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+--- Thread: Proof Research SS 6.5 Grendel Build (/showthread.php?tid=24977)
Proof Research SS 6.5 Grendel Build - DHD - 09-27-2022
I've finally gotten around to posting my review/experience on my Proof barrel in my newest 6.5 Grendel AR build. Parts list would be Proof SS 20" w/rifle length gas, SLR adjustable gas block, Aero M4E1 lower, Nordic Components heavy walled slick upper, Young Manufacturing NM BC and SixFive Ultra bolt, Seekins SP3R 15" rail, Magpul PRS Lite stock and Magpul grip, Triggertech Adaptable trigger, assorted good other small parts, and using one of my Nightforce NXS 5.5×22-50 scopes in a Seekins rail. Whew that was not cheap!
I have shot the Grendel since 2009ish and am already set up for loading this little hot rod. I'm a fan of Lapua brass plain and simple as I've used it since the beginning (if a caliber will take Lapua I'll use it!). As luck would have it, all of my AA/Lapua brass I have will not work in this Proof barrel as it is enough tighter that they just won't fit and I wasn't going to fight it. So new brass was purchased (200 each Lapua and Starline for the heck of it). If I could only have 2 powders for the Grendel they would be 8208 and LeverRevolution and if pressed I'd only use CCI450's (but use Wolf as I still have 5000 or so). I use Forster and Wilson dies for the Grendel and am very impressed with the Wilson FL bushing die.
I wondered if the Proof would ever equal my Satern cut rifled barrel as it started out picky during break-in. Long story short, Lapua or Starline brass as it doesn't matter to this rifle, CCI450, LeverRevolution, 120 SMK pointed, seated long (back to that in a moment) shoots as good as I would hope for. I do not know where my pressure is with this load but I've seen no pressure signs/guesses and the 120's run at 2550 fps with this barrel. Same load, more or less, shoots 2650 fps out of my Satern with 4" more barrel length. I've fired hundreds of that load out of the Satern barreled rifle and the Lapua brass hasn't worn out yet with some at 15 loadings. Did I mention I'm a fan of Lapua brass?
I tend to break-in a barrel at 100 yards as I'm chronographing and cleaning like a mad man, then move to 300 yards to see what it'll do. After 10 - 5 shot groups I'll call the load listed above smile worthy.
I always try to beat the 120 SMK as it just isn't sexy as a 108/123 Scenar, a 107/123 SMK, or a 120 Berger (wish I still had a few thousand more of those!), but they are for me the easiest to tune and flat out accurate bullet I've used in the Grendel (with the exception of the above mentioned impossible to get 120 Berger's).
I mentioned I seat the bullets long and I do. I use PRI 6.8 SPC magazines and cut out the front to allow for approximately 2.330" ish. I run the 120 SMK's .015" off the lands. My Satern barrel will allow for jamming if I choose to but the Proof has a longer throat/leade. As a former Benchrest shooter I jam for my bolt rifles and have jammed with some sucess in the Satern barreled rifle but will typically try -.015" as a starting point if I'm shooting tangent ogive bullets.
Sorry for the long rambling post....
Proof Research SS 6.5 Grendel Build - LRRPF52 - 09-27-2022
A buddy of mine used a 20 Proof barrel for a build, and that rifle is light, even with all the components he used.
Shot lights out too.
I have personally experienced the best groups with Bartlein 20 barrel, shooting PF 123gr SMK loads in Lapua brass. Lost count of the rounds going into the hole, looked down at the 50rd cartridge box to see how many were missing, and said, Nobody is going to believe this, so Ill just not tell em.
Other excellent groups have been with factory Hornady 123gr A-MAX shot through a bull Lilja fluted barrel rifle, built on a Seekins billet set if I recall. I helped a fellow forum member with that rifle several years ago, did the Cerakote, assembly, accuracy work, etc.
There was a custom run of Bergers Bill had them do for him if I recall. Was it a 115gr? Yeah, havent seen 120gr Bergers in a long time.
Proof Research SS 6.5 Grendel Build - DHD - 09-27-2022
You know, I haven't even thought to weigh it. It's a lot lighter than the Satern Grendel which has a truck axle for a barrel with the regular Magpul PRS stock. They have the same upper, lower, handguard, guts, and scope though.
I shim all barrels to the Nordic Components uppers, put the horseshoe at the rear of the upper, and use Young Manufacturing NM BC's. I like the toys I make tight and they all run smooth and consistent. I built another in 223 just like the 6.5 Grendel and it shoots just as good. So far I'm liking Proof SS barrels. I not interested in one of their carbon wrapped barrels right now.
I considered getting a Craddock Precision Bartlein but figured I'd try a Proof. Bartlein is all I've bought for my bolt actions for a long time and know how good they are.
Proof Research SS 6.5 Grendel Build - DeNinny - 09-28-2022
DHD I have the same exact barrel. I will tell you it's a great barrel, but I only have one grendel so I have nothing to compare it to. I'm also not interested in their CF options. And I'll say that it is a heavy barrel which I don't view as an issue.
I'm very interested in how your experience with it will play out. I'll also chime in with my own reloading experiences. Right now I'm loving 123gr SSTs with 27.5gr TAC or 30.7gr CFE223. Also 120gr ELD-Ms with 28.7 gr A2520 or 30.7 gr CFE223.
I really need some 8208, though.
Proof Research SS 6.5 Grendel Build - DHD - 09-28-2022
I've had good luck with 8208 and 108 Scenar's. I've also had better luck with the 108 Scenar's and LeverRevolution though it's not a listed powder for that bullet in any publications. I had to play with the 123 Scenar data and go from there.
My particular barrel seemed like it needed some rounds fired through it to start to group really well. I had a Brux that did the same some years back (bolt action in 6.5 Creedmoor). Velocity has increased a small amount also.
Proof Research SS 6.5 Grendel Build - DeNinny - 09-28-2022
My barrel needed some conditioning too. After roughly 50 rounds at most it started getting consistent.
Proof Research SS 6.5 Grendel Build - Zeneffect - 09-28-2022
If I want to shoot .1-.2 groups it's 120gr smk and 27.8gr 8208 at 2.28coal.
Where you find the smk? Been wanting more for over a year now.
Proof Research SS 6.5 Grendel Build - DHD - 10-03-2022
I've been playing with the Grendel for a long time and have plenty of the 120's stashed.