6.5 Grendel - 140gr Hornady Match BTHP

[@nickrussell5150]

Love the 6.5 Grendel videos. Its the best multi purpose cartridge for the AR15... IMO

[@estebahng5964]

it's very good !

[@Xx21.]

That an 300 blk

[@TheDoorspook11c]

you sir are the Pope of the 6.5 bullet! Been a lurker but I had to say, I'm glad you did some heavy weight bullets. gives the Grendel some credence as a a stopper!

[@burtpearson7198]

You're 140 grain, accurate 2520 data is awesome, spot on. With my 20in sanders Armory match barrel with 1/8 twist and R5 rifling, I did just a little bit better averaging an extra 20 feet per second with no pressure signs. Keep up the good work.Thx B

[@30Huckleberry]

I have a Tbox 22” barrel that has a 1:7.5 twist. My sweet spot is 2210fps

[@karmazkid8023]

Found your channel a few weeks back. Just built a grendel and was surfing the web checking out vids for it and your channel came up. So glad I found it. Just a genuine honest to goodness no bs channel. Love all the data points and info! Keep doing what you're doing. Tysm. This vid makes me excited. I used Faxons 20" for my barrel and this gives me high hopes.

[@G29-f9k]

Hey Johnny I'm relatively new to the 6.5 Grendel and ran into an unusual situation with what's supposed to be hunting and not "target" bullets. I've tried various loads and bullet weights with the heavier Grendel class bullets being the best shooters out of my 24" barrel. I'm shooting the all copper Barnes 127gr. LRX Boat Tail and 130 gr. Barnes TSX. What stunned me was that they hands down out shot the Berger 130 gr. OTM Tactical, the Sierra 130 gr. Match king the 123 gr. Hornady ELD and the Nosler 129 gr. AccuBond. The top groups were achieved with near maximum or slightly greater than maximum listed loadings using H335 , 8208XBR and CFE223. I thought maybe it was a fluke so I loaded another 2 groups of each with all the powder listed and was able to repeat the results. The best group was a .412" group at 104 yards which was the distance measured from the muzzle to the target and at 200 yards it shot .875". I've never had groups this good out of any rifle ever let alone an AR home build. Now I'm hungry for more of your videos since you're videos are what made me want and build my Grendel. It's sort of an addiction at this point, I need my Grendel fix!!!!!!!!!

[@yissnakklives8866]

It's a happy way to start the day with a JRB video!

[@JH-nf4xd]

Werd! Made my commute a lot shorter this morning.

[@joeynewman9439]

I would like to see more of each in 6.5 grendel.

[@Thetagamma1914]

Thanks for sharing this. I hunt hogs with my 6.5 Grendel and only maxed out at 129 because that's what Hornady said to do. I'm going to try this out...Thanks again!

[@DrPsychlops]

Similar to others, I found your channel because I just finished rebarreling my AR in 6.5 Grendel. When you said you take responsibility for rounds you shoot, rather than dropping "fliers", I hit subscribe. Keep doing what your doing.

[@clarkapusen3546]

This is awesome. I was very curious if a 140gr would work in a Grendel and BAM. Keep it going and can't wait for the next 6.5 Grendel video

[@JH-nf4xd]

Every AA2520 video makes me wish I'd bought more of it when Powder Valley had the $85/keg special. Those days are long behind us.

[@Stonehombre1]

Johnny, thanks for doing the leg work on the 140 gr Hornady. I just picked up a box for my Grendel to add to my inventory with all this corona virus BS going on. Ammo is gone everywhere and it's nice being a reloader. I can have ammo available when most are desperately looking for stuff that's currently made of unobtanium. Thanks again.

[@benny1235]

Barnes website has reloading data for the 140gr matchburner.

[@waccamawscout5566]

More grendel please. I've been all in on this cartridge

[@pauloticks]

Thanks for this video! The price of the 140gr BTHP make it very appealing.

[@JohnnysReloadingBench]

They are definitely the best accuracy per dollar option I've found. GREAT shooting bullets.

[@jerrylachenbruch4920]

@@JohnnysReloadingBench I am digging it, great job!

[@G5Hohn]

Johnny's Reloading Bench have you tested them against the 140 RDF enough to choose a winner? RDFs are almost as affordable and outstanding BCs.

[@jacqueskisling8241]

​@@JohnnysReloadingBench I've looked at the 160gr hornady roundhouse hunting bullet. Now hear me out . Because it's "short for the weight. " it's gotva lot of potential even in the Grendel

[@WestDesertShooter]

This is a cool video, I’m with you on the heavy Bullets are more fun idea. So something I’m messing with is the fast light vs heavy slow ballistics, either way higher BCs cut through wind better so that’s a major advantage. Now there is a point where a heavy slow bullet will drop less than a fast and light bullet once the light bullet starts slowing down. And that range is what really matters, for example; in a 7WSM a 168 Gr bullet has less drop than a 180 Gr out to 1,500 Yards, however once you go beyond that distance the 180 is superior at any distance beyond 1500. Also keep in mind even within 1500 the 180 has less wind drift due to weight and higher BCs. But for you a heavier bullet is likely a better choice for hunting that’s a whole other level of ballistics that I’m certainly no expert in. Fun to think about and compare. Great video man I would shoot 140s out of a Grendel if I had one!

[@jerrylachenbruch4920]

Well said WDS!

[@jdirt1982]

Ever get a blumpy in delle ????

[@jdirt1982]

Yes on the blumpy ....

[@G5Hohn]

There are also instances were a medium and faster bullet can have less wind than a heavier, slower bullet. It depends on how heavy the bullet is relative to the case capacity. For example, load up 230gr in .308 and compare it to the 185-200 range bullets. The 185/200 will have less wind AND less drop than the bigger ones. .308 just doesn't have enough gas for the biggest 30s.

[@dgunnut6550]

Finally some love for the 6.5 Grendel. Good stuff man. Those are great results! I know I should have picked up some of those bullets when I was the reloading store earlier this week. I’m interested in more of the heavy bullet stuff for the Grendel. Keep it coming!

[@KK40384]

Nice! I wonder how the 143gr ELD-X would perform. If it can be done it would be a wicked hunting load

[@jerrylachenbruch4920]

I ahve loaded some 140gr interlock with 8208xbr and it shoots well. i will be looking at 140gr eld-m later this month

[@matthewdavis7588]

@@jerrylachenbruch4920 how did those loads work out were they any good?

[@nate9455]

Tested out the A2520 loads in my Ruger American Predator today. Pushed it to 28.6 with no pressure signs whatsoever, and was getting 2325 FPS out of a 22" barrel. Going to continue pursuing this, as all of the groups were like yours. Would love to be able to break the 2400 FPS mark and have a great heavy long range load for the grendel!

[@ralphhernandez3521]

Thank you for your work. Your channel is awesome. Normally I like to go lighter than standard bullet weight as the factory goes. In the case of the Grendel, I find myself thinking the opposite and going heavier than standard factory loads. Your 140 grain, BTHP plus AA 2520 load data has convinced me to pursue that route. I want to go where you left off, going with 27.8 grains AA2520 and possibly going till slightly compressed if pressure signs permit. I hope to be using that load for this year’s deer season. Thank you once again for your channel and your diligence. -from Central Florida-

[@johncarty7562]

I would like to see a load with the Hornady 135 gr A-Tip Match. I know they are pricey but with a G1 of .637 it should be a tack driver. Let us know when you do it!

[@3rwparks3]

I thought I ordered 123 gr from Midway yesterday. When I checked the order this morning, I found out I somehow ordered Nosler 140 gr BTHP's. Now I am scrambling for load data. Thanks for the info!

[@johnd843]

I'm new to the rifle game, been a Bow shooter most of my 50 years! The distance variable has been a big the factor for all of us, but with the affordable range finders it's not any more. So the 222-50 and like minded calibers I don't see it being the answer. So, if we can have the distance within a yard. The wind is the enemy now, Yes? So the 140 grain Grendel is a winner if you want to shoot out to dialed in 600 +/- yards with your Ar-15. The lighter flat shooting bullets are not the answer anymore to this issue and that's why the 6.5 Creedmoor ballistic coefficients so popular. This is just a view from a newbie and would like to see what the OG's think...….. BUZZ...….. John: Dude your video's are a work of art and you have help out the 2A community so so much. Thanks again!!! more please!!!

[@barry7413]

Nice video. I was looking for a 6x45mm set up that wouldn't cost me my first-born child, but I could hardly find anything at all. I may have to go with the Grendel after all. Been reloading for years, and your explanations were spot on! My experience says mid-range powder loads generally produce the most accurate loads--but not always.

[@michaeldarby2242]

Thanks for the time you put in for the rest of us.

[@MichaelBrown-um8qc]

Yes more grendal 140 in your pro varmin?? Blc2 or H380? 760 .

[@jims9249]

I have had success with the 140 Berger VLD too at 2240 fps.But I think the 130 gr bullets are the best overall compromise for the Grendel.I always enjoy your work!

[@danietkissenle]

i would likle to see how the 140 gr game king SBT dose in the grendel

[@jimhans1]

Try Viht N540, I use 28.5gr with the 140 class bullets in Grendel at 2.260", out of my 20" barrel AR for PRS matches I get 2400fps Edit: N540 is a LOT easier to ignite than N550!!! Edit 2: I tend to use the Lapua 144FMJ with 28.5gr load of N540, but I've used the same Hornady bullet you did for this test also with great results. The 144gr bullet has a .636bc :)

[@jmkhenka]

Not shot the 144 FMJ for long ranges, but under 200 meters its seriously accurate and i also load it with n540. I give up 5% velocity vs the 123's with 144 but gain some ballistics, but recoil is a tad higher. So its hard to argue for the 144s vs 123s in the grendel. For me the 107 bergers are more optimal, 2700 FPS or so with those.

[@richwheeler5476]

I'm glad you showed the 140gr. I was talking about this with a friend. We might run your formula. Thanks again.

[@blakebickel8117]

We need more grendal

[@Vetterunner25]

I am working on a Grendel now. Keep the videos coming. Would love to see some gel shooting videos with the 140gr bullets

[@charlesvaughan7148]

Love the Grendel. More videos please. I am getting back into reloading and just loaded some Grendel Hornady 129 Gr. interlock.

[@Lucky-yl6yc]

I would love to see 143 grain hornady eld bullets tested.

[@squirlboy250]

Seeing you prime those brings back a memory when I had a full tray explode on me. I load my priming tray 1 at a time now and do it outside considering the tray just missed my head and went through the ceiling

[@ryanroepke9933]

Great video as always. I really appreciate the way you document the reloading process. It would be interesting to see how these 140 gr HPBT Match pills perform with other powders (maybe IMR 8208 XBR, Varget, CFE 223, or AR-Comp, please :) Thanks.

[@jerrylachenbruch4920]

I 100% agree Ryan

[@mlee2240]

I really appreciate this Grendel video. This video was one of the reasons I chose build my first AR chambered in Grendel. Thanks. I look forward to your results of the optimal bullet/powder combination. Thanks again.

[@30Huckleberry]

How was the wipey Faxon barrel fixed?

[@alongshot1001]

I have a Howa mini action and wondered if a 140 Speer bullet would be practical. I use a lot of Hornady and have a Swede and Creedmoor. Love your channel. Thanks for the information.

[@jasonroberson171]

Is like to see some Hornady 140grn SST video. Thinking about loading up some for my Grendel to use on whitetail this fall at 200 yards max.

[@78tooth83]

I have some left over AR parts. When I was board the other day I just started watching vids on the best AR. The 6.5 Grendel seems to be a very versatile round. So with some of the hunting I do. This is going to be my next build. And with the cost of this ammo. I'm gonna have to get into reloading. So all the stuff your putting out is going to be help full.

[@tysonsydenham5614]

Speer manual 15 does have load data for 6.5 Grendel 140 grain, pretty cool stuff, power pro varmint starting 25.1 c to Max of 27.7 c coal of 2.140"

[@tysonsydenham5614]

Does not include data for accurate 2520, but does include AR comp and accurate 4064 and Winchester 748 was at the top from 2064 fps to 2338 fps.Power pro varmint was the second highest with a Max listed at 2323 fps.

[@tysonsydenham5614]

You should totally make a video on it, I'd be curious how the power pro varmint fares with the 140 grain

[@jordanmadonna7440]

Thanks for the morning full of shooting. Loving the Grendel videos. "It's all good brother"

[@nilescoyote4829]

I'd love to see you try some 107 sierra tipped match king. I've had them out once and the velocity with AR-COMP was well into 2600 to near 2700. That puts them into contention with my 123 eld load for long range performance. The only problem I've run into as I'm struggling to get a group with that powder that's under an inch and a half at a hundred yards. I'd also like to see what they do in ballistics gel. I know you don't care for bullet that grenade in gel, but that's what I'm after.

[@AchillesDrone]

Niles Coyote I have seen so many people struggle to get that bullet to group so I would also like to see a video done on this bullet lol and the ballistics gel test wouldn't be so bad either

[@chuckbrosdal4811]

you have a great program. You tell it like it is. I don't reload, but I learn alot from watching you. I built a Grendel this past winter. It has a 20" fluted SS barrel with 5R rifling. I had a hard time finding ammo for it. Not much available here in NY. This state really sucks as far as all the gun laws are concerned. I can't order ammo on line, so I have to find an FFL who will accept an online order for me. Anyway I love the Grendel, I hope Hornady starts producing ammo with heavier bullet weights like you were shooting today. The Grendel is a good Hog gun, but it would really put them down with those heavier loads. I'd like to see you increase the bullet weights just a little more to see the results. Good luck, Thanks for a good program.

[@catherinefarr3140]

G'day from Australia mate. I'm fairly certain that your AA2520 has a similar burn rate to Varget, or as we in Aus know it AR2208. I use this burn rate in my .223 and 303/25 for heavier projectiles and it delivers with no fuss for solid hunting purposes. No scary pressure spikes to speak of.

[@alannagel4381]

Speer has load data for their 140 grain sp on their web site. Alexander Arms arms also has 140 grain and linited 144 grain data on their site.

[@Swampytheroot]

My brother loves 140gr in 6.5G. I've never gone heavier than 130gr. I have a 260 and a 6.5CM for that stuff. Interesting results though. I'll look to see if you have more . Nice presentation.

[@ronaldroberts7221]

I want info on a 7mm bullet in a 5.56 case...no significant trim, just necking-up...bullet weights in efficient lengths are halfway between 6.5-grendel and 300-blackout, with more powder capacity than the 300...

[@SpudOutdoors]

I would like to see how grendel performs with a 140gn gold dot

[@bubbanater1984]

This is very interesting I'd love to see some different powder options here see what all could be used and result in function and accracy please explore the heavier projectiles in Grendel more

[@jerrylachenbruch4920]

me too, particularly 8208xbr with various Hornady 140gr offerings

[@danietkissenle]

i' d like to see some tests with the 140gr gameking SBT

[@johnpennington2449]

Would like another video on poa shift and group size like you did on the Faxon bbl. With the different weights of bullets. NYS is anti suppressor. Anti NFA anything. Were lucky to have Brakes and fh as long its within NYSafe act compliance.

[@skeezixzx9r]

I think you ought to give these a good push and see what kind of velocity the Grendel is capable of going heavy. I'm very impressed and every Grendel video makes me want to build one.

[@TR09JC]

I really enjoyed the video. I had decided to go with the 140gr for my Grendel, little more punch for hog hunting. I am running a 20" Stainless Steel barrel with Rifle Length Gas Port 1 in 9" Twist. I am curious what other powders you have or may try in the future.

[@paulharveu526]

Definitely interested in some heavy 6.5 Grendel load. I'm curious what you can do with some 6.5 Swedish Mauser style projectiles and making a subsonic 6.5 Grendel

[@jonathandavenport1172]

I'd like to see some subs as well, if for no other reason than just curiosity about how she groups, weapon functions, etc

[@mohammedcohen]

...good video...just had a 20 in upper assembled and fixin' to load my first few rounds soon...gonna try different weights

[@admarincali]

Keep going. I have a 6.5 grendel 20” grendel AR and a 6.5 creedmoor ruger Precision. I’m glued to both of those related videos you post. Keep going. I shoot 129gr whitetail creedmoor with great results. Also 123gr Black grendel with good results also. I plan to reload 140 gr hornady SP for creedmoor and the 129gr hornady SP for Grendel. You think you could do a work up for either or both?

[@catherinefarr3140]

Yes please. I cannot afford the offerings available from Hornady and Sierra on their 120gr or so hunting projectiles at the moment but Speer 140gr hotcors are still affordable.

[@patrickgrow8273]

Thanks for the 6.5 (everything) work. I appreciate your methodology, and the info.

[@markx9288]

I’ve been watching all your Grendel videos trying to decide how long of a barrel to run I’m building a Grendel for coyote hog and maybe deer just not sure on barrel length and twist

[@tylerrettig4224]

It's been a while, you should do this and drop down and see if it shoots better with 2520 at a lower velocity, and a ballistic gel test on it, I'm curious on how it will expand being so heavy and shooting slower then in the creedmore

[@000one]

love the Grendel. An affordable, accurate, low recoil, eye opening round that impresses me when compared to a 308. Did I say it was affordable when reload them. I bought some Lapua brass to load .Im thinking that the 130 grain is best all around boolit weight, Thanks for your videos and all the great info you share

[@mikemelina7395]

Would love to see some gal tests with the 129gr ABLR and the 127 LRX.

[@Zach1991z]

Enjoy the big grendel bullet videos if you do more It would be cool to see some more big bullets in ballistic gel at 100-200 yards

[@TheZerplex]

Love the Grendel vids. Got some 130 grainers to try. Will have to get some 140 to give a go.

[@RustyJoe]

As a hunter, I plan to try the 140gr flat base soft point Hornady that has worked well in my 6.5x54MS, on deer. I think if I can get a suitable load that will strike above 2200fps at 100yds and under, it would make Grendel a pretty versatile medium game rifle

[@nephisilver3051]

awesome video I can't wait to see if you've done anything with the 300 Blackout

[@pauloglesbee9517]

I’m just getting started at this. I found some Barnes 120 grain TSX and TTSX bullets. Have you ever worked up a load with either of these. Really like your posts

[@adamlong54]

Keep it coming sir I run 140s sst and eld I don't shoot light bullets either. Try different 140 grain brands

[@RustyJoe]

I think velocity bears on stabilization in the transonic zone. If a bullet starts sub sonic twist will be the limiting factor.

[@willsouthdakota5153]

Heavy load experimentation is great. Closer range knockdown on larger game would be a good reason to continue.

[@heywire101]

When I'm doing load work up on previously fired brass I mark any ejector marks or swipes with a sharpie before shooting so I can tell what's new.

[@Jiminico]

Outstanding content Mr Bench!! I agree with what you said at the end and especially about bullet weight selection. I always thought 6.5 Grendel was lacking (case capacity etc) to do the 6.5 projectiles justice. But this brings things up a notch. I always find myself wanting to know the heaviest longest highest bc bullet (or some combination) I can shoot in every caliber, barrel twist etc. I've never found myself wanting to know the lightest shortest and lowest bc bullet. Although sometimes I can appreciate a flatter shooting trajectory with a longer point blank range for some applications within a certain distance and wind conditions.I wonder how much more velocity you could squeeze out of these 140's it you were to try loading long to increase case capacity and bump the charge weights up. Of course you'd have to single load.Can't wait for the 224 Valkyrie!

[@WCGwkf]

Why does everyone in forums claim major issue with using 140gr bullets when clearly there is no issue what so ever using them?

[@brewskisdodge]

Would you recommend the cfeblk or cfe223 or xbr8208 with this weight of bullet? I like the heavier bullet version videos!

[@IWatchedWhat]

Test some 160gr round nose, I had decent groups with them and 8208xbr.

[@charliekelley5689]

I'm getting ready to try 140 in mine with a 24inch barrel with cci 450 any suggestions

[@NickEdwards3500]

I would love to see what the 6.5 Grendel can do at 200 yards using ELD-match in the 120-130 Gr range

[@Drakehilt]

im just getting started and putting together a loading set for 6.5 grendel. what it that "comparator" that you put on your micrometer for. do i need one of those?

[@photokendall]

I would love to see another video with higher powder charges! Seems like a perfect bullet to use on both calibers. Since I have a 6.5 Grendel and 6.5 Creedmoor I'm really interested. I've loaded compressed charges and accuracy usually starts to improve and then when you've gone too far it opens up drastically in my experience.

[@awbernardy]

Barnes bullets I think has 140gr data for there match burners on their web sight

[@jdrollason]

JRB. Thank you for all the knowledge

[@martinfernandez5005]

I would love to see Speer Gold Dot 140gr with R26 if you have tested it.

[@jerrylachenbruch4920]

I am loved this video! I am hoping you take a look at 6.5 grendel using 140gr hornady interlock as well as other hornady offerings paired with 8208xbr. I am running it with 22gr of 8208xbr and am slowing looking to increase powder charge. it would be awesome if you would take up the mantle. 8208xbr has been stupid reliable in all of my rifle calibers and thus far it has not let me down in 6.5 Grendel. What say you?

[@michaelfunk5951]

Definitely agree with your series and light bullets don't trip my trigger either but interested in what you get for accuracy.

[@huntingpublicnz]

Need a cfe233 and a 140gr load test . The Grendel has so much potential with those heavy boolets and that slow powder

[@martyjohnsonozarkoutdoors8198]

I used Sierra 140 matchkings in mine. And benchmark powder. Get 2340 fps with that. Shoots pretty good out of my BCA barrel. I can never get the sst's or vld bullets to shoot good. I think I have too much jump from case to rifling with that style bullet. The Sierra bullets don't have as good B.C. but they shoot the most accurate.

[@heywire101]

The 140 Hornadys shoot well in my creedmoor I've got to get some of that 2520 and try this in my Grendel. I've found the 123 grains shoot well out of both my Grendel and creedmoor. It would be great to have 2 bullets I can shoot in both.

[@Eury9819]

amazing grouping with the PP2000 28.4 holy crap more 6.5 Grendel, please!

[@austinturner7835]

85 grain Sierra Varminter....Just saying haha Also what Grendel Mags do you recommend? Looking to pick up some more. Only have a 10 round C Products currently.

[@alexspencer8904]

Austin Turner the e-lander are good mags they have less mixed reviews than the c-10 and stoner mag but the only place I could 10 round mags is through Alexander arms which the only ship ups ground so it's $15 for shipping, I would just get 3-4 mags just to make it worth it.

[@austinturner7835]

Alex Spencer thanks for the info. May have to go that route then.

[@alexspencer8904]

Austin Turner no problem man

[@ezrajohnson50]

Have you tried 140gr Hornady SST with Varmint powder? I see load date up to 130gr, just wondering if 140gr is possible with that...

[@G5Hohn]

I wonder if PP2k is a little too slow for best mv in heavy bullet Grendel

[@Jeremiah_C]

Wow, that's very interesting, but it makes sense. I recently been experimenting with heavy bullets and twist rates in my 223 rifles and found that they like a heavy bullet close towards the end of the spectrum, my 1:7 twist loves 80gr smks but my 1:8 perfers the 77gr smks. Like you said theirs a happy medium at which you get a good weight bullet at a good velocity. I would be interested to see how other powders work with the heavier bullet. Can't wait to see the 224 Valkyrie in action, hope you try out some of Sierra's 95gr Smks.

[@randyhughes5160]

I would like to see the 6.5 Grendel in the 149g shot out to 300 yards

[@TexasTrained]

I have been considering using a real heavy bullet. 130 TO 156gr I thought 130 would be my starting point.Since 123gr is the most common size I use.

[@boblane5169]

Great video as Always Johnny!! Would really like to see you push this bullet or even the 143gr ELDX with the same or some other powders to see the max load and then do some gel test with it...👍

[@joelclark2130]

Awesome video hey what about trying same bullet with 2230

[@gregorywynacht1378]

it's the yards it hit over 1200 what is it called foot pounds on a side elk kill and dose it mushroom. and at what least velocity to mushroom.. what is that 225 yards like max? ?

[@fjb4932]

Discombobulated...

[@700lr3]

I noticed you have a Redding 257 Robert's die in the back ground. You shoot really do a video on that cartridge.