6.5 Grendel - 120gr Hornady ELD Match

[@JohnnysReloadingBench]

This is the same video that was posted yesterday. That video worked fine for about 8 hours, then somehow KZbin reduced the length from 27 minutes down to 15. So, half of the range time and all of the conclusion was missing when some of you watched it. I've never seen KZbin do anything like that before. So, here it is again and hopefully it doesn't get screwed up this time. If you want to read through the original comments on yesterday's post, it is still available at kzbin.info/www/bejne/anzcc4iKm6xrfrM

[@adeniranm7647]

So strange.

[@neilharris4462]

Dammit.... here i was thinking we were getting a 2nd video on the next day! I appreciate all the work and effort you put into your videos man!

[@freedomfirst5420]

That's weird.

[@nomad47f48]

Funny, I saw that it was 27 minutes. Then when I went to watch it later it said 15 minutes, but it played for 27 minutes.

[@yolo-qr2fq]

KZbin seeing how far they can get without you realizing. I'd keep an eye on everything :)

[@blakeh81]

My wife still says you are welcome! 😬

[@phillipperkins4366]

You have saved me a lot of time and money with your videos. You have given me a great starting point in the discovery of the Grendel. I call this rifle my pig rig. I bought it for some Texas hog hunting but am really growing fond of it. Thanks for your work.

[@BloodRuin]

I just ordered my first AR-15 upper. It is in 6.5 grendel and your videos have been extremely helpful as i look for info on the grendel and reloading.

[@JohnnysReloadingBench]

That's awesome! Good luck getting started. It's a fun cartridge to reload for.

[@kennethbillman5701]

Have watched each of your vids dozens of time and love them all. Please come back you're amazing... please

[@allanarndt3047]

I've built a couple of Grendel chambered AR's one with a 18" SS Midway barrel & another with a 20" Odin also SS & found they both loved 100 &120 gr.Barnes TTSX bullets! I've taken a number of Wi.deer with both & they always exited on broadside shots. A great hunting bullet! 8208 XBR & 2520 gives me great accuracy.Love your vid's.

[@richardmcdonald4190]

This was the vid that got me. I'm two months new into the Grendel, and this vid is why I went this way. My barrel is an 18 inch SS, from Atheris Barrel Company. My first loading was 25.4 grains of H322 with Midway 123 grain seconds, and Lapua 123 Sens. Barrel length and the load was from this vid. I got on paper in four shots, and shots 5-8 were .460 inches. Shots 9&10 were touching, but made the group .699 inches. 25.4 and 26.0 all shoot great, as long as I stay on the gun. Great Vids Johnny.

[@codybrown9600]

Yes! I love the Grendel videos!

[@RedFRC]

New subscriber here. Keep the Grendel stuff coming. I sincerely appreciate all the effort you put into investigating good loads and sharing your knowledge with others.

[@madmagrider]

I've been struggling shooting much better than 1 MOA with my grendel, and this inspires me. Thank you.

[@timsauers7332]

I love my Gendel. Its my coyote and deer hunting gun. I actually just did some test loads duplicating your H322 powder, cci 450, 120gr ELD-M and Hornady brass. Went to the range this morning and each load was moa or less. Could've been better, but running an ATN X-SIGHT II makes it difficult. The tiniest movement whether you know it or not will show on the target. However, today was different.... they were all between 1.04" and .85" groups at 100yrds. Thanks for the all the load data on the Grendel. I always watch them over and over and will continue to do so. Thank you again sir.

[@qwman68]

Huge fan of your video's. Anything 223, Grendel, 54r and 30-06 I love. I have watched most of your vids and learn a little and enjoy them so thanks for that.

[@marvinbrock960]

Awesome results! I’m working with the same bullet now... love your stuff man.

[@jimlerum]

Great video Johnny. The hard work is paying off. Thank you for sharing the Grendel loads and reports. You have proven in this video this Faxon barrel is a shooter.

[@thenewguy9559]

Ya know, for "some jackass on youtube" you sure do make some entertaining videos!! Love the grendel vids. It's definitely one of my favorite rounds. Keep the awesomeness rolling!

[@turbosandmagnums771]

Dang i thought we were getting grendel vids 2 days in a row. Thanks for reposting. Guess ill have to watch it again then go hit my backyard range.

[@tylerdean6021]

Awesome video with a lot of good info! I used to build the 6.5 grendel at alexander arms. H322, cfe223, and 8208 have been really good powders for me. 8208 is my go to powder for a while now for my 18 and 24 inch satern barrels

[@stevecampbell3175]

Dam good shooting, I'm a grendel owner and a fanboy and I always smile watching a good grendel video,,,, keep up the good work,

[@Off-target-xy6bx]

Thx for videos. Hoping to get to try the grendel out this November. It looks like a good option for whitetail in that platform.

[@kennethbillman5701]

Thanks, I have those bullets and the H322 powder, can't wait to try it. Great vid as always

[@CowboyJP]

you can't scare us like that! I thought you had a channel strike or something when the video was removed. I am recovering nicely from my mini Heart attack now that the video is back!

[@BrassJeep]

Would love to see you try a long barreled bolt action rifle in the Grendel. CZ now makes a 527 Varmint with a heavy 25.6” barrel, very interested in what you could squeeze out of this great cartridge. Also thank you very much for all the time and effort you put in to all your videos.

[@timsauers7332]

Shot this exact load today with my Grendel. COAL of 2.260, 26grn H322, CCI 450 primers. Not sure of speed, however after shooting a few and i liked the groups it made. Ended up with 2 groups (after zeriong) that measured .408" and .657" using the X-SIGHT II 3-14. Great videos, keep up the great work.

[@inthemountainswithmeachum3256]

I agree on the H322 1st group. The 1st shot on that cold bore barrel is the only reason why that shot when a little high otherwise on a warmed up barrel all 5 of those rounds would have went in 1 hole. That load seemed to perform the best although all of those loads look like they performed awesome and that round and load really loved that H322

[@Thefringefitnessproject]

I think you and Mopar mad man should either meet up and do some special episodes just talking g about reloading or do a split screen video both of you chiming in on the cartridge at hand and your experience on the. You two are polar opposites and I think you would compliment each other really really well!! Thumbs up this guys if you think it's a good idea as well

[@MrBoo1963]

The H322 is what I have been using for the 120 ELD. It was Great shooting that powder and load.

[@donhammer186]

Hey Johnny, Thank's for taking all of the leg work outta the Grendel loads. Now if we can get a reliable supply of brass... I'm building 20" 1:8 DMR type Ballistic Advantage on Aero receivers and, had been concerned about load data. Had actually considered using 6 PPC loads as a starting point. Caused quite a stir when I referred to it as a 6.5 PPC one day! LOL

[@PistolPeteSTL]

It's very Paul Harrell of you to shoot while it is sleeting. Nicely done, sir!

[@MrBoo1963]

I have been trying OAL on everything now depending on powder myself.

[@uralbob1]

Man, if I had shot that H322 target, I'd frame that sucker and put it on my loading room wall! The velocity is quite acceptable in my opinion. You can really shoot, Johnny!

[@berzerk890]

Federal is releasing GMM brass in 6.5 grendel MSRP is $23 for 50. Male another with 322 soon! See what we can get out of it!

[@CaveWyatt]

Guess what? I’ve got a fever and the only prescription is MORE GRENDEL! Speaking of faster powder, I’d like to try IMR 4198. It’s a few places faster than H322 and listed for Grendel by Hodgdon. Great, now I’ve got Blue Oyster Cult playing in my head.

[@jimhans1]

Jake Lonergan both of the 4198s are good powders, but they don’t play well with Grendel in my little bit of testing I did with them with 120-130gr bullets. They do better with 85-95gr Grendel, but still not great.

[@CaveWyatt]

jimhans1 Well, dammit. I bought a pound to try, thinking a faster power might be good for my 16” barrel. I guess I’ll give it a quick try since I already have it.

[@jimhans1]

Jake Lonergan it will work, just best suited for light bullets and short barrels in Grendel.

[@TheSpragg01]

@@jimhans1 I'll second this. 4198 didn't work with 120+, BUT is lights out in my 20 inch AR bore behind 90 grain speer TNT.

[@CaveWyatt]

Good to know. Thanks, guys! JRB has the best viewers on KZbin!

[@crossan008]

first round...center punch! nice!

[@GBsPitstop]

that first shot was awesome! thanks for another Grendel video.

[@benjaminleatham1587]

Biggest problem I find with the polymer tipped bullets is deformation when chambering, which is affecting the accuracy. I have a 120grain SMK load that constantly benches .25-.375. Moa, 5 shot groups.

[@MrBoo1963]

I saw 1 high shot and 4 in one hole with the H322 24.8.

[@leonardboufford282]

My two favorite cartridges are the 6.5 grendel and 25-45 sharps. However, referencing the 300 ham'r, I have the 7.62 x 40wt And a 300 blackout. Of the two, the 7.62 x 40wt takes the cake. 300 ham'r does not trump my 7.62 x 40wt. I just plink with the 300 blackout, tho it is a fun cartridge. Keep the grendel videos coming! Thanks.

[@GeorgeKovacs-re2qo]

I'm with ya' with that 7.62 Wilson.

[@chadmcswain5389]

Whether it's paper, steel or class 2 game shoulders....it's hard to beat an ELD-M in the Grendel. I know it's a match bullet, but with it's slower speed in the Grendel, it really performs on whitetails as long as you hit bone first👍

[@axelec]

What a lot of folks forget is that first shot at game is out of a cold barrel so with that in mind it become significant . If you did it right you will not need a second shot. The second shot will more then likely be a rush job anyway.

[@terrymillspaw]

120gr ELDM and 120gr Nosler Custom Competition are mainly what I shoot through my 20" faxon barrel at the range. I've been using mainly 8208, getting right at 2400 fps, but will now have to give H322 a try. My hunting load is 8208 and 120gr Nosler BT Hunters, which have been excellent as well. All using CCI BR4 primers and Starline brass.

[@Jet2416-Reloading]

@Johnny's Reloading Bench - Occasionally I go back and watch all of your 6.5 Grendel videos because it has become my new range toy. I'm glad you got the 120 gr. ELD's to shoot well with you Fax-On barrel. I can't keep from it anymore, I just have to say it, "I would have trashed that Faxon barrel after it failed to shoot tiny groups in the first few outings". I can hardly believe you hung with it. I get why you chose the 18" barrel but I think you would have got a lot better performance from a 20" or greater - but not a Fax-On! There's just no faith between me and Faxon barrels. I would shoot the rifling completely out of a Stoner barrel (not that I really want one of those either) before buying a Faxon. Just my honest opinion. Thanks for all your "Good Stuff Man". Shoot straight and don't blow your face off!

[@jordanmadonna7440]

Haha well at least I'm not alone on rewatching episodes!

[@VitoBb1978]

JRB the 6.5 Grendel just may be the round that will get me into the 26 caliber, may look for a bolt action with a 24-26 inch barrel. Shooters World Match with 28.8 Grs, if you fine tune it that 20.0 S.D. will come down a lot. H322 25.4 grs was your best load, with 25.7 coming in a close second. Very nice groups with H322.

[@jhalscott]

My Ballistic Advantage 20" DMR 6.5 Grendel really likes the 123gr ELD, but it LOVES the 130gr Berger OTM Hybrid.

[@curtiswest4272]

Talking about a node? Awesome shooting with that H332 and Bullet.

[@JT-py9lv]

Looking forward to the lightweight bullets. I have a Howa Mini Mauser with the 22" barrel. Looking to use it for coyotes etc. Sure wish you had a 6.5 Grendel in a bolt gun.

[@dancecaller]

I shoot the howa mini in 6.5 grendel and load 2000 MR and BLc(2) Almost duplicate numbers the Hornady 120gr ELD is a shorter bullet than the lead free Hornady GMX and the Nosler "E" tip. my average MV is 2575 and shoots a .6 group with either. I took 10 animals in South Africa this year with it, from 100 meters to 420 meters. I love the grendel

[@gregmannos]

Love the grendel videos, keep em up

[@kelbybeaty9669]

Grendel makes me happy haha keep it up !

[@patfilice]

I can definitely see a velocity that your barrel likes

[@jenpsakiscousin4589]

Sw match rifle and the 107smk work well in my 20" grendel

[@DanielBoone337]

I just recently shot SW Match Rifle in my 20 inch 6.5 Grendel Proof Research match barreled AR15 and had to stop after 2 groups because I was getting 2612fps with the 120gr Gold Dots... I started at 30.4gr which is well under the 32.2gr they list for their max load for the 120gr Sierra HPBT and was going to shoot up to 32gr... Even when the velocities were insane I seen zero pressure signs with the starting charge I shot so chanced the 2nd one and hit 2648 fps again zero pressure signs... I got spooked because I can't believe I was getting that kind of velocity with a 20 inch Grendel AR15 and zero signs of pressure... For a sanity check I shot some factory ammo through my chronograph just to make sure it was working like it should and everything seems to be working right... I've never seen this kind of velocity with the Grendel unless it's coming out a 24-28 inch bolt gun so I'm kind of dumb founded on how this is possible... I plan on pulling the remaining bullets and double checking the charge weights but everything I shot that day was right on point so I don't think that's the case...

[@coreyd1474]

Great video. this gives me hope for my 6.5G with H322.

[@Hunt.Shadow]

спасибо.

[@brianschoonmaker2827]

Benchmark and a 123SST is my best yet (Accuracy wise) in my AR. LOVE H322 but haven't found a good load. (YET)

[@TheSpragg01]

Same with mine (27.3 grains of Bench is the sweet spot for mine), but I'm suddenly interested in playing with some H322.

[@LRRPFco52]

If you're getting that COL with the 120gr ELD-M, I suspect you don't have a SAAMI chamber, which would explain a lot of what I've seen with your groups in the past. With all my SAAMI chambers, I'm immediately getting sub-MOA out of the gate and have done so with countless barrels since 2009. Love the channel. I'll hit up some vendors and see if you can get a Bartlein or Krieger pipe with a SAAMI chamber.

[@rustynut1967]

120 ELD hit the throat taper at 2.200 in my SAAMI chambered barrel. I have no idea how he could load to 2.260.

[@TexasTrained]

Great Information. I think.it may open a few doors. Thanks my brother.

[@Bshwag]

are you getting a lot of spring twang sound coming from your gun if so you could put a bit of grease in the tube to quiet that down.

[@benpayneford]

Can you do some more 6.5 Grendel videos with the 110gr Lehigh defense and the Barnes 100gr and 120gr TTSX bullets please.

[@arniewillis111]

What if you put the rifle in a device so sighting and aiming will remain the same.

[@jrschild6085]

Great video! You have mastered exactly what viewers like to see. Great work keep it up!

[@ctoth18]

Does the magneto speed function as it should mounted on a suppressor ? I have trouble getting mine to read distance if it’s too close or too far from bullet flight path

[@shooterscorner7500]

Thanks for your informative video's. Is the bushing in your comparator 5-26

[@rvoykin]

How do you fit 2.27 in an AR Mag? My .223 at 2.260 is just barely missing the edge at the tip of the projectile

[@jesusgalvez9746]

What magazine do you use?

[@bigracer3867]

Grendel, nice!!

[@yootoober49]

Good stuff. Use that lapua and your best powder/group and try a test of different primers for group size and sd. I swear I get better groups with rem 7.5 bench rest primers and federal gmm ar match primers. I wonder if same for you?

[@jimhans1]

yootoober49 agreed, my best groups and SD/ES always come with Rem7-1/2 or the Standard GM205M primers, I’ve had hit and miss luck with the GM205MAR primers personally.

[@jamescartwright8045]

I have a ruger predator. 120gr nosler and 28.2 gr of 8208 gets me 2485fps and half moa

[@msfan8912]

Want comp are you running with your 6.5 Grendel? I am having a hard time finding info on them

[@mark120371]

Wonder how H322 would perform with the 120gr Gold Dot.

[@awbernardy]

I would like to know my self

[@justaregularguy3827]

For a 20in rifle length gas type 2 grendal setup what powder, what bullet and primers for starting out or 1000 yards

[@Peace-ju9us]

as you shoot groups, do you think fatigue on your eyes and trigger finger sets to harm group size?

[@MudAndHonor]

How about BLC-2 with the 120gr ELD? I have had good luck with H335 as well from my 20 inch Ballistic Advantage barrel

[@J0j0m10]

Lovin the videos. A couple questions from a newbie. What happens to your SD & groups when the weather changes? Do you check bullet concentricity?

[@oifordie4010]

Anyone have any luck with Odin 20” barrel for 6.5 Grendel?

[@racerboy4]

Johnny I have a question? I just looked at Hornadys website.7mm bullet has better b.c. than 6.5, and same sectional density. I am NOT some 800 yrd group master. I am hunting in Georgia. 200 yrds and in. Why can't we put a 7mm bullet in that Grendel case? It will do more damage on deer, and we can go up to like 140 grn. I'm not looking for super sonic out to 1k yrds. If the RECOMMENDED speed is 1700 or so on deer, and 1,000 lbs of energy. A 7mm should keep that out to like 400 right? Is this possible, with right seating depth and correct OAL? AR PLATFORM OF COURSE.

[@jamescartwright8045]

Made up test ladder of Shooters World Match Rifle, loaded 32.5 , 32.7 , 32.8 . Used 120gr Sierra Match Kings , coal 2.260 . 32.7 gave a group of .386 , 32.8 gave a group of .816. No chrono

[@ctoth18]

Do you clean your barrel between groups with the suppressor on there ? Was just wondering if the extra fouling affected accuracy

[@daviddahl4148]

What magazine do you use for that gun?

[@jeffdavis7356]

The Hornady ELD Match bullet is the most accurate bullet in my CZ 6.5 Grendel.

[@Tread70]

Which mags are you using, any idea which have the least malfunctions?

[@mikeingeorgia1]

Tread , I’ve tried reading reviews on a number of retailer sites and there doesn’t seem to be a consensus as to what ones are reliable. I’m hoping to hear of something more promising than what I’ve read so far.

[@keithreinert5835]

I’m assuming the 23.0 in match powder was supplying bd “30.0”

[@rdchris6146]

LOL on your description of the last group with the h322 goes to crap with a sub .75 group

[@smallcityhomesteaders1600]

Ever play with that 85gn bullet yet?

[@MrBoo1963]

My choice is the Pro Power Varmint & H322. And I don't shoot with a suppressor.

[@Markisuncfan]

I asked ya before about if you could have one rifle, bolt or AR10. Thanks for your reply to that too. Well I have neither one yet and the gun show today really did not still. So I think I will build another AR15 in Grendel since I have the new gun bug. Yup, will fall into the fever. LOL My question for you Johnny and all who read this....is the 18" barrel ideal or should I go more to a 20-22 inch or so barrel? I do not want to go shorter than 18". Best twist? Thanks.

[@aspenair8988]

I was wondering about the twist rate as I've seen 1/8 and 1/9 on 24" barrels, also what adjustable gas block or blocks are you using?

[@presidentelectjerryodom3889]

So what die set are you using

[@JMazterV112]

Can't decide between the Redding National Match dies or the Forster micro st and sizer dies 🙃

[@mountainskyaerialphotograp3921]

Hey, Johnny, do you recomend crimping the 6.5 Grendel? I am having problems with groups and the bullet seems to be moving. What do you use and recomend different crimpers? Thanks in advance.

[@rayjohnson4037]

Went with the 300 Ham'r, brass is easy to make, and I got 1000 free, bought 300 Starline to compare. Already Fired 1000 test rds. 86 gr mauser pistol to 150 gr bt ...and just for fun some 78 gr Leigh Defense at 3020 fps. 18" fluted WC barrel. 86 gr pistol bullet = 2807 fps 110 varmageddon = 2876 fps 100 Lapua match= 2785 fps * 125 Nosler Accubond= 2589 fps 110 Barns FB = 2766 fps 130 Speer H C =2560 fps 147 to 150 military FMJ= 2407 fps 150 gr Speer SP BT = 2398 ave fps and yield a .264" 5 shot group. The 150gr Speer gold dots 2 varieties are accurate and the blk variety really mushroom up good, both are 150 grain and run 2400 fps ..Tried other bullets but this will you an idea of what can be accomplished with the 300 Ham'r...the serious loads run 1800 to 2000 ft/lbs of muzzle energy, out of a light AR with 18" barrel. Not a long range target caliber, but it's a pretty fair hunting cartridge, brings energy and fairly flat. Shooting it to 700 yds but the practical hunting range would be about 300 yds...which is as far as I care to shoot big game animals, with any caliber...your supposed to be hunting, like stalking, or using strategy, hunting skill, and knowledge...sniping is a military thing.

[@forestwolf60]

Alright, you swung my decision to 6.5 Grendel for "do-it-all" purposes. It'll sit on top of my DPMS lower. What barrel length should I be choosing? Do you have any particular manufacturer(s) for the upper that you suggest? Been floating around Aero or Radical firearms.

[@Rushshooting67913]

I'm using h322 with 27.3 gr and the 120 Eld and getting 2600fps out of my Ruger Predator 6.5 grendel

[@InSightFreedom]

That H322 looks promising with your barrel for sure. Was this your original barrel or the replacement one? I lost my place in the series. Oh, never mind. You said Faxon near the end. Well done and shared. Can't wait to start load development for my Grendel. So far I've only run factory Hornady ELD Match 123 Black and am really happy as it breaks in.

[@bjdeherrera]

I'm torn between 2 Alliant powders, so in anyone's experience, whats better for a 16" AR Grendel, AR Comp or PP Varmint?

[@JohnnysReloadingBench]

AR Comp will be more temperature stable and PP Varmint will meter much better in a powder measure. You might get a bit more velocity with Varmint but AR Comp will be very close. They are both going to be good Grendel powders with the potential to shoot great. Hope that helps!

[@bjdeherrera]

@@JohnnysReloadingBench Thanx, looks like I'm going with Comp! Keep it up with Grendel vids, we love em

[@Nightmarehc130]

You should get a lab radar and get better data on grouping. No doubt that magnetospeed is changing the harmonics of the barrel...

[@talkingrock7011]

I am just starting with the Grendel I will definitely try H322 it seems to shoot good

[@jamescartwright8045]

120 nosler , 28.2 gr of 8208

[@jeffdavis7356]

This is the most accurate bullet in my CZ bolt action.

[@Gmar69]

How about a 9mm with a 147 gr. hp, with Vihtavouri 310 in a low recoil/flash profile. Use Everglades bullets by the way...

[@hankcox2405]

What twist?

[@jimtanner8516]

18” barrel 123gr eld match 26.5gr benchmark 2400fps sd 12

[@ryleestuart9095]

I shoot this projectile in my ruger predator, with accurate 2460