Re: 6.5 Grendel on the way
Brass:
New = LAPUA, AA = Lapua brass with different headstamp (Generally .82-.89 per case)
*Soon to be released Hornady 6.5 Grendel probably a little less expensive.
7.62x39 can be resized - I'll pay the extra for Lapua. LOL
Dies, I have the Redding Type S Bushing dies, pricey but worth it for me.
Powders: AA2230, AA2460, AA2520, Ramshot Xterminator, Ramshot Tac, IMR 8208XBR, Win 748, Hodgdon BLC-(2), Benchmark are the most prevalent powders. Those who like VV powders have a few options as well. Keep in mind, case volume is relatively low so many shooters opt for a spherical powder for higher load densities to get the most speed and give up some temp stability. In loading for speed - Do not try to make this cartridge into something it isn't - It is not a .260 Rem, 6.5 Creedmoor ,6.5x47 Lapua or 6.5x55 Swede.
Bullets are a matter of choice.
Nosler 100 & 120 BT's
Lapua 100gr Scenar
Hornady 123 AMAX * New offering.
I've got good loads with Nosler 100's and 120's. Using Benchmark in the 100's. AA2520 is a pretty good powder and TAC is good for some. In my barrel with the Nosler's I have to clean before shooting any other brand of bullets....accuracy is negatively affected otherwise. Odd but proven true more than 7 different times tested.
According to Bill Alexander AA2460 and 100gr Lapua Scenars is the shit! AA2460 is essentially the powder Alexander Arms uses for this factory load - with the addition of a flash retardant. I've got one load starting for 100gr Scenars w/ IMR 8208XBR - Close to the burn rate of 2460 and I already had some on-hand. I haven't chronied the XBR load yet but 30.1-30.3gr both showing promise as even with my poor shooting is sub MOA at 100. I've loaded up some more to test at 200 as well - just haven't had the time yet. COAL 2.260 with CCI 450's (SR Magnums) - it might be possible to seat out to 2.265 but that would usually be about it - depending upon your chamber.
I just started working up a load for the New Hornady 123 AMAX 27.9 to about 28.4gr AA2520 is showing some good potential accuracy. Tip DO NOT use the Horn. 120 AMAX for the Grendel it's ogive doesn't work as well, which is one of the reasons for the 123 the ogive was pushed out longer on the 123's. The other reason for the 123 AMAX is to obviously compete with the Lapua and Sierra 123's.
For Primers: For projo's 100grs and lower they seem to do a little better with the CCI 450's, 120-123's Wolf SR seems to be a little better.
All of my other rifles work well with Varget, H4350 or Benchmark. Therefore I'm trying to narrow things down to a max. of 2 loads and hopefully minimize the powder, primer choices. I dislike having multiple powders and components if I can avoid it.
IMO, overall I think the 100gr bullets appear to be showing good BC's, speed and options for gaming, target and hunting. 123 is almost pushing it a little too far from a BC/Speed perspective.
Clear as mud?
