Alright guys and gals got some stupid FNG questions to throw out there because I am, indeed, an FNG.
Should I use a different buffer spring with my grendel? (other than my 5.56 one)
Also, how many reloads are people getting from the lapua brass, vs hornady brass? Any difference in performance? I'm about to order 300 of one or another so I just want to make an informed decision.
I wouldn't mind hearing about anybodies 19.5 Shilen barrel performance either. One last thing. Are the compensators worth a second look? If so, which one?
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OK, so the cartridge has been around for 7 years or so, and in reality, we are all a little bit new to it.
I've put around 6000 rounds through one rifle, and several thousand more through others, but I know a few guys who have worn out 3-4 barrels, so compared to them I'm in the same boat as you!
Standard buffer spring. Some people like to use the heavier H3 buffer.
I have 20 plus reloads on some of my Lapua brass, and my general history is that I lose 1-3 cases per 100 each time I reload after 15 reloads. For the first 2+ years I reloaded with Lee dies without issues, (except that they wouldn't resize Wolf brass enough!). Since switching to Redding bushing dies, I've had fewer neck cracks, but I'm not sure if that is because of the dies or because I've weeded out the cases that were weaker, either way, I'm happy with anything over 10 reloads on any brass.
I haven't reloaded any of my Hornady brass more than twice yet, so I have no feel for its longevity. I do note that the primer pockets are looser than the Lapua brass is, even after just 2 reloads. That fits what others have said about the Hornady being softer than the Lapua.
The compensators offered by Warped and also offered by AA make spotting your own shots easy. Like all compensators, they are noisy, but not as offensive to me as the gill brakes. They have also been used in the sandbox, so they have a good pedigree.
I owe Warped an evaluation of the adjustable brake I use and hopefully will get it posted this weekend.
You can't go wrong buying Lapua brass. I don't really have any lifespan data for the Lapua since I'm only on the 4th cycle for the 500 I bought initially for the rifle.
My Grendel is running the Superior Shooting Systems chrome silicon flat wire buffer spring for an AR15. It also uses the Carrier Weight System from the same house. If you're going to push the heavier, higher BC 6.5 bullets, I would suggest considering these upgrades.
My 28 inch Satern barrel wears a PWS-FSC compensator that seems to work well. I like that it doesn't kick up dirt, and with the lighter bullets and the weight of the gun, it recoils like a .177 pellet gun. I believe an efficient compensator on a 19.5 inch barrel would be very helpful.
You're going to love that Shilen barrel and the 6.5 Grendel round.
The compensators offered by Warped and also offered by AA make spotting your own shots easy. Like all compensators, they are noisy, but not as offensive to me as the gill brakes.
How much more noise than say a barrel with a cap or a flash hider? I have one on order with a flash hider but maybe I should do the warped muzzle brake (or millenium comp) instead.
Thanks
