85gr or 95gr Maker TREX? Any advice on starting load.

[Ronincjn]

I have finally settled on a brand of projectile to begin developing my very first hunting load, (first reload ever actually). Now I'm stuck trying to figure out what weight I should settle on, only a 10gr difference between the two but thought maybe someone with some experience with both could chime in and give me some advice. I'll will loading this for a 18" PSA Grendel Upper, my main target will be both pigs and deer (hoping to get my first deer this year). I have searched both extensively in this forum and found some really good info, but still would like to hear some more opinions and experiences.

Since there is no Maker load data I was going to use Hodgdon's reloading data and the "Grendel Reloading Handbook" data for similar weighted projectiles. Here is where I was going to start:

Both will be using Hornady once fired brass.

85gr TREX
H335 - 29.0
Fed205
COAL - 2.240

95gr TREX
H335 - 29.0 (rickOshay start load instead if Hodgdon 28.0gr)
Fed205
COAL - 2.230

Work up 0.3gr increments. I do not have a chrono, so I will be watching for excessive pressure signs as I work my way up to max load. These two starting loads are based on 95gr v-max and 85gr sierra HP Var, which have different length than the TREX. Should the COAL reflect that, or is this a good jumping off point?

Any and all advice/critiques/opinions are welcome.

[A5BLASTER]

Don't start at 29 grains. Start at 27 grains and work up slowly.

29.4 grains of h335 is a good accuracy load in 4 diffrent ar grendels I have worked it up in but you hit max not much past it. I moved on too h322 powder for the better temp stability, I still need to finish that but have several other projects in the way.

So work up slow over the chronagrah.

[Ronincjn]

Don't start at 29 grains. Start at 27 grains and work up slowly.

29.4 grains of h335 is a good accuracy load in 4 diffrent ar grendels I have worked it up in but you hit max not much past it. I moved on too h322 powder for the better temp stability, I still need to finish that but have several other projects in the way.

So work up slow over the chronagrah.

Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately I don’t own a chronograph, I might be able to borrow one from a friend. I will start the load at 27.0gr of h335 and move up slowly. I think I’m leaning toward the 85gr TREX at the moment.

[rickOshay]

Agree with Ablaster - start lower. These LFPs build pressure faster than similar weight lead cores.

[phishfood]

A basic chronograph isn't all that expensive.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1015050210?pid=626107

[Ronincjn]

Agree with Ablaster - start lower. These LFPs build pressure faster than similar weight lead cores.

Noted, thank you for the input. Also really appreciate all the work you have put in to the LFP thread, thank you.

A basic chronograph isn't all that expensive.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1015050210?pid=626107

I actually started looking at this exact chrono on amazon. Thinking of getting the “premium” kit that comes with the tripod, etc. Think it’s worth the $135?

[grayfox]

Accurate data and ease of use (especially at a public range) --> for around $185 you should be looking at the Magnetospeed sporter. The mgspd's (2 versions) and the lab radar are in a class alone, by themselves as to these 2 important factors.
Anyway, read up on them before you make your decision.

[phishfood]

Noted, thank you for the input. Also really appreciate all the work you have put in to the LFP thread, thank you.



I actually started looking at this exact chrono on amazon. Thinking of getting the “premium” kit that comes with the tripod, etc. Think it’s worth the $135?

I have that one, with the light kit and tripod. Haven't had the need to use the light kit yet. The tripod is a little cheesy, but works. No issues with it so far.

I shoot at my little private range, so having to set it up isn't that big of a deal. If you only have public ranges available, you might consider Grayfox's recommendation.

[Ronincjn]

Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately I don’t own a chronograph, I might be able to borrow one from a friend. I will start the load at 27.0gr of h335 and move up slowly. I think I’m leaning toward the 85gr TREX at the moment.

Agree with Ablaster - start lower. These LFPs build pressure faster than similar weight lead cores.

RickOshay and A5- do you guys have a recommended COAL for 85gr TREX?

[A5BLASTER]

RickOshay and A5- do you guys have a recommended COAL for 85gr TREX?

I used 2.260 in my ar grendels and 2.300 in the howa grendel I had.

But don't just slap that in your gun. You need to measure what the contact to lands length is to make sure what is safe for your chamber.

[Ronincjn]

I used 2.260 in my ar grendels and 2.300 in the howa grendel I had.

But don't just slap that in your gun. You need to measure what the contact to lands length is to make sure what is safe for your chamber.

Of course, I measured my chamber with the cleaning rod method and got a little longer than 2.260. I’m going to try the light neck tension on a fired case method next to double check my work. I tested a dummy round at 2.260 with no chamber or ejection issues. Thank you for the input!

[rickOshay]

I would recommend getting a OAL tool like the one from Hornady.

https://www.hornady.com/reloading/precis...d-cases#!/

I think they make Grendel modifies cases, but didn’t see them listed. You can send in your own case (do 2) and they will modify it for you. See bottom of their page.

[OLDCOOT]

Hornady makes a modified case. I bought one.