6.5 Grendel - 135gr Berger Classic Hunter

Published on December 14, 2017
Duration: 27:31

This video details the process of reloading 6.5 Grendel ammunition using 135gr Berger Classic Hunter bullets, with a focus on developing loads for an 18-inch Faxon barrel. The instructor, demonstrating intermediate reloading skills, meticulously covers case preparation, powder selection (Accurate 25 20 and Alliant Power Pro Varmint), bullet seating, and live-fire testing. The content emphasizes careful load development due to the lack of existing data for this specific bullet and cartridge combination, highlighting the importance of monitoring pressure signs and achieving consistent accuracy.

Quick Summary

When reloading 6.5 Grendel with heavier bullets like the 135gr Berger Classic Hunter, consider their minimum expansion velocity (around 1800 fps) and case capacity limitations. Load development requires careful extrapolation from existing data and meticulous monitoring for pressure signs, as standard load tables may not cover these heavier bullet weights. Alliant Power Pro Varmint showed superior accuracy in testing.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: 135gr Berger Classic Hunter for 6.5 Grendel
  2. 00:44Bullet Specs & Minimum Expansion Velocity
  3. 01:45Powder Selection: Accurate 25 20 Load Development
  4. 02:46Powder Selection: Alliant Power Pro Varmint
  5. 04:12Ammunition Quantities & Load Increments
  6. 04:53Brass, Primers, and Overall Length
  7. 05:21Case Sizing & Headspace Measurement
  8. 07:52Priming Cases
  9. 08:36Case Fill with Accurate 25 20
  10. 09:39Seating Bullets with Accurate 25 20
  11. 12:14Range Day: Setup and First Shots
  12. 13:15Accurate 25 20: 26.5 Grains Test
  13. 14:01Accurate 25 20: 27.0 Grains Test
  14. 14:44Accurate 25 20: 27.5 Grains Test
  15. 15:16Accurate 25 20: 28.0 Grains Test
  16. 16:47Transition to Power Pro Varmint
  17. 17:11Power Pro Varmint: 26.0 Grains Test
  18. 18:18Power Pro Varmint: 26.5 Grains Test
  19. 19:12Power Pro Varmint: 27.0 Grains Test
  20. 20:26Power Pro Varmint: 27.5 Grains Test
  21. 21:07Power Pro Varmint: 28.0 Grains Test
  22. 22:22Brass Inspection and Pressure Signs
  23. 23:34Accuracy Analysis: Accurate 25 20 vs. Power Pro Varmint
  24. 25:29Future Load Development & Next Steps
  25. 26:42Conclusion & Channel Support

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key considerations when reloading 6.5 Grendel with heavier bullets like the 135gr Berger Classic Hunter?

When reloading heavier bullets for the 6.5 Grendel, such as the 135gr Berger Classic Hunter, it's crucial to consider their minimum expansion velocity (around 1800 fps) and potential velocity limitations due to case capacity. Load development requires careful extrapolation from existing data and meticulous monitoring for pressure signs, as standard load tables may not cover these heavier bullet weights.

Which powders performed best for accuracy with the 135gr Berger Classic Hunter in 6.5 Grendel?

In this test, Alliant Power Pro Varmint emerged as the better performer for accuracy with the 135gr Berger Classic Hunter in 6.5 Grendel, producing the best group of the day at 0.451 inches. Accurate 25 20 also showed good accuracy, but Power Pro Varmint generally yielded tighter groups across tested charges.

What is the recommended overall length for seating 135gr Berger Classic Hunter bullets in 6.5 Grendel?

For seating 135gr Berger Classic Hunter bullets in 6.5 Grendel, a consistent overall length of 2.260 inches to the tip is used as a starting point. However, the video emphasizes that measuring consistency to the ogive is more critical due to potential variations in bullet tip length, ensuring reliable magazine feeding and accuracy.

Are there any pressure concerns when reloading 6.5 Grendel with Accurate 25 20 or Alliant Power Pro Varmint and 135gr bullets?

Based on the instructor's testing with extrapolated load data, no significant pressure signs were observed on the brass when using both Accurate 25 20 and Alliant Power Pro Varmint with 135gr Berger Classic Hunter bullets, even at the maximum tested charges. This suggests these powders are safe starting points for further load development in this configuration.

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