Grendel bullet seating

[jambau]

I'm reloading for the 6.5 grendel. However, I've noticed that the Berger VLD's I'm trying now are actually too long for the seating stem of my Hornady die. The point bottoms out before the sides engage the bullet resulting in some "canted" bullets. I thought of drilling extra depth to the stem but don't want to mess up the integrity of the stem / die. What dies are some of you folks using ? Also, these bullets are actually some of my better loads so far (3/4 to 1 MOA) so I think if I can get them in better alignment I might really have something to work with. I'm shooting out of an AR platform so seating length is an issue.

Thanks,

 

[High Binder]

Re: Grendel bullet seating

You're going to have to cut the seater down or get new dies. I run a comp die set for my Grendal as well as everything else I reload and have never had that problem even on Palma/Scenar.

 

[Muttt]

Re: Grendel bullet seating

I'm using Redding dies for my Grendel. I haven't haven't had any kinds of problems with seating. I've been using 123 Lapua Scenars (which are pretty long) and haven't had any problems getting them down to 2.255.

 

[jambau]

Re: Grendel bullet seating

Thanks for the info. Mutt and Shot in the dark. I should have been more precise. It isn't the overall length of the bullet that is the problem, it's the ogive. These bullets are so sleek the tip touches the top of the seater before engaging the sides of the bullet. I'm going to give the reading dies a try. Thanks again.

 

[High Binder]

Re: Grendel bullet seating

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tikka09</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks for the info. Mutt and Shot in the dark. I should have been more precise. It isn't the overall length of the bullet that is the problem, it's the ogive. These bullets are so sleek the tip touches the top of the seater before engaging the sides of the bullet. I'm going to give the reading dies a try. Thanks again. </div></div>

Yep, that's what I thought, I had the same problem until I went with comp dies. But the ogive issue may still be an issue even with the comp dies but at least you'll be able to seat them. The problem you'll have will be making sure all the bullets area actually the same length.

 

[He Shoot Me]

Re: Grendel bullet seating

TAG

 

[jambau]

Re: Grendel bullet seating

Just curious; what are some of your favorite loads for the Grendel?

 

[He Shoot Me]

Re: Grendel bullet seating

Tikka,

When you figure-out which die works for the VLD, would you mind sharing?

I don't know jack S about reloading YET, but I've been trying to collect some info on reloads for the Grendel.

Here's some of what I've found so far. It's not much, but it's some of the stuff from guys here in the Hide. You can also Google the Grendel forum. From what I've been been told there's some good reloading info over there as well. Hope this helps:

<span style="font-weight: bold">"Had the chance to take my first whitetail with my long awaited Grendel. Been working up loads for awhile now with the 123gr HAM. Went through AA2520, TAC, and finally BL-C(2). Consistent five shot groups around .5-.6 MOA at 100 yards with 31.5gr BL-C(2) and an OAL of 2.270. Ranged a doe weighing 140 pounds, on the hoof, at 455 yards. Had to wait for a broadside shot and for her to stop movement at around the 430 mark. Using my holdover on the TMR reticle I squeezed a shot off and could tell it was a hit by her body language. Bounced around for about 15 yards and went down. Entry wound centered on a rib blew through one lung and then took half the liver out bufore exiting. Very excited about this performance from this particular match bullet. I hope this info may help someone in someway!!



Place to buy 123grain AMAX Midsouth or Grafs."

"Go to Alexander Arms website and go to the 6.5 Grendel part and click on Load data.

That’s what I use.

If you looking for a specific bullet load data let me know and I could find you some data also.

The 2 most accurate loads I use in MY RIFLE (may not be accurate in yours) are:

123gr. Lapua Scenar
29.5gr. Win 748
Lapua Brass
CCi #450 Primer
OAL - 2.260"

120gr. Nosler Ballistic Tip
31.5gr. BL-C(2)
Lapua Brass
CCI #450 primer
OAL - 2.255"

* I have put some hand loads together w/ TAC and AA2520 powders but have not tested them yet but im betting I will get some good groups with these powders."

"I kinda playing with the 2 powders im shooting well with now. I dont think the IMR 8208 will do well cuz the Grendel shoots better with "ball" powders. I havnt really had any luck with stick or small stick powder. I did have some pretty tight groups with VV N-140 and 107gr. SMK's tho.

Im getting some loads of 108gr. Lapua Scenars and TAC together tonight, I cant wait to see how they shoot. Alot of guys have luck with that combo.


Good powders for the Grendel (bullets- 120's):
Ramshot TAC
AA 2520
BL-C(2)
Win748



123gr. Lapua Scenar and Win748 Handloads"</span>


Good luck,

-Pat

 

[Muttt]

Re: Grendel bullet seating

I agree with the info that He Shoot Me provided. I would only caution that although AA2520 works really well in the 123 gr Lapua Scenars, it may not be the best powder for the Grendel overall. I was looking at a good deal on some 108 gr Lapua Scenars and asked why there wasn't any data for loading them with AA2520.

Here is what they wrote in the reply to my email:

"Since A-2520 is really too slow burning for the 6.5Grendell, it usually requires a significant level of compression of the powder to achieve optimal velocities, even with the heavier 120/123gr bullet weights.
That's why we do not suggest loads for A-2520, we only suggest loads for the faster A-2230 powder (data attached).
Since the bulk density of powders can vary by +/-5% between batches it obvious that it can be a practical problem.
With this lighter 108gr bullet the situation will even be worse when combined with with A-2520.
Since there is no danger of high pressures it will take quite a bit of compression and the most powder you will be able to fit in a case will be between 31.0grains and 32.0 grains depending on the specific Bulk density of the lot you will be using.


Regards
Johan Loubser
Ballistician
Ramshot.Accurate Powders
Tel: 406.234.0422 email: [email protected]
WesternPowdersInc.Miles City.Montana.
COMPANY WEBSITES/PRODUCTS:
www.ramshot.com
www.accuratepowder.com
www.montanaxtreme.com
www.blackhorn209.com""""

 

[jambau]

Re: Grendel bullet seating

He shoot me,

Here is a list of some of my loads for the Grendel

Berger 130 VLD
28.4 gr. BLC-2
CCI bench rest primer
Hornady brass
This is the one with seating problems yet is the most accurate so far. About 2 1/2 @ 200yds.

Nosler 120 gr Balistic tip
31.5 gr. BLC-2
CCI bench rest primers
Hornady brass

Sierra 100 gr. HP
28.5 gr. H-335
CCI 450 primer
Hornady brass

Barnes 120 gr.tripple shock
31.3 gr. BLC-2
CCI 450 primer
Hornady Brass
I've been experiencing some jacket shaving during seating with this one. Extra chamfering doesn't help.It shot OK but was discontinued dou to the shaving.

All loads are seated to just fit the CPproducts Grendel mags. The 100 gr HP is about .003 off the lands.

Please exercise caution with these loads. I typically load on the mild side but you never know.

Good shooting.

Tikka 09

 

[Tactical30]

Re: Grendel bullet seating

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: He_Shoot _Me</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

The 2 most accurate loads I use in MY RIFLE (may not be accurate in yours) are:

123gr. Lapua Scenar
29.5gr. Win 748
Lapua Brass
CCi #450 Primer
OAL - 2.260"

120gr. Nosler Ballistic Tip
31.5gr. BL-C(2)
Lapua Brass
CCI #450 primer
OAL - 2.255"

* I have put some hand loads together w/ TAC and AA2520 powders but have not tested them yet but im betting I will get some good groups with these powders."




Good powders for the Grendel (bullets- 120's):
Ramshot TAC
AA 2520
BL-C(2)
Win748



123gr. Lapua Scenar and Win748 Handloads"[/b]


</div></div>


I posted this and you copied it pawning it off as your own.
Funny.

Next time say "another grendel shooter" posted this, dont use it as your own.

 

[polish handgunner]

Re: Grendel bullet seating

I have had my best accuracy and velocity with A2520(2600ft/sec)ed with A2230(2400ft/sec) 123 grain Sierra HPBT or Hornady Amax.

 

[jambau]

Re: Grendel bullet seating

Hey guys,

I'm not sure I'm following the thread properly and I don't want to get into a peeing match with anyone but;all my loads begin with information already published by a reputable resource i.e. powder companies, manuals, or, as in this case, Alexander Arms. I'm sure this is the case with everyone involved at this level. Given the relative infancy of this catrige, and relative lack of information for reloads, it it is very likely to see repeat recepies out there.In this case I am using different primers and brass with a slightly different powder charge. However, I am certainly going to give your load a try. After all, isn't that one of the reasons we're on this site? Also, since your are the original author... So you know what kind of velocities your getting and what length barrel are you shooting. Thanks,

Good shooting to all,

Tikka09

 

[jambau]

Re: Grendel bullet seating

What length barrel are you shooting these out of. 2600 seems a little hot. Also, do you happen to know what the BC of those bullets are?

Thanks,

Tikka09

 

[He Shoot Me]

Re: Grendel bullet seating

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: longrange30</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: He_Shoot _Me</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

The 2 most accurate loads I use in MY RIFLE (may not be accurate in yours) are:

123gr. Lapua Scenar
29.5gr. Win 748
Lapua Brass
CCi #450 Primer
OAL - 2.260"

120gr. Nosler Ballistic Tip
31.5gr. BL-C(2)
Lapua Brass
CCI #450 primer
OAL - 2.255"

* I have put some hand loads together w/ TAC and AA2520 powders but have not tested them yet but im betting I will get some good groups with these powders."




Good powders for the Grendel (bullets- 120's):
Ramshot TAC
AA 2520
BL-C(2)
Win748



123gr. Lapua Scenar and Win748 Handloads"[/b]


</div></div>


I posted this and you copied it pawning it off as your own.
Funny.

Next time say "another grendel shooter" posted this, dont use it as your own. </div></div>

longrange30,

I would recommend you take a closer look at my post.

“It's not much, <span style="font-weight: bold">but it's some of the stuff <span style="text-decoration: underline">from guys here in the Hide</span></span>.”

I also made sure I put quotation marks at beginning and end’s of each of the three different sets of loads in my post, and put them in bold print. If I could have remembered your names, I would have listed those as well. I was just trying to share what you and others already have, and not take credit for its development.

-Pat