Lead-Free Projectiles for the 6.5 Grendel

[rickOshay]

For the Grendel Horde’s convenience, I have compiled my results for a sampling of .264 caliber lead-free projectiles (LFPs). Also included are results from testing an experimental LFP, the 90g Cereberus, developed by our very own BluntForceTrama et. al.

The main goal of this work was to give the Grendel reloader a single source for information about LPFs. More specifically, the technical details of each projectile are tabulated along with terminal ballistics results to show minimum velocity for expansion. With these data, the reloading hunter can determine the effective range for each projectile based on their own chamber dimensions and barrel length.

The list of LPFs in .264 caliber is growing rapidly. Not all are well suited for the 6.5 Grendel due to their length, but there is still a wide variety to appeal to most hunting applications.

I am not recommending any one of these over the others. I’ve tried to avoid comments here, and endeavored to merely post data.

Moreover, I am not supported in any way by any of the manufacturers of these LFPs. With a couple of noted exceptions, I bought all the projectiles and reloading components, and paid for my range fees.

The picture below shows the lighter weight LFPS in my collection to date (11/20/17)


The picture below shows the heavier weight LFPs in my collection to date (11/20/17).


Table below describes the LPFs shown above. Updated 11/20/17.

NA – not applicable
ND – not determined
TBD – To be determined

An explanation of the columns in the table:
Weight: Published weight in grains
Name: make and model
Length: measured in inches, may vary from published data, especially for plastic tipped LFPs.
G1 BC: G1 Ballistic coefficient from published data.
Cost: Published cost, mainly from Midwest USA web site.
Muzzle Velocity: Most values are estimates or extrapolated. To be updated.
Minimum Velocity: lowest velocities required for beginning of expansion in PermaGel.
Maximum Range: Range at which the LFP would drop to Minimum Velocity based on the estimated Muzzle Velocity.

The minimum velocities were determined using synthetic ballistic gelatin (PermaGel) at a distance of 10 ft. Loads were reduced to give velocities from 1600 to 2400 fps. Velocity was measured at the muzzle using a Magnetospeed chronograph.

The maximum ranges were calculated using the JBM Ballistics Trajectory web site. The Maximum Range for each LFP in the Grendel is based on the distance at which the LFP drops to minimum velocity needed to cause the LFP to expand.

THE MAXIMUM RANGES GIVEN ARE NOT AN ENDORSEMENT TO ATTEMPT TO TAKE GAME AT THESE RANGES. THEY ARE PROVIDED FOR ILLUSTRATION ONLY.

The heavier LFPs have not been considered to be widely useful in the 6.5 Grendel due to their length. Because LFPs are very long for their weight, the limitation of the combined overall length of 2.260 inches for magazine feeding results in these heavy LFPs being seated deep into the case. These LFPs take up significant case volume to allow for sufficient powder to achieve the required minimum velocities for expansion at typical hunting distances. Especially for barrels less than 20” in length.

Fortunately, some of these, like the E-tip and LRX, have low minimum velocities. Combined with high BCs, the effective range of these LFPs are well suited for average hunting distances. Keeping in mind the estimated muzzle velocities.

To illustrate this, on the right side of the picture below is the 123 gr Hornady SST seated to magazine length of 2.260”. The group of LFPs is arranged to illustrate how much of each projectile would extend into the case seated to magazine maximum length.


More details are given for each LFP in the posts below. This thread will be modified with more information and projectiles as they come available, and I have time.

Because this thread is intended to be a reference source, it will be a Sticky and remain locked. Comments and suggestions can be posted to the dedicated comment thread here: http://www.65grendel.com/forum/showthrea...post146389

I hope you find this thread useful. My personal thanks to BluntForceTrauma for enabling me to set up this locked sticky thread. And a special thanks to SneakyOne for providing cut down versions of many of these LFPs so that they could be captured in gels at low velocities.

Be safe,
rickOshay

[rickOshay]

The 85 gr Pure Precision Match ULD.
Length: 1.040
G1 coefficient: 0.365
Price: $27.99/50 ($0.559 each)
Source: Pure Precision Web Site



Precision CNC turned solid projectile designed for accuracy. Not likely to expand in gels, but still awaiting high velocity gel testing confirmation.

This LFP may be considered for harvesting pelts if downrange issues are not created by overpenetration.

[rickOshay]

The 85 gr Maker Bullets TREX
Length: 1.076
G1 coefficient: 0.370
Price: $35.00/50 ($1.08 each)
Source: Maker Bullets Website

Loaded ammunition also available from Maker: https://makerbullets.com/proddetail.php?...85TREXAMMO



Gel testing results show the lightweight T-REX opening nicely at 1685fps. Likely minimum is closer to 1600.

The recovered TREX weighed 84.4g and thus retained 99.3% of its weight, with loss of the polymer tip. The LFP was recovered after 20.5" of gel penetration.


My results match closely to those provided by the Manufacturer:


Hunting results below were provided by HuntTxHogs. They agree well with those provided by Maker and show the 85gr TREX is an excellent choice for hunting coyote and hogs.


He reported that all of the recovered LFPs expanded to 0.730 - 0.850 and penetrated 12"-16". They all retained 100% of their weight - the encased tissue accounts for weight loss from the polymer tip.

The estimated impacts, based on 3000fps at muzzle, were from 2400fps (185 yds) to 2750fps (75 yds).

More details are given below in his video of the hunts:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnepAXQPhUc

[rickOshay]

The 86 gr GS Custom HV
Length: 1.100
G1 coefficient: 0.328
Price: $54.00/50 ($1.08 each)
Source: GSC Web Site



A premium hollow point projectile with a long tangent ogive and “driving bands” to reduce bearing surface and increase velocity. Controlled, consistent expansion from 99% pure copper. Read a review here: GSC HV Review

Impact speeds L to R: 2573, 2606. 2717


For minimum speed, see the post on the 95 gr version at 1891 fps (see 95 g GSC below).

Precision machined to true and consistent weight with controlled expansion without weight loss at Grendel velocities. Capable of harvesting deer out past ranges considered ethical. But this capability comes at a price. The GS Custom HV LFPs are all over $1.00 each.

[rickOshay]

90 gr Cerberus Experimental
BluntForceTrama et.al. development of a Dedicated 6.5 Grendel Projectile.
http://www.65grendel.com/forum/showthrea...let-I-Want




After shooting gels, the bullets fracture down to the base of the hollow cavity. The aluminum tips were recovered unaltered.



Cerberus II

Here is the latest incarnation of the Cerberus, a 95gr Copper LFP:


This LFP is designed to break into two halves, with the tip rotating through its target, while the base penetrates. Gel tests confirmed the initial design performance:

L to R: 2601 fps, 2373 fps, and 2250 fps.

At the higher velocities, the tip broke off in the first 1 - 2" of penetration, while taking a little longer at 2250 fps.

More info can be found on the original post: Cerberus Version 2

More to come on accuracy.

[rickOshay]

The 95 gr Maker Bullets T-REX
Length: 1.015
G1 coefficient: 0.310
Price: $35.00/50 ($0.70 ea)
Source: Maker Bullets Website

Loaded ammunition is also available from Maker: https://makerbullets.com/proddetail.php?prod=6.5G95TREX

Maker Bullets kindly provided (thank you Paul) these 95 gr versions of their popular T-REX projectile, these do not have plastic tips.



Gel testing shows these will open up at about 1700 fps or less. The recovered LFP below after impact at 1753 fps penetrated 27.5" and weighed 94.7g.

[rickOshay]

The 95 gr Lehigh Controlled Chaos
Length: 1.125
G1 coefficient: 0.374
Price: $36.63/100 ($0.37 each)
Source: Lehigh Defense Web Site



CNC machined from pure brass, the Controlled Chaos was designed for animal control, initially in .243 caliber, to provide massive wound damage with minimal pass through. Because of its very low price point, lowest of all LFPs tested, it also is a great plinking option.

Although the Lehigh published a minimum velocity of 2000 fps, I was not able to confirm this result. After impacting the gel at 2400 fps, the projectile had only the tips broken off (right in picture below). The LFP on the left impacted the gel at 2700 fps and the petals broke off to the base.


Here is one recovered from a hog by Double Naught Spy who kindly provided the photo. See his hunting report here: http://www.65grendel.com/forum/showthrea...ts-on-Hogs



The video provided by Double Naught Spy shows the hog taken at about 40 yards. No muzzle velocity was provided, but the impact velocity is expected to be above well above 2000 fps. Compared to the gel results, it shows less deformation than the 2700 fps shot shown above.

Here is a link to his second hunt with the 95gr Chaos where he concludes this is NOT a suitable LFP for hunting hogs with a Grendel.
http://www.65grendel.com/forum/showthrea...ing-Issues

[rickOshay]

The 95 gr GS Custom HV
Length: 1.180
G1 coefficient: 0.368
Price: $57.00/50 ($1.14 each)
Source: CheyTac Site



The second in the .264 caliber line of HVs, the 95 gr is an attractive LFP for the Grendel for deer-sized game. Now distributed by Chey Tac USA.
Chey Tac.

Recovered from gel after impact at 1890 fps


GS Custom’s website showed complete expansion at 1900 fps when fired into water saturated foam. http://www.gsgroup.co.za/faqexpansion.html

The minimum velocity is likely to be around 1800. With an estimated MV of 2800 fps, the effective range is 425 yards.

More to come here on load data and accuracy.

[rickOshay]

The 100 gr Barnes Tipped TSX and the Tipped TAC-TX
Length: 1.156
G1 Coefficient: 0.359
Price: $33.99/50 ($0.68 each) and $34.99/50 ($0.70 each)
Source: Midway USA Web Site - TTSX and Midway USA Web Site - TAC-TX

Pictured below are the TSX (top) and the TAC-TX (bottom):



Machined 100% copper with a polymer tip to increase BC and aid in expansion.
http://www.barnesbullets.com/bullets/ttsx

Until this point, I have treated these two projectiles as essentially the same. The only measurable difference so far is the "X" on the bottom of the TTSX. Until I can get time to shoot the TAC-TX into gels.

The 100 gr Barnes has been the go-to LFP for the Grendel. Its only drawback is the velocity needed to open up and begin expansion. Gel results show this speed to be at least 2000 fps.

Impact velocities L to R: 1859, 2044, 2738

Load data from Barnes website is reproduced here for their 100 gr LFPs:

[rickOshay]

The 100 gr Cutting Edge Raptor
Length: 1.400 with tip, 1.110 without tip installed.
G1 coefficient: 0.300 with tip
Price: $62.23/50 ($1.25 ea)
Source: Midway USA



A unique design that incorporates a removable plastic tip. The Raptor is intended to be shot as a hollow point with out the tip installed, and with the tip for increased BC for longer range shooting. The Raptor also can be seated upside down and shot as a penetrating solid.
Link: https://cuttingedgebullets.com/264-6-5mm...esp-raptor

They are extremely long with the plastic tip installed: 1.400

But the cavity is very deep: 0.398". Or about the entire top half of the bullet, measuring back almost to where the diameter increases from 0.2555" of the body to 0.264" for the raised bands.

Here is the Raptor recovered from a gel after impact at 1904 fps:


As you might guess, the petals broke off after about 3 - 6 inches of penetration and it came to rest at 17".

The recovered LFP weighted 76.4 gr.

[rickOshay]

Placeholder for 103gr

[rickOshay]

The 105 gr Cavity Back Bullet MKZ
Length: 1.246
G1 coefficient: 0.480
Price: $34.50/50 ($0.69 ea)
Source: Cavity Back Bullet Web Site



Another newcomer to the LFP scene, CBB has produced a very exciting line, called MKZ, that promises to be very effective at Grendel velocities. The unique design of these LFPs is explained on their website that includes three grooves cut into the upper half to aid expansion, and a cavity in the base to allow more room for powder. The benefits of this design are described on the CBB website: http://www.cavitybackbullets.com/category-s/103.htm

The unique feature is the cavity in the base. The cavity is 0.160" deep and holds about 0.8 gr CFE 223.

Left: 1724 fps, no expansion, penetration was >25" as it took a curved path.
Right: 2088 fps, expanded to 0.435", penetration >17" (hit bottom of second gel)


As CavityBackBullets pointed out in post #9 on the related thread, the 105s are made to a higher hardness than the 118s. http://www.65grendel.com/forum/showt...gr-gel-results

This data supports the higher hardness. The 105 did not open at all at 1724 fps. The tip was damaged when it struck the bottom metal plate.


The gel shows the 1724 fps shot at the top, leaving very little of a cavity until it flipped over after 13". The second track was at 2113; third was 2247, forth was 2088; and the 5th was a commercial SST traveling at 2511 fps. You can see the red tip in the second node of the track. Only the two shown were recovered. All others exited the top of the second get.

Here are links to DoubleNaughtSpy's videos on performance of the 105:
260 lb Boar and Coyote
210 lb Boar

Link to his review post: http://www.65grendel.com/forum/showthrea...hic-Images

[rickOshay]

The 105 gr Pure Precision Match AR
Length: 1.200
G1 coefficient: 0.446
Price: $29.99/50 ($0.60 each)
Source: Pure Precision Web Site



The second weight in the Pure Precision .264 line is the 105 gr Match AR. Designed for ARs, and specifically for the Grendel. Match accuracy for targets and varmints.
http://pure-precision.com/product/105gr-264-match-ar/

More to come here on load data and accuracy.

[rickOshay]

The 107 gr GS Custom HV
Length: 1.270
G1 coefficient: 0.403
Price: $65.00/50 ($1.30 each)
Source: Chey Tac



Now distributed in the US by CheyTac USA, the third in the GSC HV line is the 107 gr.

Initial gel results shown below:

On Left: impacting at 2223 fps penetrated 33" after impacting bottom plate.
On Right: impacting at 1840 fps penetrated 34" after impacting bottom plate.

It appears that this weight LFP of the HV line was just beginning to open at 1840 fps, compared to lighter weight versions (see above). But more repetitions are needed to draw definitive conclusion.,

Load data by GS Custom found here: http://www.gsgroup.co.za/hvloadsmall.html

[rickOshay]

110 gr High Velocity Controlled Chaos
Length: 1.225
G1 Coefficient: 0.405
Price: $31.86/100 ($0.32 ea) Introductory sale price
Source: MidWay USA

Loaded ammunition is available from Underwood Ammunition at $35.50/20. http://www.underwoodammo.com/products/6-...5693696057



The newest edition to the .264 caliber LFPs from Lehigh Defense is the 110 gr Controlled Chaos with an outstanding advertised velocity range of 1,500 to 4,200 fps. Lehigh Defense Website

They have published "theoretical load data for popular Grendel powders such as AA2520, H335, Tac and 8208. A COAL of 2.245" in an 18" barrel is expected to achieve up to 2800 fps using 8208.

Here are the initial gel results for the 110gr Controlled Chaos.



A commercial 123g SST on the left hitting the gel at 2538 fps, penetrated 21".

The Controlled Chaos is on the right impacting at 1976 fps. The two large fragments penetrated to 9" and 12" respectively and weighed 23.7 and 20.7 gr respectively.

The base penetrated to 24" and weighed 54.7 gr. The 5 fragments recovered weighed a total of 103.7gr



Below is the table of load data published by Lehigh Defense on their website:

[rickOshay]

110 gr Maker Bullets TREX
Length: 1.285
G1 Coefficient: 0.450
Price: $34.00/50 ($0.70 ea)
Source: Maker Bullets



CNC machined copper with tip and grooves to aid expansion.

Here is the TREX after impacting the gel at 1862 fps showing significant expansion to 0.445':


The recovered LFP weighed 110.7 gr.

[rickOshay]

The 110gr Hammer Hunter
Length: 1.23
G7 Coefficient: 0.204
Price: $55/50 ($1.10 each)
Source: Hammer Bullets

Designed to give balance of ballistic coefficient and velocity. Recommended for twist rate of at least 1:8.75




Here is a Hunter recovered after impacting the gel at 2000 fps. I has begun to open up. But shows its designed for
higher velocities than some of the other newer LFPs on the market.

It weighed 104.4 due to losing some material striking the bottom support. Penetration was 28" in a curved path.

[rickOshay]

115 gr Barnes TAC-TX
Length: 1.2845
G1 Coefficient: .359
Price: $34.95/50 ($0.72 ea)
Source: Midwayusa.com

Latest line of LFP's from Barnes is the TAC-TX 115 gr.


I measured 10 of these to average 115.15 grains and measured 0.7630 to ogive. The length was fairly consistent from 1.2825 to 1.2865, with the average at 1.2845.

Initial gel testing shows these open up well below 2000 fps.


Left: 1660 fps
Right: 1940 fps, penetrated 22.5", diameter 0.51", and weighed 114.2 gr.

Will repeat to target 1850 - 1900 fps.

[rickOshay]

The 117gr Hammer Shock
Length: 1.23
G1 Coefficient: 0.379
Price: $53/50 ($1.06 each)
Source: Hammer Bullets

Stated by Hammer Bullets to be designed for larger game, and a minimum of 1:9 twist.



And here is the 117gr Shock after impacting at 2016 fps. The petals have broken off down to the base. Base penetrated 26.5" and weighed 91.9 gr.

[rickOshay]

The 118 gr Cavity Back Bullet MKZ
Length: 1.349
G1 coefficient: 0.505
Price: $36.00/50 ($0.72 each)
Source: CBB Web Site



The second MKZ in 0.264 is getting a bit long for the Grendel, but its lower minimum velocity combined with its high BC gives it more than enough range.

The cavity is the same size as that of the 105 gr. More work is needed to determine if it is enough to offset its long length.

It’s length may limit the range of powders one can use for this LFP. The biggest advantage is that it is made from softer material than the 105 gr and so its minimum velocity is 200 fps lower.

Starting from Left:
1789 fps: after 23.5 in. penetration, it retained 117.4 gr and expanded to 0.510 cal.
2165 fps: after 25.0 in. penetration, it retained 117.4 gr and expanded to 0.625 cal.
2433 fps: after 22.0 in. penetration, it retained 106.5 gr and expanded to 0.630 cal.

The LFP recovered from the 2433 fps shot had shed one of its petals. CavityBackBullets said this was unusual at these speeds.

At 2433 fps, the bullet entered the gel at left and opened up after 1" penetration, then "propellered" through the gel. The fragments shown are from previous tests (NOT the CBB) and are sitting on top of the gel

The permanent cavity is about 1.10" diameter for 5" then narrows to about 0.5-0.6".

My findings agree well with those published by CBB: http://www.cavitybackbullets.com/category-s/114.htm

This bullet opened up below 1800 fps, likely to be down in the high 1600s/low 1700s. I do not have any load data for this LFP, but assume one can achieve 2400 fps from a 20” barrel, similar to the 120s listed below. The high BC and low minimum velocity give this MKZ an effective range of 450 yds!

See PredatorDown's range report on the 118 gr here:
http://www.65grendel.com/forum/showt...-Range-Results

Here are links to DoubleNaughtSpy's videos:
Range Test and Hunt
210 Boar

The only issue I found with these MKZs is the high variation in weight. I measured 10 projectiles as I pulled them from the box and obtained an average of 117.4 with an ES of 0.7. None weighed 118 gr.