6.5 Grendel - Barnes TTSX and Cavity Back MKZ

Testing some copper bullets in 6.5 Grendel. The 100gr Barnes TTSX BT and the 105gr Cavity Back Bullets MKZ.
The test powders are Ramshot X-Terminator, Alliant Reloder 15, IMR 8208 XBR, and Hodgdon H335.

[@JWACS916]

Hey sir, glad to see you! I've done extensive testing with non-lead as I am in CA (unfortunately), in my testing I've found copper solids perform far better in a barrel that hasn't seen any shooting with lead core as the jacket alloy for lead core is typically quite a bit different than the alloy used for solids...

[@JohnnysReloadingBench]

Someone was telling me on a recent live stream (might have been you? I suck at remembering names) that there's a video on this topic that I need to watch. Something about doing a full de-coppering of your bore before shooting copper bullets. I will be sure to do exactly that in my 6.5 Creedmoor test. Thanks for the tip.

[@JWACS916]

@@JohnnysReloadingBench I stumbled upon the change by complete accident, I started to develope a small carbon ring and had to clean to metal to remove it - following shots with Hammer HHT bullets left me with a 1.09" 5rd group at 300 yards out of a rifle that wouldn't shoot sub 1moa prior. I proceeded to test several situations with 25-50 copper solids - great groups, clean - great groups, following 40-50 rounds of lead core - meh groups. Final test was at 300 yards with 10rds - 1.41"

[@ethanrall2678]

I have seen this to be true in my personal rifles as well. The coppers always seem to group well after a thorough cleaning with some bore tech. Specifically I tend to shoot Hammer Bullets.

[@Bill-v650]

Ron Spomer mentioned this in a video and then Backfire heard it and was skeptical and he verified it.

[@WylieWiggins]

I've found this to be true as well, although at the expense of the copper solids I've never managed to pull together the same accuracy developed with copper jacketed, having had far more load development time with the jacketed projectiles.

[@Wellsey302]

Glad to see you back Johnny 👍🏽

[@maxchalice5625]

You know Johnny you mentioned in a stream you didn't know why your show blew up. Multiple suggestions were mentioned and are all true. But I wanted to point out that your filmography is one of the things that I think gets overlooked. You take the time to change camera angles, zoom in and show details that many other people wouldn't bother with. Just shows that you're concerned with or are focused on getting the message across and that you approach things with the heart of a teacher. Just thought I would add this to the list of things that makes your channel a little different. Thanks brother for all that you do. Glad that you're back whether it's for 3 or 4 episodes or for 50😂. We'll be watching.

[@toddhall5565]

Agreed, he absolutely has more of a "teaching" vibe to his videos and its obvious he puts alot of time and thought into his content. Johnny truly has the ultimate channel for reloading.

[@goforthandfish8393]

Agreed. Best reloading channel on youtube. It's probably already been said, but a huge reason for his popularity is that his videos are not formatted like a classroom instructional with a person giving a boring briefing in front of an audience. Instead, his videos make you feel like a present participant rather than an audience member. His focus is on figuring out, doing, or explaining the thing or the process that he's talking about, and watching his videos is like having a friend who loves reloading and shooting as opposed to watching an infomercial. The other thing that he does that makes his channel great is he shows the complete process with nothing left out. You get to observe the planning, the procedure, the performance, and the post-range eval. I don't understand why some youtube reloaders show the reloading, but they leave out the range trip and results. That's the worst. It's fun to watching the groups take shape on target and anticipating where the next one might fall, hoping along with him "don't screw it up," and then talking about everything afterward. Just like a good story, his videos have an introductory exposition, a building rise, a climax, a return, and a resolution/conclusion, and that's the most complete and rewarding format for a reloading video.

[@JosephHaynes-s1o]

@@maxchalice5625 Amen brother

[@gavin5363]

Missed you Johnny glad you’re doing a Grendel video for us. I rewatch all the other ones 1 million times lol

[@JosephHaynes-s1o]

Two of my favorite things the 6.5 grendel and Johnny's reloading bench, what a great combo

[@andysmith2155]

As you can see in the comments you and your channel mean the world to your viewers. You are a brother from a different mother.

[@stevenbarry1919]

Welcome back Johnny this old man in Texas missed you big time I love your videos and hearing you explain stuff don't run off and hide anymore

[@gunfunandstuff9226]

Welcome back !!! Some things I've noticed while you went missing, is that your vids are much more enjoyable (and endurable) to watch vs other channels. Your tone of voice is calm and your words are well spoken..... unlike other channels where they're always screaming, hyping, and bunches of "ummm", "you know", etc. Keep up the good work.... 👍

[@chevrofreak]

Nobody even comes close.

[@gouki9114]

Hey Johnny, thank you so much for all your past work. Your videos really helped me get my start in reloading and Im happy to see you're back. Looking forward to seeing you work again!

[@Strelnikov10]

It makes me so happy to have you back. I love watching these videos and, surprisingly, my little girls enjoy watching them with dad. Thank you.

[@johncashwell1024]

Shannon, we are just glad to see you at it again. We all go through "burn out" phases and sometimes you just lose interest altogether. Really, the most important person is you. You just have to do what makes you happy. That said, your style is just really good and makes your videos the best reloading type videos available. Thank you!

[@glen4130]

Hot damn! A new Grendel video!!!!

[@BigPhilsSaws]

Minute of Deer, Bubba! I tell you what, Hornady, Sierra, Speer, Barnes, Lee, RCBS, Lyman, all these guys owe you a major amount of money for getting an entirely new generation of handloaders into the game of a dying hobby. I would know, I'm one of them! Glad to see you back for a couple videos. Trust the target. Your shooting is good, the target won't lie to you.

[@TexProfVH]

Talking hands and 6.5 Grendel!! Gonna be inefficient at work this morning.

[@happysnowfish]

Thank you so much for dropping another 6.5 Grendel video!

[@garret2560]

Two videos and a live stream in one week. You’re spoiling us!

[@longrangeprecisionshooters8935]

So good to have you back…. Thank you for your videos!!!

[@natebonebusta]

YES!! Grendel, it's the cartridge I never knew I needed until i bought one on a fluke chance. I love reloading for this little guy. Punches way above it's weight in the Eastern NC deer woods. Thanks for turning out a new video on the Grendel.

[@NomadicHacker.]

I've heard from a few places that for the best accuracy with coppers you have to clean the copper out of your barrel because the jacket copper is different then the monolithic copper and can effect accuracy, worth a shot, glad to have you back

[@gsitzkowitz]

Glad to see you back! Your test was doomed from the very beginning! While you’ve been gone, I’ve had to get my gun information from other KZbin sites. What I discovered about copper bullets is that the copper used in cup and core bullets is incompatible with a copper alloy used in solid copper bullets. What that means is you have to start with a super clean board with no fouling of any kind and then foul your barrel and with your solid copper bullets. No mixing and matching. I took that advice went back to the bench myself and was able to achieve excellent accuracy with Barnes bullets and a friend of mine had the exact same results after cleaning the board down to the steel and re-fouling it with a solid copper bullets. looking forward to see more new videos.

[@denisleblanc4506]

I was going to mention this so glad to see you've done it. He may still not see enough of an improvement though. You never know.

[@chevrofreak]

Yep, after Ron Spomer mentioned it and Backfire Jim tested it, I am recommending to my friends that they not mix and match. My step son's 6.5CM hunting rifle is only allowed to use solid copper bullets for that reason.

[@twms8728]

My experience is similar, but a complete (to the metal) cleaning between isn't necessary. At least in my rifles. Typically it takes 5 to 10 shots to get things stable between copper alloys. However, you can get things to group after coating the current copper over top of the old.

[@emoryzakin2576]

I don't own a 6.5 Grendel, I'm not at all interested in 6.5 Grendel, I couldn't be happier to watch a 6.5 Grendel video! Man did we miss you!

[@ClintonAndrus-n1m]

Welcome back Jonny. Man that ttsx over 28 to 28.6 grains of arcomp is pure death to deer and hogs.

[@justsnuggle]

Remember, you have to have a clean barrel for copper bullets, you can't shoot lead and then shoot copper without cleaning it first. Thanks Ron Spomer, tested and verified with Backfire

[@tuckthefide74]

I am absolutely SO GLAD to see you back!

[@iflystuff1]

Johnnys back and a 6.5 grendel video? Oh hell yes..

[@Kentucky.Tactical]

So great to see you back making videos. Please don't quit again. 😊

[@maker_greg]

I hope to see your videos more frequently. I've missed your content. This video reminds me I need to develop a copper hunting load for my 6arc.

[@sgt2025]

Love me some 6.5! Nice to see you are getting back in the groove

[@joeyoutdoors]

Welcome back Johnny, holy crap he is back is how I started my Friday night!

[@patricksmith4986]

So happy to see you back on KZbin. I love to watch your videos

[@thethinbrownduke6412]

Just started watching your 6.5 Grendel playlist again yesterday! Love your work as JRB 😉😜

[@travisweldmaster7815]

Omg no way I been on 6.5 grendel and ur old videos I have so many screenshot through the years🎉

[@SigmaBallistics]

Welcome back Johnny!!!!!

[@godfreychryssoverges3283]

So so glad to see you back.

[@edwardfirebear5783]

Welcome back Johnny always glad to see a reloading vid. Long time fan❤

[@EverydayReloadingandShooting]

Is great to see you back, Johnny. Always enjoy your videos. You are an inspiration, and a source of great knowledge and ideas. Keep making that content.😀

[@thorsaxe5881]

Again, another quality production from Johnny's reloading bench. Dude, You save us Hassel, You save us time, You save us MONEY. I'm sure that everyone gives a big thanks to you and what you do, peace out - Dave

[@ThunderClap81]

Welcome back!! So much loading to do. Still gotta finish the Mk262 project. As well as a run down on the new…ish StaBall powders.

[@diggernash1]

My Howa mini stalker stacks Barnes 115 gr Tac-tx loaded over RL 15 and 35 thou jump. My daughter is 2 shots, 2 dead does with it. Both were pass thrus with good disruption; albeit these were smaller deer. I was very happy with the result.

[@kobbskyy]

Awesome to see you back Johnny. Your videos on the 6.5 Creedmoor were a big factor in my deciding to buy the savage 110 tac in 6.5 creed. Looking forward to the next one! Thanks for the endless information

[@zachgilpin3504]

JRB back in the house. Glad you’re back with us.

[@DwaineMace]

Love the 6.5 Grendel. The versatility of this little cartridge is impressive. Glad to see another video on it from you.

[@dolan8891]

Welcome back! Really missed your content!

[@TrademarkMediaTM]

My favorite youtuber, my favorite cartridge, AND two of the bullets I'm most interested in? I believe Nappy Roots put it best: "It's gonna be a good day."

[@hunterkiller2062]

When I switch over to copper bullets. I use my bore scope and bore bright to make sure my barrel is COMPLETELY clean of any fouling or copper. For easy cleaning, try "Free All" too. You can buy it at any auto parts store. Its in a silver can with blue writing, called, "Free All". Seriously work great!

[@johngills-vz8ut]

My favorite cartridge and favorite channel. Good start to the day 🎉

[@chrisgrignon3877]

Welcome back !! Johnny back to reloading with Johnny on the weekend

[@SampsonAllen]

Man it’s good to see you back!

[@chrismerrit3643]

I thoroughly enjoy your videos Johnny! Please make videos at your pace we don’t want you to burn out.

[@Moose_338]

Ah man how I've missed the videos Johnny, good to see you back in the saddle! My father and I have both had nothing but outstanding success with the Barnes solids in our 338's hunting Moose both the 250gr and and 280gr shoot and kill wonderfully. Only bullets we've had perform as well for stopping power were the Nosler accubonds

[@tallbadger]

MORE GRENDEL!!!! YES!!!!

[@TOPGUNMPD08]

Hey, I realize making videos under KZbin's guidelines is a pain. However, you are the best when it comes to reloading. Thanks for the effort. Sure did miss your videos. Glad to see you again.

[@nickp862]

Man I'm so happy to see JRB back....!

[@mikesnider4231]

Glad to see you back my friend. Try shooting the copper bullets with a clean barrel. Copper bullets don't like to be shot after cup and core bullets. Also I have ran into accuracy problems with an AR rifle with a Hart barrel that originally shot real tight groups that started shooting patterns. After trying different uppers, lowers, triggers, bullets, powder, seating depths, everything. After about 1.5 years of messing with it the problem was found. It was the hand guard. Clamp on hand guards by design will not stay put and will move slightly during recoil. Try a handguard that has screws attaching it to the barrel nut and see if your group sizes get smaller with less unexplained flyers.

[@erikforks8909]

The thing I like the most about this channel is that it is the most positive friendly comment section on the Internet!

[@oldschooljack3479]

This is fortuitous... I was just considering putting together a couple Grendel uppers for my sons-in-law... They each got an AR for Christmas and were asking about hunting deer with them... So 6.5 Grendel came up in our discussion.

[@grantham1149]

Man I have missed your videos. Welcome back good sir, and with Grendel no less. Rock on

[@dalelawrence3873]

Glad to see you back on the KZbin! Love your videos and have stolen more than a few of your loads over the years!

[@nhnikon]

YOU sir, just made my goddamn day !! Welcome back brother !!!!

[@brewskisdodge]

Glad your back missed your content! I have noticed that when shooting any Mono metal bullet it requires a heavy cleaning of the barrel to get all lead out. Afterwards accuracy drastically improved and in most cases shot better then lead.

[@williamschlecht102]

Glad you're back and doing this video. I am currently reloading copper in 6.5 Grn for next years deer season.

[@KBell119]

Thank you for making reloading great again!

[@heavy1715]

Happy that you are back, sir!!!

[@capsurvivor]

Two videos in one week 🎉 he’s back ladies and gentleman 👏👏👏👏👏👏👍👍

[@theroncombs2647]

Hooray for another JRB video. Glad you’re back in the saddle.

[@tonyjonas1]

OMG I have missed your videos… glad to see your back..

[@coyotesniper72]

I’m very glad to see you have returned. I have enjoyed your content very much. Thank you.

[@CCXRS7]

So great to have Johnny back!

[@WARLOK813]

Johnnys back! You might motivate me to get all my reloading stuff set back up in my new (2 years) house 😂

[@evoltnvii]

This is great JRB is back already with 2 videos and the metroid livestream was fun.

[@SSgt-]

Glad You’re back! I own two 6.5 Grendel’s and it’s all your fault. 🤣

[@oifordie4010]

Johnny you’re the man! Thanks for all your hard work!

[@jeff9062]

With the Barnes, I've been using a universal flaring expander die. Seems to not shave off copper, works better than chamfering

[@montanashooter8125]

Just wanted to say that I’m glad to see you’re posting again. I always loved the videos.

[@whiskeywarrior1995]

Dude good to have you back

[@bighig4501]

Glad to see you back. I have found switching back-and-forth between copper and gilded metal bullets without a cleaning in between. Will give some strange results.

[@lankyjeep8432]

Johnny is back, great to see!! Missed your videos glad to see you playing with a favorite cartridge of mine too

[@ThomasB.-bg7bd]

I’m so glad you’re back. I’ve never been this excited for a new video.

[@DrbBeeper21]

Glad to see you back! One of the last videos of yours it felt like you were burning out. I appreciate you knowledge

[@rootjr.3658]

Glad to see you doing well and back at it! Have to say though, it’s a sad day when a SMK is your cheap bullet!

[@jonathandavenport1172]

Sooo glad to see two videos up from you this week. Exciting stuff. It’s been a good week ;) If you ever want to tinker with 338ARC, let me know and I’ll send you some components

[@myanaloglife9450]

Two quick videos! Johnny welcome back, I have to say you got me into reloading, I love your careful videos, your frustration at silly errors remind me we are all human, thank you! Please stay with us if you can!

[@MrTacklebury]

There's been a lot of buzz around proper cleaning of the barrel between shooting standard bullets with metal gilding and going to coppers. Quite a few have had some good luck after doing it. Glad you are getting some 6.5 grendel going. I'm on a similar path with my 6.5 grendels.

[@zedoktor979]

Your Grendel stuff is my favorite! VV N530 and N540 are great 130gr powders.

[@kbowen2251]

Glad to see you back here regularly again!

[@M3G4_gaming]

Ron spomer I believe has a video saying that copper bullets shoot best when fired through a barrel that is completely clean of carbon and fouling. Jim from backfire also had an issue with a rifle not shooting copper bullets and it was fixed after he clean down to bare steel

[@andredangelo6003]

Happy to see your back Johnny.

[@Wmbhill]

Wow. Your back. Awesome. We missed you man.

[@DJ-3551-1]

Man I'm so glad you're back, been needing some nerding out reloading in my life.

[@quadfather504fpv9]

Great to have you back , i use h335 in mine and push all the way up to a 140gr bullet and have good luck with that powder

[@darrellelliott4052]

That shift with the solid copper first shot is wild!

[@James-Customs]

The last year, I've been using winchster staball match with either barnes 115gr or the 123gr sst. I've been very satisfied with the results and more temp stable than cfe-223 when pushing them.

[@JCJustice-kv2gy]

I’ve had good luck using Tac for 3 Grendel’s of mine using sierra’s 👋👋👋thank you sir for coming back. This old man (soldier) always learns a lot from you. Keep it up 👍🫡🫡🫡

[@TheDiamonddave2]

Welcome back Johnny! So glad to see you again. I've had great luck with TTSX bullets in my 6.8 SPC and my .308 AR10. The 6.8 SPC will group 2.75" at 300 yards using Reloader 10. Be sure you really clean your barrel before shooting different mfg. bullets.

[@Brockbb33]

Saw this pop up on my feed and almost couldn’t believe it. Glad you’re back man

[@joeculver6227]

Johnny!!! I know I sound like a broken record, but I agree with everyone else on here! I got WAYYYY better groups with copper bullets after cleaning down to steel first. Still not matchking level accuracy, but leaps and bounds better. Give it a try! Keep the videos coming; they’re awesome!!!

[@Drakemurray10]

Its so nice to have Johnny back

[@charlesvaughan7148]

Glad you are back. I am soon to use the Data from your 140 grain video and Vihtavouri powder for my Grendel. Look forward to more.Thanks for the great info!

[@joearledge]

Supposedly the Hornady CX bullets can lay down some sweet groups. IDK though, never tried them, talk to Little Crow Gunworks and see what advice they have. They are THE only one's that I've seen that could get ANY copper to shoot decent.

[@upnorthreloading2214]

It may have been a "failure" to get nice, teeny-tiny groups, but I think it was a pretty good showing of what those bullets are doing with your rifle. I don't see much for weirdness, or oddness, for groups - I see a snippet, or window, of load development, which I think really shows how 10-shot groups can reveal patterns. I think it's especially apparent with the Cavity Back MKZ with the first grouping and Ramshot X-Terminator. There's no doubt, and you said it yourself, it's definitely vertical stringing. Paired with the fairly good SD, that means it's a group that is definitely harmonically driven - if you were to run the test again, with powder graduations, you might find that you'd transition to either horizontal stringing, or even to a pretty small group! Well, comparatively smaller, I should say. Probably about half the size, if you did another string of fire. I don't think there would be any magical way to make these bullets a tack-driver with these components and that barrel. This may not have been exhaustive testing, but you're getting a good idea of what you can do with what you have on-hand.