a question but they are confident they have a good projectile. I think both sides were happy that the green lacquer worked so well in the chambers. It exceeded the performance of the polymer coated cases and would continue to run when the polymer was sticking. The Russians are far happier with this coating from a number of perspectives. As a note we tested both stainless and chrome lined barrels with equal success.

Also had some good discussions with several weapon makers. Lots of interest from the overseas manufacturers and two nice options for US built guns. Again it is early in the game and they will make their own press releases when ready.

Other than that a few non Grendel related items and a groundswell of support from the ammo makers for the 17 HMR.

Quote:Wish someone would lobby the bullet makers for a premium 6.5 hunting bullet in the ~115gr weight range. Relatively high BC for weight without being excessively long for the Grendel case, bonded core to hold together at close range impact, and thin jacket at the nose for rapid expansion (with low expansion threshold specifically for Grendel velocities). Something along the lines of a Nosler Accubond or Hornady SST, but with expansion reliable well below the typical 1800 fps.

I know that long-range hunters of most cartridges wish for a do-it-all bullet for both long and short range, but with the relatively narrow velocity window of the Grendel (maybe 1400 to 2600 fps for a 115gr bullet), it doesn't seem like such a bullet would be too far-fetched...