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Offline Dinny

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Grendel Range Report
« on: February 16, 2013, 11:33:39 AM »
The long awaited range report is here!

Here's the ammo tested today:


Here's what AA says about their velocities:
120gr NBT http://www.shopalexanderarms.com/Ammunition-6.5_Grendel_120g_Nosler_Ballistic_Tip_ammo_box.html (2355fps)
129gr SST http://www.shopalexanderarms.com/Ammunition-6.5_Grendel_129g_Hornady_loaded_ammunition_box.html (2185fps)
90gr TNT http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/6.5mm_Grendel (2880fps from 24" bbl)

http://archives.gunsandammo.com/content/ammunition-ballistics-65-grendel

Here's the rifle:


The forend was pillar bedded by Wayne York and although it's terribly sloppy underneath, it works.



It has a 22" 1:9" twist barrel that was originally a .22 Hornet. Wayne York did the rebore. Rifle weight is 8lb 7oz on my postal scale.

Here's the scope used:



All testing was done on 12 power with the side focus/parallax set for 100yds.

My velocities were slightly different than listed.

                         
120gr NBT
2545
2527
2546
2523
2540
2527
2487
2501
2588
2512
2505
2535
2496
2508
2550
2587
2537

90gr TNT       
2865
2846
2884
2823
2818
2901
2845
2872
2873
2863
2893
2916
2895
2900
2867

129gr SST
2461
2373
2444
2423
2426

I ran out of time and didn't get to shoot more of the 129s. :(

Here's just a few pics of groups. Sorry for the lousy pics, I left the camera at home and had to use my cell phone camera instead. All shooting was done at 100yds.

First up is the 120gr NBT groups. There are two different groups here, I was adjusting my zero.


I settled for the 1" groups about 1" high.

Here's the 90gr TNT group:



Sorry, no pics of the 129gr SST groups. The range was busy and I couldn't find my camera yet. ::)

I also shot my Weatherby Mark V Super Predator Master in .243Win with Hornady Superformance Varmint 58gr V-Maxes. Both rifles weigh about the same. Both rifles seemed to recoil about the same. I was beginning to think that the Grendel was similar in recoil to a .223 Rem. I would need to shoot another Handi to be certain, but the Grendel's recoil was low.

Overall I am extremely pleased with this rifle's potential. Wayne throated the chamber 0.20" longer so that I could seat bullets out farther and gain some case capacity. Considering I was shooting factory ammo set for AR mag lengths, I think this is shooting quite well. After I make some more brass I'll load my own and hope to decrease the group size.

Thanks again for all those who contributed to this fine rifle.


Thanks, Dinny
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Handi Family: 357 Max, 45 LC, 45-70, 300 BLK, 50 cal Huntsman, and 348 Win.

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Offline quickdtoo

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Re: Grendel Range Report
« Reply #1 on: February 16, 2013, 11:39:29 AM »
S'bout time!!!  ;D ;D ;D Nice work, great report Dinny, thanks!!  ;)

Tim
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Offline petemi

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Re: Grendel Range Report
« Reply #2 on: February 16, 2013, 12:16:42 PM »
She's a beauty.  Enjoy Dinny ;D

Pete
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Keep both eyes open and make the first shot good.
The growing Handi/Sportster/Pardner/Topper Family:  .22 WMR, .22-250. 223, Two Superlight 7mm-08s and one .243, .30-30,  .308, 32-20, 18 inch .356/.358 Win., Two 16.5 inch .357 Max., 18 inch 38-55 BC Carbine, 16.5 inch .445 Super Mag., .45LC, 16.5 and 22 inch .45-70s, .50 Huntsman SS, .410, 20 ga., 12 ga., 20 ga. Pardner Pump, Versa-Pack .410 - .22
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Offline cudatruck

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Re: Grendel Range Report
« Reply #3 on: February 16, 2013, 12:32:46 PM »
Glad to see ya got her shootin! we have all been waitin for this one!
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Offline Dinny

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Re: Grendel Range Report
« Reply #4 on: February 16, 2013, 01:43:26 PM »
Quote from: quickdtoo on February 16, 2013, 11:39:29 AM
S'bout time!!!  ;D ;D ;D
Tim

Tell me about it! I had to promise my wife to a trip down to Dallas and a day of watching the kids all so she can shop.... ???

The things we do for love. :D

Thanks, Dinny

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Handi Family: 357 Max, 45 LC, 45-70, 300 BLK, 50 cal Huntsman, and 348 Win.

"If there must be trouble, let it be in my day that my child may have peace"
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Offline Dinny

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Re: Grendel Range Report
« Reply #5 on: February 16, 2013, 01:50:34 PM »
I have the following bullets that I will use for reloading.

100gr NBT
100gr Hornady SP
120gr NBT
123gr Hornady SST
129gr Hornady SP
95gr V-Max
120gr Speer SP

Following the data I have found here, I think I should be able to find a winner amongst the bunch. :)
http://www.65grendel.com/forum/

Thanks, Dinny
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Handi Family: 357 Max, 45 LC, 45-70, 300 BLK, 50 cal Huntsman, and 348 Win.

"If there must be trouble, let it be in my day that my child may have peace"
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Offline OR-E-Gun Bill

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Re: Grendel Range Report
« Reply #6 on: February 16, 2013, 02:23:36 PM »
From the looks of the groups so far it don't look like she's gonna be real particular what ya feed her. Betcha your handloads will show her off even more. Fine looking Handi there Dinny.
Great info in your report too! Thanks.  :)
 
Bill
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Offline nanuk-O-dah-Nort

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Re: Grendel Range Report
« Reply #7 on: February 16, 2013, 03:21:10 PM »
looking forward to the Handload range report.

$30/box???   must have bought them in Canada.  Handloading is gonna bring that down to earth for cost.   I understand the 6.5G is pretty miserly on powder.
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Offline Dinny

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Re: Grendel Range Report
« Reply #8 on: February 16, 2013, 03:48:50 PM »
Quote from: nanuk-O-dah-Nort on February 16, 2013, 03:21:10 PM
looking forward to the Handload range report.

$30/box???   must have bought them in Canada.  Handloading is gonna bring that down to earth for cost.   I understand the 6.5G is pretty miserly on powder.

I didn't pay that much. I got 10 boxes for $150 shipped. 8) About the most powder that can go into a case is 32gr of H335 with a 85gr Sierra HP.

Thanks, Dinny
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Handi Family: 357 Max, 45 LC, 45-70, 300 BLK, 50 cal Huntsman, and 348 Win.

"If there must be trouble, let it be in my day that my child may have peace"
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Offline OldSchoolRanger

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Re: Grendel Range Report
« Reply #9 on: February 20, 2013, 10:43:05 AM »
Glad I went back a page on GB, I usually just read the things on the first page.  I almost missed this!  Great to see you finally had a chance to shoot the Grendel!  Where did you manage to get the ammo at such a reasonable price.  The only thing I can say is I'm jealous. ;)   

I've been thinking about getting an AR in Grendel from Alexander Arms. 
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When you allow a lie to go unchallenged, it becomes the truth.

My quandary, I personally, don't think I have enough Handi's but, I know I have more Handi's than I really need or should have.

Offline Oldshooter

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Re: Grendel Range Report
« Reply #10 on: February 20, 2013, 11:31:15 AM »
Hey I'm not getting the pics to show only an outline and an X is it just my puter. ususally shows pics.
 
Help me then delete this.
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Offline Dinny

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Re: Grendel Range Report
« Reply #11 on: February 20, 2013, 12:23:46 PM »
Tak,
  I got the ammo from a classifieds ad on the Grendel website. Bill and his crew are putting together great shooting rifles! I would get one if I were in the market for an AR.

Thanks, Dinny
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Handi Family: 357 Max, 45 LC, 45-70, 300 BLK, 50 cal Huntsman, and 348 Win.

"If there must be trouble, let it be in my day that my child may have peace"
Thomas Paine

Offline Oldshooter

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Re: Grendel Range Report
« Reply #12 on: February 20, 2013, 01:16:16 PM »
Quote from: Oldshooter on February 20, 2013, 11:31:15 AM
Hey I'm not getting the pics to show only an outline and an X is it just my puter. ususally shows pics.
 
Help me then delete this.

That's weird  it showed the pics when logged back in, sorry for the inconvenience.
 
Nice rifle and pics Dinny, good groups as well
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Offline quickdtoo

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Re: Grendel Range Report
« Reply #13 on: February 20, 2013, 01:17:12 PM »
Attached pics aren't visible to guests, you have to log in, same for the classifieds.

Tim
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Offline Oldshooter

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Re: Grendel Range Report
« Reply #14 on: February 20, 2013, 01:25:50 PM »
Well I thought I was logged in. It did let me post. i dunno
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Offline Dinny

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Grendel Range Report #2
« Reply #15 on: March 13, 2013, 10:08:35 AM »
I got out to my new homemade range yesterday and rang out the Grendel a bit more. Since the last range trip it got some new duds; Vortex Crossfire II 4-12x44 with BDC reticle, Burris Signature Series Zee rings, a shortened hammer, extension, a much lighter trigger pull.




All shooting was done at 95 paces. That's all the space I had from the old moldy hay bales (backstop) to the road.







I found that the barrel prefers the 120gr Nosler Ballistic Tips, but shoots the 129gr SSTs just fine.

Also, of special note, this barrel shoots much better when it's dirty. Here's a picture of the group following 3 pulls from a 28cal boresnake.



And here's a group after those 5 shots were fired.



129gr Hornady SST group



I always manage to pull a shot from each group. ::)

Now that it's sighted and everything is locked-in I'll carry it with me when I check my trail cameras and bait buckets. ;)


Thanks, Dinny
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Handi Family: 357 Max, 45 LC, 45-70, 300 BLK, 50 cal Huntsman, and 348 Win.

"If there must be trouble, let it be in my day that my child may have peace"
Thomas Paine

Offline petemi

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Re: Grendel Range Report
« Reply #16 on: March 14, 2013, 01:22:37 AM »
Dinny, it all goes to show you there's nothing like a cruddy Handi ;)

Almost forgot.  The NBTs have shot very well in everything I've tried them in.  They really shine in da tirty tirty.

Pete
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Keep both eyes open and make the first shot good.
The growing Handi/Sportster/Pardner/Topper Family:  .22 WMR, .22-250. 223, Two Superlight 7mm-08s and one .243, .30-30,  .308, 32-20, 18 inch .356/.358 Win., Two 16.5 inch .357 Max., 18 inch 38-55 BC Carbine, 16.5 inch .445 Super Mag., .45LC, 16.5 and 22 inch .45-70s, .50 Huntsman SS, .410, 20 ga., 12 ga., 20 ga. Pardner Pump, Versa-Pack .410 - .22
[size=7.4 pt]PLEASE DONATE TO THE GBO SERVER FUND  We're closer to the goal but not there yet, we can still use more donations, thanks

http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,191112.msg1098959491.html#msg1098959491

Offline Oldshooter

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Re: Grendel Range Report
« Reply #17 on: March 14, 2013, 04:51:53 AM »
This is really making me want one of those Grendel uppers. If I could order it and get it quick I prolly would.


Dinny, give me some info on that portable table in the pics, do you like it?

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Offline petemi

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Re: Grendel Range Report
« Reply #18 on: March 14, 2013, 05:47:03 AM »
Geeze Dinny, I just looked at the countryside in your pics.  That's Oklahoma??  Not too mountainous is it?  Even this old fart wouldn't get tired trudging around there if he kept his eye off the horizon.  You could see a tick on a boars back at 500 yards, or maybe five miles with good glasses ::) . 

Second thought, I don't think I could handle it.  I need some trees and hills.  No wonder......."Oklahoma, where the winds blow free"...dere ain't nuttin ta stop em.  At standing height, I think the horizon is something like eight miles away.......Dinny, go ahead and shoot, you ain't gonna hit nuttin important 'cept yer target.

Pete
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Keep both eyes open and make the first shot good.
The growing Handi/Sportster/Pardner/Topper Family:  .22 WMR, .22-250. 223, Two Superlight 7mm-08s and one .243, .30-30,  .308, 32-20, 18 inch .356/.358 Win., Two 16.5 inch .357 Max., 18 inch 38-55 BC Carbine, 16.5 inch .445 Super Mag., .45LC, 16.5 and 22 inch .45-70s, .50 Huntsman SS, .410, 20 ga., 12 ga., 20 ga. Pardner Pump, Versa-Pack .410 - .22
[size=7.4 pt]PLEASE DONATE TO THE GBO SERVER FUND  We're closer to the goal but not there yet, we can still use more donations, thanks

http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,191112.msg1098959491.html#msg1098959491

Offline Dinny

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Re: Grendel Range Report
« Reply #19 on: March 14, 2013, 08:49:27 AM »
Quote from: Oldshooter on March 14, 2013, 04:51:53 AM
Dinny, give me some info on that portable table in the pics, do you like it?

Lon371 made the table. I believe he used the hardware of an old folding table, cut a piece of plywood to fit, and welded a threaded pipe fittinig to a flat piece of steel for the rear leg. I'll take a few more pics and post them somewhere here. I applied some spar varnish to the wood and have really enjoyed using it for the last three years.

Thanks, Dinny
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Handi Family: 357 Max, 45 LC, 45-70, 300 BLK, 50 cal Huntsman, and 348 Win.

"If there must be trouble, let it be in my day that my child may have peace"
Thomas Paine

Offline Oldshooter

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Re: Grendel Range Report
« Reply #20 on: March 14, 2013, 08:56:03 AM »
It looked like a folding table in front, very nice, yea some pics would be nice. Especially underneath.
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Offline Dinny

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Re: Grendel Range Report
« Reply #21 on: March 14, 2013, 08:58:16 AM »
Pete,
  If you enlarge the second pic you can see Mt Scott and a few smaller hills in the background. That's all the major terrain I have witnessed in OK. When you get over into that area, it is actually quite picturesque. I'll send you some pics sometime. :)

Thanks, Dinny
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Handi Family: 357 Max, 45 LC, 45-70, 300 BLK, 50 cal Huntsman, and 348 Win.

"If there must be trouble, let it be in my day that my child may have peace"
Thomas Paine

Offline canon6

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Re: Grendel Range Report
« Reply #22 on: March 15, 2013, 06:50:18 AM »
Dinny,looking good.As we have discussed ,the 120NBT is one hell of a bullet.Great report.Thanks, Doug
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Offline Dinny

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Re: Grendel Range Report
« Reply #23 on: March 15, 2013, 12:42:48 PM »
Quote from: canon6 on March 15, 2013, 06:50:18 AM
Dinny,looking good.As we have discussed ,the 120NBT is one hell of a bullet.Great report.Thanks, Doug

Doug,
  The recoil of the 6.5 Grendel is unique in that it's light, but fast. So instead of pushing, it kicks, but not hard. Does that make sense?  :-\ I really wish I could spot my hits through the scope but I can't.

Thanks, Dinny
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Handi Family: 357 Max, 45 LC, 45-70, 300 BLK, 50 cal Huntsman, and 348 Win.

"If there must be trouble, let it be in my day that my child may have peace"
Thomas Paine

Offline Oldshooter

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Re: Grendel Range Report
« Reply #24 on: March 15, 2013, 02:01:53 PM »
Your too young for it to be your eyes Dinny, what's up wit dat.
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Offline canon6

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Re: Grendel Range Report
« Reply #25 on: March 15, 2013, 03:06:00 PM »
Yes that does make sense.What we recognize as "recoil" is actually  made of three items.


1st recoil energy,ie; fpe back on your shoulder
2nd recoil velocity ie; the speed of the weapon coming back
3rd  recoil impluse ie'; the length of time you perceive of the recoil .All of the explanations are using my own words.I am sure someone will come along to 'splain why I am wrong.That explains your reaction to the 6.5 recoil.Again thanks for the reports.Doug
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Offline Dinny

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Re: Grendel Range Report
« Reply #26 on: March 15, 2013, 03:16:28 PM »
Quote from: Oldshooter on March 15, 2013, 02:01:53 PM
Your too young for it to be your eyes Dinny, what's up wit dat.

It's partly what Doug explained. Low energy, high velocity, and a short recoil impulse. I'm sure eye surgery in 2007 ages my eyes faster than normal.

Thanks, Dinny

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Handi Family: 357 Max, 45 LC, 45-70, 300 BLK, 50 cal Huntsman, and 348 Win.

"If there must be trouble, let it be in my day that my child may have peace"
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Offline Dinny

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Re: Grendel Range Report
« Reply #27 on: June 15, 2013, 09:33:01 AM »
I shot the Grendel Handi today after making a few changes. I Duracoated it, replaced the scope base with an older ultra base, replaced the lam stock set with an old-style synthetic set which I relieved the forend and placed a rubber o-ring in, and lapped the muzzle. I used the bison ballistics calculator to determine an adequate zero. Turns out that with a 200yd zero it is also dead-on at 25yds. However, instead of being 2.3" high at 100yds, I'm 5" high. ??? Everything else checks out near perfect. It shot very well at 100yds with the AA 120gr Nosler BT factory loads. It's a smudge under 3/4".  :) I guess I will need to make my own range/ballistics card based off of shooting at many different distances. I'm also surprised at how low the recoil is. I'm getting closer every time I shoot this rifle to spotting my hits.














Thanks, Dinny
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Handi Family: 357 Max, 45 LC, 45-70, 300 BLK, 50 cal Huntsman, and 348 Win.

"If there must be trouble, let it be in my day that my child may have peace"
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Offline shvlhead.45

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Re: Grendel Range Report
« Reply #28 on: June 15, 2013, 01:22:02 PM »
There is your hog gun right there.  Those 120 and 129 grain projectiles ought to wack'em.

r/shvlhead.45
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Offline Dinny

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Re: Grendel Range Report
« Reply #29 on: June 15, 2013, 01:45:48 PM »
Quote from: shvlhead.45 on June 15, 2013, 01:22:02 PM
There is your hog gun right there.  Those 120 and 129 grain projectiles ought to wack'em.

r/shvlhead.45

That's the plan!  ;)

Thanks, Dinny
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Handi Family: 357 Max, 45 LC, 45-70, 300 BLK, 50 cal Huntsman, and 348 Win.

"If there must be trouble, let it be in my day that my child may have peace"
Thomas Paine
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