6.5 Grendel Preferred Loads

[NugginFutz]

In the spirit in which this thread was started, nearly 3 years ago, I would like to share the results of my first experience with CFE223 in my BHW 22" 264 LBC. While others have posted their CFE223 Grendel loads, I don't recall seeing one for a 264LBC chamber.

Conditions were nearly ideal for running a 200 yard OCW series, with a mild 75'F and a steady 5mph wind at my back. Rifle was on the Harris bipod, with a rear bag for fine adjustments. I had my Vortex PST dialed up to 24x, and could very easily resolve the 1" target stickers without mirage. In other words, I have absolutely no excuses for any of the operator flubs, of which I acknowledge a couple.

Load: 29.4 to 32.1 gr CFE 223, shot in Round Robin fashion.
Bullet: Hornady 123 gr A-Max, seated @ 2.260" COAL
Hornady cases with Remington 7 1/2 primers.

Disclaimer: Some of these loads went beyond what some have indicated as their maximum charge weights. As is always the case, you should approach published maximum loads in safe increments, starting at least 10% below them.

To the results:

As seen in the picture below, I found a couple of very promising accuracy nodes - one near 30.0 gr and another near 31.5.



Maddeningly, the group @ 30.0 was a .1 MOA cloverleaf until shot #4, when I pulled it. Similar issues at 31.8 gr. Those pulled shots were all me. As I said, no excuses. Even still, they average out to a respectable .5 MOA.

I assembled the following chart to illustrate the Velocity curve.



What does it mean? Aside from the aberration at 30.0 and 30.3, it shows a reasonable increase in velocity as the charge increases. No weirdness or scary spikes as I approached the max charge.

Lastly, since I was definitely running into compressed territory at 31.5 gr, I thought I would include some pics of the cases. What I would like to point out is how there are few, if any, visible indications of high pressures, flattened primers or bulging cases. Velocity curve seemed reasonable, as well.



Temperature stability is the main concern I have. Once the temperatures get into the 90's, I'll check the upper charge ranges again (won't take long, around here).

[Blacklab]

Great read NugginFutz.

[davidj]

Good info....thanks Dave.

[davidj]

03/07/15
123 Amax
27.3 8208 XBR
Tula 5.56M primer
Hornady Brass
COAL 2.255
.291 Neck Bushing
Velocity: 2500 fps.
24" 1/8 twist Liberty/Satern barrel (throat reamed)
Temp: 34-47F
Humidity: 57%-33%
Barometer: 30.47 - 30.44
Elevation: 800'+
Wind 3 mph from West switching to 9 mph from South

Used virgin brass and the group opened up to .445 next 3 shots, two touching and one outside. Took it out to 200 yards and shot .497. Pretty consistent.

What is the web address for this measuring tool?
Thanks!

[37L1]

What is the web address for this measuring tool?
Thanks!

Here ya go:

http://www.ontargetshooting.com/index.html

the free download is near the bottom of the page.

[davidj]

Thank you. I had this on my computer and it just disappeared.

[Ultramag Brion]

Here ya go:

http://www.ontargetshooting.com/index.html

the free download is near the bottom of the page.

Nice . . . . I'll have to try it out. Thanks

[Joseph5]

NugginFutz,
My velocities with CFE and 123gr SST's were almost identical to yours out of a 22inch Lilja barrel. So was my accuracy.

[Savage Shooter]

Here ya go:

http://www.ontargetshooting.com/index.html

the free download is near the bottom of the page.

I found it was worth the $75 to spring for the full version if you want to get a little more anal, er detailed about the analysis. Jeff Block of OnTarget is a nice guy and helpful and the program makes accurate group measuring and comparing various group centerpoints relative to the POA (something important to do in OCW development) much easier.

[208Grendel]

In the spirit in which this thread was started, nearly 3 years ago, I would like to share the results of my first experience with CFE223 in my BHW 22" 264 LBC. While others have posted their CFE223 Grendel loads, I don't recall seeing one for a 264LBC chamber.

I also have this exact barrel, a 22" BHW 1:8 .264 LBC, in a semi-bull contour however. I am interested to compare my results with yours. I have only just started working up loads for mine, but I will update as time allows.

[GeauxTide]

Question. I have 1000 120gr Corelokts that I bought for my .260 and 6.5-06. In looking at the available loading data, there is no load listed for bullets with exposed lead. I used a BAR in 308 and 7mmRM back in the 70's when there were no polymer tipped bullets. I'm new to the AR platform, so is the system more prone to malfunction using standard bullets in my Alexander Grendel?

[JASmith]

Not sure where you are looking for load data, but pages 8283, 87 (120 Pro Hunter), 90 and 91 of Volume 2 of the 6.5 Grendel Reloading Handbook has a pile of loads for lead-tipped bullets. Page 87, in particular, has loads for the 120 grain Sierra Pro Hunter, which loads very much like the Core-Lokt.

More loads are at GrendelData.com.

Grab a copy or subscribe, look at the loads, and start low and work up to a comfortable accuaracy node.

Regarding differences in feeding reliability between this class of bullet, the hollow-point, and plastic tipped bullets, there have been few, if any reports in the various posts in this forum. Some of us, however, have the same concern about accuracy with the lead-tip bullet in any magazine fed firearm. That is that the tip can get deformed on the way into the chamber. Again, not many reports of this being an issue appear to have surfaced.

[208Grendel]

I experimented this weekend with CCI BR4 and CCI 450 primers along with several different powders. There were some promising results using my BHW barrel chambered in .264 LBC. Groups were shot at 100 yards. Conditions were near perfect, with an intermittent tail wind of 2-3 mph and a temp of approximately 86 degrees F.

30.6 grains of CFE 223 with a CCI 450 primer yielded the best result with a two hole clover leaf and two of the three rounds in the same hole. Several other loads may require further review (loads using IMR8208 XBR may have been influenced by minor differences in charge weights or shooter error). However, these loads did result in slightly lower velocities when compared to the best CFE 223 result.

Brass/primers did not exhibit any pressure signs.

*DISCLAIMER* I began with the intention of loading five rounds per load, but foolishly did not count how much brass I had. Thus the reason why the 4 groups in the middle of the target had five rounds and the others only three. I accept responsibility for any fliers Hope this is informative as I am still getting the hang of posting around here.

[jawbone]

outstanding data display, 208!

[apynckel]

Has anyone done a load progression with 8208 XBR with 95 gr VMAX in a 24" barrel?

[pdq5oh]

Here some 8208 loads I'm working on. 20" BHW barrel. 264 LBC Type I chamber.

[1911man]

Are those 5 shot groups? What twist is your barrel?

[pdq5oh]

Hi, the top 2 are 3 shots. The lower 2 are 4 because the groups opened up and I wanted to see if it was me, or the load. I'm going to work more with the 28.1 & AMAX. I think 28.5 is max, so will try a couple more tenths. I'm very pleased with the SSTs. Now, to get them shot at 500 & beyond, and see what I get.
I've, also, had good luck with 28 gr 8208 and 107 gr SMKs at 2.250 OAL. Though those bullets have proved vexing to get consistent OAL without a lot of messing around. Honestly, I don't see much point in messing with them as the SSTs and AMAXs load much easier, and are $7 less per 100.
The barrel is 1/9 twist, with a Yankee Hill Slant muzzle break.

[1911man]

I have a 18" BHW barrel with a 1x9 twist and my rifle does not seem to like the Amaxes and XBR. I get really good 3 shot groups and the occasional good 4 shot but never a good 5 shot group. I have had much better success with the 120 SMK and with TAC powder. TAC is slower than my liking though.

[pdq5oh]

I'll shoot some 5 shot groups, and try not to panic & throw the fifth shot out ha. I have some 120 SMKs, but haven't done much with them. The Hornadys shoot so well, and are $7 or more less per 100 than Sierra bullets here.
Once I get the load I want, I'll get out the chronograph and let you know what velocity I'm getting.