6.5 Grendel Preferred Loads

[thewilbur]

I finished my latest round of 6.5 Grendel testing, with a new chronograph (since my last one broke). Using a Howa Mini bolt action rifle and a Cabela Covenant 4x-16x 44mm tactical scope, I finished with these favorites:
COAL: 2.260", Case length: 1.515, Hornady brass, CCI 400 small rifle non-magnum primers, range = 100 yards.
Summer weather (80-90 degrees)
100 grain Barnes T. Lead Free, (R16+16), 31.3 grains Varmint, ave. vel. 2801 fps, SD: 11.7, 0.8”
123 grain Hornady ELD Match, 29.5gr Varmint, average velocity 2555, SD:13.6, 0.5”
123 grain Lapua Scenar, 29.0gr. Varmint, average velocity 2552, SD: 11.3, 0.8”
130 grain Nosler Accubond white-tip, R16+17, 28.2 grains C. Varget, ave. vel. 2350 fps, 0.5”
Fall weather (40-70 degrees)
123 grain Hornady ELD Match, Dipper 1.9, 29.8gr Varmint, ave. vel. 2485 fps, SD: 10.9, 0.8”

[DangerousDane]

^ nice tight groups with the 130 grain

[wreckster84]

AR Comp is almost impossible to find in my area. Was wondering from all the data, how does CFE223 compare to AR Comp in terms of velocity/charge weight or other factors.

[VASCAR2]

I’ve shot several pounds of CFE223 in the 6.5 Grendel with mostly 123 grain bullets. The biggest disadvantage to CFE223 is it’s sensitivity to change in temperature. AR Comp is a more temp stable powder but there is limited load data available. I’ve not tested my AR Comp yet but forum members report about 27 grains of AR Comp with 123 grain bullets. With CFE223 you can load about 31 grains with 123 grain bullets.

CFE223 will usually give a little higher velocity in warmer temperatures than AR Comp with same bullet. CFE223 is cheaper in my area than AR Comp. LeverEvolution powder is very similar to CFE223 and gives about the same velocity as CFE223.

[shreddykruger]

Yeah that is what I am hoping. It only has 60 rounds on it. The groups seemed to tighten up at distance, so maybe it will break in.

I just built a 18” with a criterion barrel and it’s been super problematic so far. I’ve even called criterion about it and they recommended trying a Jp enterprises bolt since that’s what they use for setting headspace so we will see. If not they said go send it in. It seems to be getting better but is nowhere near where the 20” ballistic advantage one in my other gun is at. I’ll be able to get past 200 again tomorrow so fingers crossed on that one. Hopefully you find a good load for yours but I figured I would mention my troubles.

Having done this I would prob not go less than 20 next time and stay with rifle length gas. It’s such a more enjoyable gun to shoot for such a small difference

My 20 seems to like120 grain smk with 28 gr of tac and standard match primers in starlike brass. My tests last week with 28,28.5,29 had the best groups at 28.

Going to try same weights and bullets tomorrow with cci 450 and compare to the 28 grain loads that I have left over after shooting prs. Had no pressure signs at 29 gr so hopefully they are ok with the 450s

[muvef]

I just built a 18” with a criterion barrel and it’s been super problematic so far. I’ve even called criterion about it and they recommended trying a Jp enterprises bolt since that’s what they use for setting headspace so we will see. If not they said go send it in. It seems to be getting better but is nowhere near where the 20” ballistic advantage one in my other gun is at. I’ll be able to get past 200 again tomorrow so fingers crossed on that one. Hopefully you find a good load for yours but I figured I would mention my troubles.

Having done this I would prob not go less than 20 next time and stay with rifle length gas. It’s such a more enjoyable gun to shoot for such a small difference

My 20 seems to like120 grain smk with 28 gr of tac and standard match primers in starlike brass. My tests last week with 28,28.5,29 had the best groups at 28.

Going to try same weights and bullets tomorrow with cci 450 and compare to the 28 grain loads that I have left over after shooting prs. Had no pressure signs at 29 gr so hopefully they are ok with the 450s

I had to return my 18" Criterion hybrid barrel. I couldn't get it to shoot any better than 2.5" groups if I was lucky. I tried several powders and bullets with no luck. Factory ammo produced 4" groups. Luckily Brownells took it back after I had it almost two years. Head space was really short.

[shreddykruger]

I had to return my 18" Criterion hybrid barrel. I couldn't get it to shoot any better than 2.5" groups if I was lucky. I tried several powders and bullets with no luck. Factory ammo produced 4" groups. Luckily Brownells took it back after I had it almost two years. Head space was really short.

Thanks for chiming in about your struggles with this barrel I’m at my end with it.

I had it out today and it was the same story for me. Maybe they just sent me your old one since I did get it from brownells It’s the hybrid profile with midlength gas.

I measured the groups in my scope at like .75 mil average with fliers at about 1.5 mil ????. Consistently inconsistent across different weight bullets and powders.

Broke down the upper when I got home I’m not going to spend anymore bullets on this barrel so we will see tomorrow. I would be upset if this was a 95$ Psa barrel - definitely worst barrel I’ve ever shot so something must be terribly wrong even with the very nice Jp bolt

[muvef]

Thanks for chiming in about your struggles with this barrel I’m at my end with it.

I had it out today and it was the same story for me. Maybe they just sent me your old one since I did get it from brownells It’s the hybrid profile with midlength gas.

I measured the groups in my scope at like .75 mil average with fliers at about 1.5 mil ????. Consistently inconsistent across different weight bullets and powders.

Broke down the upper when I got home I’m not going to spend anymore bullets on this barrel so we will see tomorrow. I would be upset if this was a 95$ Psa barrel - definitely worst barrel I’ve ever shot so something must be terribly wrong even with the very nice Jp bolt

Mine was rifle length gas system. Honestly, it was producing 4" inch groups with Hornady Black. Brownells gave a store credit that I immediately spent on a Odin barrel.

[65newloader]

New Sanders Armory 13" 5R SS barrel on its way. I have not loaded for a short barrel. Any suggestions on bullets, powder, etc. When it gets here, I will measure out the chamber and see how it looks. Re-barreling 300 BO pistol, so not really a new build. Hope everyone is well.

[Pwoller]

My 12 BA likes the lighter bullets. 85 Sierra and 90tnt. Benchmark and ar comp do the best so far. 8208 and 322 are decent but not great.

[218bee]

My CZ rifles did not really shine until I switched to H322. This is an old bench-rest powder that is perfect for the case capacity of the little Grendel. I have a glass-bedded CZ American that likes the 120 Sierra MK bullets and my MTR with shoot one ragged hole at 100 yards loaded with the Sierra 85 HP's over the same powder. Unfortunately, I believe Sierra has discontinued that 85 grain speedster. I have about 500 left on the shelf, when they are gone I will try to work up a load using a different bullet in the 90-107 grain range. ( the MTR seems to prefer the lighter bullets ) Lapua makes the best brass you will ever find for the Grendel. Normally selling for close to $100 for 100 cases, they can be found from time to time online for almost half of that. Anyone have a recommendation for a light bullet replacement for the 85 Sierra ??.................Don in SC

[biodsl]

I didn't have to work hard at all to get the Speer 90 TNT to shoot clover leafs...and I'm not much of a shot.

[peak98]

How’s that Sanders barrel shooting?
peak98

New Sanders Armory 13" 5R SS barrel on its way. I have not loaded for a short barrel. Any suggestions on bullets, powder, etc. When it gets here, I will measure out the chamber and see how it looks. Re-barreling 300 BO pistol, so not really a new build. Hope everyone is well.

[doubleduck]

Hello Grendelarians, I am new to the forum and could use some advice. I have an AR15 with 16 inch faxon match barrel and nothing but a thread protector on the end of the muzzle because I want to keep it short. I have read through the "preferred loads" and tried several of the suggestions and others without much success: Factory Hornady 123g Black, factory 123g SST, 123 SST with xbr8208, Varget, 123 Eld-m with 27.6g AR. 120g Eld-m with 8208, H4895, Varget, AR. The best I have been able to reproduce is approx 1 1/8 inch 5 shot groups with 120 Eldm and 28g 8208, most of my other attempts were 2 inch groups or larger, many were Ugly. Based on my trials do you think I am better off moving to a different bullet weight, perhaps 100g or 107g or should I keep trying powders? My instinct is that I am in the wrong weight category. Additionally, my 120g Eldm is 2.249 to the lands. I don't know if that is normal but as a result I was loading the 120 Eldm to 2.225. Any advice is appreciated.

[A5BLASTER]

Hello Grendelarians, I am new to the forum and could use some advice. I have an AR15 with 16 inch faxon match barrel and nothing but a thread protector on the end of the muzzle because I want to keep it short. I have read through the "preferred loads" and tried several of the suggestions and others without much success: Factory Hornady 123g Black, factory 123g SST, 123 SST with xbr8208, Varget, 123 Eld-m with 27.6g AR. 120g Eld-m with 8208, H4895, Varget, AR. The best I have been able to reproduce is approx 1 1/8 inch 5 shot groups with 120 Eldm and 28g 8208, most of my other attempts were 2 inch groups or larger, many were Ugly. Based on my trials do you think I am better off moving to a different bullet weight, perhaps 100g or 107g or should I keep trying powders? My instinct is that I am in the wrong weight category. Additionally, my 120g Eldm is 2.249 to the lands. I don't know if that is normal but as a result I was loading the 120 Eldm to 2.225. Any advice is appreciated.

Charge weight first over chronograph, seating depth second= sub moa.

[biodsl]

DD...what were your results with factory Black and SST loads? Just wanting to know so we can establish a baseline.

[doubleduck]

DD...what were your results with factory Black and SST loads? Just wanting to know so we can establish a baseline.

Hornady Black shot 2 1/4 groups. Factory SST was as bad so I pulled the bullets and tried 27.8-28.5g 8208 loaded to 2.25. I got a couple 5 shot groups that had 4 shots under an inch but always a flier and I mean a flier making it 2-3 inches, not 1 1/8 or 1/1/4. My speeds ranging from 2350-2408 fps.

[doubleduck]

Im not sure what your saying A5. If I list all the charge weights I tried I will run out of ink.

[VASCAR2]

Im not sure what your saying A5. If I list all the charge weights I tried I will run out of ink.

Most barrels will shoot Factory Hornady 123 grain ELD-Match ammo. The 120 grain Sierra Match King is an accurate bullet in most rifles. If I was in your position I'd try some Federal 130 grain Gold Medal Match ammo or Federal American Eagle 120 SMK.

Make sure your gas block is not hitting the hand guard. Ensure the gas tube is properly aligned and the barrel nut is tight. Make sure you have a good trigger and verify you have a good scope. If there are no other problems it might be the barrel. I'd have another shooter try and if I couldn't get any accuracy (1.5" or better) with 120 grain SMK, 123 grain ELD-M, Federal 130 Gold Medal Match or Federal TNT 90 grain then I think you have a sub par barrel.

The 120 grain Sierra Match King and the 120 grain Sierra Pro Hunter will usually produce good groups in about any barrel with various powders. If you can't get 1.5" groups with either of those two bullets I think it is a subpar barrel or some other problem.

[grayfox]

Another pointer, the 120 Eldm is "stubbier" up front which limits its seating coal. Try the 123 Eldm (same powder wts), its a more slender frontal portion, you should get better results and longer coal ability. Made for the Grendel.

With that 16" faxon, when you get a chrony to shoot over, you should look for 120 class speeds in the 2410-2450 range.
That 120 SMK is a very forgiving bullet and load. LR1955 on this forum recommends it for seeing if your barrel is any good.
I found the faxon barrels to be fairly good, not match grade like a Lilja but decent shooters.

Last point: I have put a muzzle brake on my rifles to help me in controlling recoil and muzzle flip. I know others say they don't need it but it helps me. If you want, try a VG 65 gamma (6.5 caliber) and a jam nut (not a crush washer) and that will help your muzzle control. Not very expensive but really an excellent MB.