Loading for a 6.5 Grendel bolt action

[PA452]

Looking for hunting and shooting loads. My barrel is 18" with an 8.5 twist. I think I'd like to go with lighter bullets for more velocity.

I currently hunt deer using Sierra 85gr HPBT out of a .243, so I don't feel like I need the larger bullets for hunting. I'd just like a good bullet that performs well.

I've really just started reading, but I've seen that AA2230 is a popular powder choice for the lighter bullets?

[VASCAR2]

You might look at the Barnes 100 grain TTSX for a premium bullet. My 16" AR shoots 100 & 120 grain Nosler BT really well. I think the 100 grain BT is to light for deer but I've read where the 120 Nosler BT do the job. I'ver never shot the 100 grain Nosler Partition but it should hold together on deer.

After shooting jugs of water I think the 85 grain JHP Sierra, 90 grain Speer TNT, 95 grain V-Max and 100 grain Sierra JHP should only be used on varmints.

[LR1955]

Looking for hunting and shooting loads. My barrel is 18" with an 8.5 twist. I think I'd like to go with lighter bullets for more velocity.

I currently hunt deer using Sierra 85gr HPBT out of a .243, so I don't feel like I need the larger bullets for hunting. I'd just like a good bullet that performs well.

I've really just started reading, but I've seen that AA2230 is a popular powder choice for the lighter bullets?

PA:

Have you looked at the reloading data offered by AA and Hodgdon? They have extensive load data for the Grendel.

Or, you can search the forum. I recall a discussion with AA2230 some time ago.

LR1955

[PA452]

I've checked out the Alexander Arms data, still have it open in fact. Lots of choices though, so I'm looking for all the input I can get. I've been perusing the forum quite a bit, but also wanted to specifically get into loading for a bolt action. I don't know though if that matters much. I was thinking maybe much of the talk here would be about tuning loads to run a gas-operated rifle.

Thanks for the replies.

[LRRPF52]

The 120gr+ bullets are more ideal for medium game in the Grendel, with the 100gr TSX being as long or longer than many of the 120gr class pills. Check the projectile selection spreadsheet in the reloading section. There are a ton of hunting bullets in this caliber, and many of the guys that have posted here like the Barnes, 120gr Nosler Ballistic Tips, and 129gr Hornady SST's. With your bolt gun, you'll be able to get more velocity from the Grendel, since it is a case capable of at least 60,000 psi. Moderate velocity hits on medium game with high sectional density bullets will give you great results. The lighter varmint bullets like the 85gr Sierra, 90gr TNT, 95gr VMAX, and 100gr NBT are more likely to come apart on the surface of the animal. They are really suited to small game.

[adamjp]

The lighter varmint bullets like the 85gr Sierra, 90gr TNT, 95gr VMAX, and 100gr NBT are more likely to come apart on the surface of the animal. They are really suited to small game.

The 100gn NBT is not a varmit bullet. It is constructed to be a game bullet and would work well on smaller deer and pigs.

[PA452]

Picked up a box of Sierra 107gr HPBT to try. Unfortunately it seems like none of my local gun shops stock Accurate powder, so I'll have to pick another.