6.5 Grendel Reloading

[mrcabinet]

I finished my 20" 6.5 Grendel AR build a couple months back and have fired enough factory rounds through it so that I'm now at a point where I can start reloading for it, i.e., enough brass to make it worthwhile. The fact that this round uses components that I use for .223 was part of the appeal of it. I have spp, TAC (couldn't find any 8208 or 2520) and 123 grn. .264 Hornady BTFMJ bullets for it, Hornady & PPU once fired brass and the dies, so I'm going to dive into it this weekend. I'm really not concerned about load data (there's plenty already available), but interested more in any tips, tricks, hurdles and successes any one has encountered with this round. The more info the better!

[newageroman]

cool, and thanks for sharing! looking forward to how it turns out. I'm running the 6ARC (with formed grendle brass) with good results but its been a learning experince.
If you can anneal, you can get still get starline grendle basic brass and form to Grendle like a wildcat - but it's a pain.
I'm always on the hunt for Grendle brass so if you spot a source please share and I'll do likewise. I'm sure it will do well.
Good luck!

[mrcabinet]

The price and availability of brass is what drove me to purchase factory ammo first. Might as well enjoy making empty brass, right? I see a lot of guys are making Grendel brass by resizing 7.62x39, which makes sense if you have the 7.62 to start with (which I don't). But then again, the "experts" recommend staying away from large primers so that makes the 7.62 a no-go for me.

[Earl Keese]

I bought a bunch of American Gunner ammo back when it was cheap so my dies haven't been used yet. Have to say though, I haven't been very impressed with my build (faxon barrel). Accurate enough for hunting, but that's about it.

[newageroman]

I just got some this page up and running if you guys need annealing or neck turning. CZ/Rugers guys get priority better pricing...
https://www.brassbucket.net/amp-annealing-request/

I'm hoping to take the 6ARC hunting this weekend.
Any recent groups or hunts?

[Chuck James]

I finished my 20" 6.5 Grendel AR build a couple months back and have fired enough factory rounds through it so that I'm now at a point where I can start reloading for it, i.e., enough brass to make it worthwhile. The fact that this round uses components that I use for .223 was part of the appeal of it. I have spp, TAC (couldn't find any 8208 or 2520) and 123 grn. .264 Hornady BTFMJ bullets for it, Hornady & PPU once fired brass and the dies, so I'm going to dive into it this weekend. I'm really not concerned about load data (there's plenty already available), but interested more in any tips, tricks, hurdles and successes any one has encountered with this round. The more info the better!

How's your new rifle working out???

[mrcabinet]

So far so good. My only problem is finding time to get to the range so I can shoot more factory loads to get the brass I need!

[Chuck James]

It's really straight forward on the handloading for AR Grendels. Full length size your cases and Be sure to check the COAL with your rifle/bullet combo. I've had some Grendels, from lower end barrel makers, with short throats.

If you get a chance, I recommend trying AR Comp and X-terminator powders. These have been very smooth in my rifles. Tac was not quite as smooth but shot very well too. These have been pretty clean burning as well.

CFE-223 has been my least favorite of all, very dirty and best 5 shot groups have only been about 1 inch.

Please keep us posted with updates.

Thanks