6.5 Grendel: your thoughts

[topclass2017]

JBMARSHTX: I've got 120's over 8208 to take to the range tomorrow. Report to follow...

 

[topclass2017]

range report from yesterday...120's and 8208 go together well. Also 120's and Benchmark. Although my loads were pretty slow (in the 2200 fps range but some with single digit SD), I did get some good intel. Seems 1grain of powder yields about 100 fps in my rifle (20" barrel) so I have some direction for my next round of loads. I may play around with the slow loads just because (very low node for 200 yards or less).

 

[Larryh128]

I've had a bug up my shorts for awhile to add a 6.5 Grendel bolt rifle to my arsenal. Seeing as Brownells is running a hard to beat sale on Howa 1500 barreled actioned 6.5 Grendels the bug is biting a little deeper. At the same time, a CZ 527 would be a simpler, turnkey way of scratching the itch, rather than acquiring a stock to match the barreled action. My purpose for the rifle is recreational target shooting to 200-300 yards, and as a walking light varmint gun. The CZ is the less expensive alternative, but my gut tells me the Howa is a better action to work with. I'm not interested in getting into a debate on the merits of the Grendel vs other 6mm or 6.5mm calibers, but to gain insight from forum members into the question...

If you had a similar bug, if cost was not a consideration would you go the route of a 6.5 Grendel Howa barreled action or a CZ 527, and why?

In advance, thank you for your thoughts!

I have had/built several Grendels. All were extremely accurate rifles and are very load friendly. I currently use H4198, BR-4, and 123 ELD's for paper. I switch to 127gr Barnes LRX for deer. Fantastic round that is a joy to shoot. Bolt or AR doesn't matter.

 

[topclass2017]

Thanks, Larryh128. I was surprised by the accuracy considering my loads were in the mid-2200 fps range. Figuring I need to get up into the 2450-2550 fps range with 120's. I loaded 120 ELD Match for yesterday's session over Benchmark and 8208.

 

[jbmarshtx]

From what I've read the 8208 should get you there. Max on the grendel forum is 28.5 with 8208 and apparently it can spike pretty quickly. I'm not super experienced with reloading for the grendel either, but most of the factory 120 class loads will be 2,400+.

 

[topclass2017]

JBMarshTX: thanks! that is helpful. Where in TX are you located? I'm in Central Texas near Ft Hood...