6.5 Grendel Brass

[15Tango]

I've seen the prices and availability and Lapua seems to be stable at $72 per 100 through Alexander and now Hornady is offering it at $34 give or take per 50 but it's out of stock where I'm looking.

Lapua will obviously yield the best accuracy results but I'm looking to get a small stockpile of plinking ammo loaded up and quality brass isn't necessary for it This got me thinking about alternatives and the cheapest route I can think of so far is necking down 7.62X39 Winchester as it's about $40 per 100. Has anybody tried this yet? I'm not sure if I'll be able to just lube it up well and run up into the 6.5 Grendel die and be done or if it may need annealing first to form well or maybe even need a little fire forming after.

I'm currently not at home and won't be for a few more months (I'm on orders, Army) so I won't be able to give this a try until then but thought perhaps somebody on this board has already been making Grendel brass out of 7.62 Russian.

It's for an Alexander 16" Tactical I just ordered, I'm hoping it's a nice shooter, I've heard nothing but good.

Thanks in advance,

Wayne

ETA: If it this works for the Grendel I'm assuming it'll work well for making 6MM AR/ART40 brass as well, Maybe Mr. Whitley can chime in on that as I plan on ordering a T40 soon as well.

 

[argrendel]

Hey Wayne!

I also own a Grendel (actually it's CSS version). If you haven't already, check out the Grendel forum.
6.5grendel.com.
They can answer all your questions. I would guess your grendel should shoot MOA. Some shoot better. Mine has Luthor Walther barrel 19.5" My friend has a 300yd target and for some reason it measures 285 yds ???
I shot 2 5 shot groups and his son shot one 5 shot group. The worst one measures1.5".
I would stick to Lapua brass. It cost more at first, but you can load it 15 or more times. Mine is over 10 times loaded and I haven't had to trim yet.

Good luck,

Terry

 

[rasp65]

It is fairly simple and straight forward process resizing the 7.62x39 cases into 6.5 Grendel. Run the case into the Grendel sizing die and use a reduced load. I like 26gr of TAC with Speer 120 to fireform. The downside of the fireformed cases is reduced capacity, large rifle primer and the number of times they can be reloaded. The up side is they are more readily available when the grendel brass can't be found. Also even though the Lapua or AA grendel brass is more expensive it is probably a better value. Hornady has started shipping 6.5 Grendel brass but the jury is still out on it.

 

[mbkmkk]

Necking down 7.62X39 is easy and straight forward. I did not anneal before sizing down but after the second firing I did anneal and the brass is doing well after its sixth firing. I think with the cost of bullets and powder the Lapua is the cheaper route, but the firing forming process is good practice time behind the trigger.

 

[AR VARMINTER]

Tango,

All I have used for my 6.5 Grendel to date is Lapua Brass and the accuracy has been phenomenal. Getting 1/2 MOA Groups out of my new Sabre 18" Comp. Lt. Varmint. I just purchased a hundred rounds of Hornady brass. I will let you all know about it as soon as I load some. I also had been thinking about the 7.62X39 brass process.

AR

 

[kentuckytroutbum]

15Tango-

I've been reloading the Grendel for over 3 years now. Lapua brass is excellent as others have said. Alexander Arms brass is made by Lapua, as it is cheaper? than Lapua headstamped brass. Don't know why, but it is. MidwayUSA. com has Alexander brass available. I bought 2500 cases total, and has given me excellent service.

Some commenters on the 6.5 Grendel forum have said that Hornady brass is "good" but is softer than Lapua, and they've not gotten as many loadings compared to Lapua.