The 6.5 Grendel

[Troy G]

I did not want to hi-jack the 6.5 BR thread so I started a new topic.  Here is some information on the Grendel and a link to read the whole article.

Load Development and 1000-yard Performance
Arne tells us: "Having shot thousands of rounds in developing the 6.5 Grendel cartridge (and in testing 6.5 PPCs), we had a good idea of what would work in the bolt gun--Vihtavuori N530 and Western TAC. Both these powders have load densities, kernel sizes, and burn rates that work well with the Grendel case. Though we're still early in the load development process for the F-Classer, our load of Vihtavuori N530 with Fed 205M primers and moly'd JLK 130s produces consistent 2760 fps velocities from a 28" barrel. This load is grouping well, even though it took some time for us to get used to that 2-ounce Jewell trigger! (To an AR15 shooter, one pound is a "light" trigger pull). The N530 and JLK 130gr VLD load produced 6"-7" witnessed five-shot groups at 1,000 yards. The amount of drop at 1000 yards surprised us--an even 30 MOA of adjustment (from a 100-yard zero) got us on target at 1000. That's nearly dead-even with a 6BR shooting a 107gr Sierra MK at 2900 fps. That means, at very long-range, the superior BC of the 6.5mm JLK made up for the lower initial velocity of the Grendel.

Though the 130gr JLK's performance has been great, we are studying ways to bump up the velocity. That would make the 6.5 Grendel's long-range performance even more impressive. Right now, as you're reading this, Speedy is working on a 30- or 32-inch barrel. We've tested many barrel lengths in Grendel-chambered ARs. Those tests suggest we can get a solid 2800 fps in a 30" barrel using the current load. And that load isn't a barrel-burner by any means. I have no worry about barrel life with the 6.5 Grendel. My original AR prototype is still shooting bugholes with over 6,000 shots down the bore."

http://www.6mmbr.com/gunweek027.html

[RMXMAN34]

A good freind of mine and I are driving to Little Rock this morning to shoot the 1000 yard match, and he is shooting the 6.5 Grendel.  This will be his first time to shoot this rifle at that distance, but his loads look promising.  He is using the 130 vld and is getting close to 2700 fps out of his 28" barrel. It has shot well at 600 yards thus far.
      I'll try to give you a update tonight or tomorrow, and let you know how it turns out.
                                                          Jon

[Troy G]

I am not really interested in the Grendel as a Hunter gun.  I merely posted that link for information purposes.  The Grendel is going to need a long tube to get the speed/momentum required to smack the rams.

As far as 1000 yard guns go I think there are better options than a Grendel.  Application of a cartridge for silhouette and long range benchrest is an apples to oranges comparison.  

[ajj]

Jon: I'd be interested in the 6.5's performance at Camp Robinson. Thanks.

[RMXMAN34]

The Grendel performed very well Sunday, and the shooter didn't do to bad either.  I'm not sure what the best way to describe it is though.
   Since I was the one pulling his target, I'll describe what I saw.
   The first 20 shot match, he shot a 192/200.  All shots were super sonic and really cracked when it hit the target. His bullet holes were very round and showed no signs of yaw.  Since these matches are shot with a sling from the prone position with aperature sights, his group sizes have more to do with his ability than it does his gun, but most of his shots were not more than 12" vertical. There is no doubt in my mind that if he were shooting a scope from a rest, it would have been somewhat better.
   He seems to think that with the high B.C. of the 130 vld, and pushing it around 2700 fps, it will have even less wind drift than the 6mm br or xtc.
    I think the best thing about the cartridge is that it lets a person get the most out of one rifle, i.e. for those that can't spend $2000 for a long range gun, and a highpower gun. (out of a gas gun anyway).
    Troy,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,  I agree there are much better choices for long range, either in benchrest, or NRA highpower, and certainly for silhouette as well. But its still a hoot to shoot. Putting the 10 round mag in a putting them all in a group at 600 yards about the size of a grape fruit will certainly put a grin on your face.  
                   good shooting,,,,,,,, Jon