Loading 6.5 Grendel - ep 1 - First handloads for the new gun

Published on November 25, 2015
Duration: 41:35

This guide details the initial handloading process for 6.5 Grendel ammunition, focusing on function testing for a new rifle. It covers brass preparation, sizing, priming, powder charging with three different powders (IMR 8208 XBR, Benchmark, CF223), and bullet seating to match factory specifications. The process emphasizes careful measurement and adherence to load data, with a goal of achieving accurate handloads for the new firearm.

Quick Summary

This guide details the initial handloading process for 6.5 Grendel ammunition, focusing on function testing. It covers brass preparation, sizing with Forester dies, priming with CCI 450 magnums, and charging with IMR 8208 XBR, Benchmark, or CF223 powders. Bullets are seated to 2.236 inches, matching factory ammo specifications for optimal performance.

Chapters

  1. 00:01Introduction to 6.5 Grendel Reloading
  2. 00:26Rifle Build Overview
  3. 01:12Optics Setup for Testing
  4. 02:23Gathering Reloading Components
  5. 02:36New Hornady Brass
  6. 02:45Hornady 123gr A-Max Bullets
  7. 03:00Forester Reloading Dies
  8. 04:05Factory Ammo Comparison
  9. 04:52Powder Selection for 6.5 Grendel
  10. 05:40Loading Plan: 10 Rounds Per Powder
  11. 05:57Shell Holder Selection
  12. 06:06Primer Choice: CCI 450 Magnums
  13. 06:36Initial Powder Charges
  14. 07:05Load Data Considerations (Barrel Length)
  15. 07:46Reloading Setup and Brass Sizing
  16. 08:01Challenges with 6.5 Grendel Cases
  17. 09:40Setting Up Forester Sizing Die
  18. 10:32Setting Up Forester Seating Die
  19. 11:36Using Factory Ammo for Seating Die Reference
  20. 13:18Sizing Brass with Redding Lube
  21. 14:29Checking Case Lengths
  22. 15:27Resizing Multiple Cases
  23. 16:27Trusting New Brass
  24. 17:29Wiping Down Sized Brass
  25. 17:54Hornady Shell Holder Fit
  26. 18:31Decision on Case Trimming
  27. 19:41Trimming Brass Decision
  28. 20:25Weight Sorting Omitted for Speed
  29. 21:26Chamfering Case Necks
  30. 22:16Ready for Priming
  31. 22:58Using a Second Hand Priming Tool
  32. 23:50Primer Pocket Feel
  33. 24:55Future Primer Experiments (Ventura)
  34. 25:24Goal: Tiny Groups at Long Distance
  35. 26:25Preparing for Powder Charging
  36. 26:48Charging First Cases: 8208 XBR
  37. 27:54Weighing Powder Charges
  38. 28:30Case Fill Check
  39. 30:01Finishing 8208 XBR Charges
  40. 30:13Bullet Seating Preparation
  41. 30:27Overall Length Considerations
  42. 31:16Magazine Length Check
  43. 32:02Target Seating Depth: 2.236 inches
  44. 32:48Seating First Bullet
  45. 33:20Measuring Seated Bullet Length
  46. 34:17Using Bullet Comparator
  47. 34:39Comparator Issue: Missing Insert
  48. 35:15Initial Comparator Readings
  49. 36:13Seating Die Set Confirmed
  50. 36:48First Loaded Round Review
  51. 37:35Cleaning Up 8208 XBR
  52. 37:46Moving to Benchmark Powder
  53. 38:19Benchmark Powder Charging
  54. 39:19Seating Bullets with Benchmark
  55. 39:19Seating Bullets with CF223
  56. 39:50Reasoning for Three Powders
  57. 40:40Expectations vs. Factory Ammo
  58. 41:15Reloading Components Performed Well
  59. 41:26Ready for the Range

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the recommended powders for reloading 6.5 Grendel?

For 6.5 Grendel reloading, the video explores IMR 8208 XBR, Benchmark, and CF223. Load data for these powders is referenced from sources like the Hornady manual and Hodgdon's website, with specific charges used for initial testing.

What is the correct overall length for 6.5 Grendel handloads with 123-grain A-Max bullets?

While Hornady's manual suggests 2.245 inches for 123-grain A-Max bullets in 6.5 Grendel, the video's creator measured factory ammunition at approximately 2.236 inches and chose to match this shorter length for their handloads to ensure magazine compatibility and consistency.

What primers are suitable for 6.5 Grendel handloads?

The video uses CCI 450 small rifle magnum primers for 6.5 Grendel handloads. Although the Hornady manual suggests standard small rifle primers, magnum primers are noted to be used in some load data and are chosen here for their perceived suitability.

How do you properly set up Forester reloading dies for 6.5 Grendel?

For the sizing die, screw it down until it touches the shell holder, then back it off slightly. For the seating die, screw it down until the spring-loaded mechanism is compressed, then back it out at least one full turn. Fine adjustments are made using the micrometer scale.

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