6.5 Grendel Nosler Bullet Choice - Deer Hunting

[cajun]

If you can find some 8208 xbr it was really the best combo of accuracy, speed and stability in all the powders I tried.

 

[Trnelson]

From my experiences with a 20" Grendel AR and whitetail deer my first choice is 120g Nosler BT, followed by the 123g Hornady SST and then the 130g Berger AR hybrid.

 

[xsn10s]

I am finally loading for my Grendel. PSA Upper and Stag lower. This is for deer hunting. I have in stock - 120 grain Ballistic Tip, 120 grain E-Tip and 125 grain Partition. Looking at expansion, the Ballistic Tip wins out. However, I would like a pass through for tracking, and that leaves the Partition and the E-Tip. The E-Tip takes a bit more velcoity than the Partition to open up.

Thinking the Partition is maybe the good go between? Use the Ballistic Tip for Coyotes and maybe save the E-Tip for the Creedmoor?


Any real world experience out there? Expert opinion?

Scroll down about 1/3 of the page to "dogzapper"'s second post. That's Steve Timms and he describes his, Chub Eastman's, and Matt Smith's experience going after moose, elk, and deer with 100gr-120 gr Nosler Ballistic Tips. Hard to find more real life experienced hunters than these guys.

Tell me about the 6.5-280 Ackley

After reading Spomer's latest in Rifle magazine, he has my interest piqued. I've long thought about a 6.5-06, but I want to reach 3,000 fps in a 23" bbl, so the 6.5 sounds just about perfect. Plus, I dont have a wildcat in the stable, and the 6.5 just sounds cool. I'm thinking ...

www.24hourcampfire.com

 

[USAFRet]

Made it to the range today. I was shooting another rifle and got there late, so I did not get to shoot all of my handloads. I loaded the 125 grain Partitions. Four loads of Benchmark; 25, 25.5, 26, 26.5. I was only able to shoot the 25 and 25.5. Neither would cycle. I reckon the loads are too low to generate enough gas for the bolt to go all the way back. That sucks, because I got an acceptable group. However, the velocity leaves a lot to be desired.

Average Velocity 2289
Extreme Spread 37
Standard Deviation 13

 

[USAFRet]

Wondering if I need a lighter buffer spring.

 

[Mike D Texas]

Wondering if I need a lighter buffer spring.

No. Your velocity tells me you are either not using enough powder or Benchmark is too slow.

 

[xsn10s]

Wondering if I need a lighter buffer spring.

I think Nosler's load data went to 26.0 gr. i just checked is maxs out at 26.5 gr Benchmark, I'm not sure what firearm though.

 

[Trnelson]

Made it to the range today. I was shooting another rifle and got there late, so I did not get to shoot all of my handloads. I loaded the 125 grain Partitions. Four loads of Benchmark; 25, 25.5, 26, 26.5. I was only able to shoot the 25 and 25.5. Neither would cycle. I reckon the loads are too low to generate enough gas for the bolt to go all the way back. That sucks, because I got an acceptable group. However, the velocity leaves a lot to be desired.

Average Velocity 2289
Extreme Spread 37
Standard Deviation 13

View attachment 461628

In looking at the Published Nosler data, and Hodgdon's newest burn rate chart, you aren't going to get much better performance. IMO, Benchmark is a little too quick of a burn rate. IMR8208xbr is a very well known performer in 6.5 Grendel with 120-130g bullets. There's also several other powders that would be a better choice for use in a gas gun.

 

[USAFRet]

Thanks all. I reckon I need to change powders. Any others besides IMR8208xbr?

I have H335. The local shop has TAC and X-Terminator in stock.

I am going to test up to 26.5 with Benchmark when I get back out to see if the increased charge is enough to cycle the bolt.

 

[USAFRet]

The Load Data site has Benchmark to 27.0 max.

 

[SSG Graybush]

No. Your velocity tells me you are either not using enough powder or Benchmark is too slow.

Benchmark went from kinda slow to over pressure for me.

 

[Trnelson]

Thanks all. I reckon I need to change powders. Any others besides IMR8208xbr?

I have H335. The local shop has TAC and X-Terminator in stock.

I am going to test up to 26.5 with Benchmark when I get back out to see if the increased charge is enough to cycle the bolt.

If you have an adjustable gas block you MIGHT be able to get it to cycle if you turn the gas up to maximum. If you are running a rifle length gas system forget it and move on. Benchmark won't be able to make it happen unless you want to switch to a lightweight bolt carrier and lighten up your buffer.

 

[USAFRet]

If you have an adjustable gas block you MIGHT be able to get it to cycle if you turn the gas up to maximum. If you are running a rifle length gas system forget it and move on. Benchmark won't be able to make it happen unless you want to switch to a lightweight bolt carrier and lighten up your buffer.

Yeah, I have a fixed gas block. I will try the higher Benchmark loads and also try H335.

 

[Trnelson]

Yeah, I have a fixed gas block. I will try the higher Benchmark loads and also try H335.

That's a step in the right direction. No reason to try and push a rope.