Howa mini-action in grendel to be released in mid-2016

[LRRPF52]

Let me pull down some arbitrary numbers just to help focus the discussion. If we operate under the assumption that Hornady, Lapua, PPU and Nosler 6.5 Grendel BRASS — not talking about AR15 bolt — can easily handle 60,000 psi pressure rounds or whatever they shoot 6mmPPC at, what are the pros and cons of loading to, oh, 58,500 in a new Howa Mini-Action (MA)?

The expectation would be to gain 100-200 fps more velocity. (This assumes the next step up, something like the 6.5 Creedmoor, gains 350-450 fps per bullet in equal-length barrels at about 60,000 psi vs. the 65G. And feel free to question my assumptions! Let's get on the same page — this isn't ARF.com.)

Is this doable in the MA? Doable with caveats? Insane? Let's explore this from a technical perspective.

The thing that happens when you push the pressures in a lightweight rifle is that recoil becomes more abrupt. For me personally, I've become more of a fan of a very balanced gun that handles well, so I can spot my own hits without use of a muzzle brake, while still not having offensive muzzle blast. When you keep things tame, it is much easier to shoot the rifle repeatedly, which builds confidence and increases hit probability.

Let the BC and projectile weight do most of the work. We really don't need much speed at all for the common hunting distances. Where speed comes more into play is with long range shooting. Spit the 129gr ABLR out at 2300-2500fps and you have a great little cartridge with a lot of reach. Since it expands down to 1300fps, it will do more than most shooters would ever dream of when looking at engagement range on animals.

One other con to higher pressures is throat wear and barrel life. I personally don't want to chase a throat with seating depth as time goes on if I can prevent it.