Loading 6.5 Grendel - ep 6 -- OCW vs Ladder pt 1, loading the test ammo

Published on December 8, 2015
Duration: 94:48

This video details the comprehensive process of preparing 6.5 Grendel brass for precision reloading and initiating load development. It covers meticulous case cleaning, resizing with a focus on controlled shoulder bump, trimming, and deburring. The instructor then moves into initial powder charge determination, emphasizing case capacity and the use of AR Comp powder, before outlining the setup for both Optimal Charge Weight (OCW) and ladder testing methodologies. The process includes setting up for consistent overall length and determining the distance to the lands for safe and effective load development.

Quick Summary

This 6.5 Grendel reloading guide covers meticulous brass preparation, including wet tumbling, controlled shoulder bump resizing (0.002-0.003"), trimming to 1.51", and cleaning. It details using AR Comp powder and setting up for OCW and ladder testing, emphasizing consistent OAL (2.270" for magazines) and determining the distance to lands (approx. 2.350").

Chapters

  1. 00:01Introduction to 6.5 Grendel Load Development
  2. 00:15Brass Preparation: Cleaning and Inspection
  3. 01:14New Reloading Gear: Bullet Comparator & Loading Trays
  4. 03:15Frankford Arsenal Ammo Boxes Review
  5. 04:54New 10-Round Magazine for 6.5 Grendel
  6. 06:05Scope Installation: Vortex Viper PST
  7. 07:43Loading Ammo for OCW vs. Ladder Testing
  8. 08:15Determining Maximum Powder Charge (Case Capacity)
  9. 09:48Resizing Brass with Controlled Shoulder Bump
  10. 11:00OCW vs. Ladder Testing Methodology
  11. 13:53Lubing Brass for Sizing
  12. 14:21Headspace Comparator Usage
  13. 15:16Setting the Full Length Sizing Die
  14. 19:29Testing Sized Brass in the Firearm
  15. 26:52Trimming Brass Cases
  16. 34:41Deburring and Chamfering Case Necks
  17. 37:09Cleaning Brass After Trimming
  18. 38:10Priming Cases: CCI BR4
  19. 40:07Loading Trays: Frankford Arsenal vs. MTM
  20. 41:12Vess Primers: Initial Impressions
  21. 42:05Debating Sacrifice Case for Land Measurement
  22. 43:40Preparing for Load Development: Standard OAL
  23. 44:09Determining Powder Capacity with AR Comp
  24. 45:29Using GemPro 250 Scale
  25. 47:04Scale Calibration and Functionality
  26. 48:18Measuring Case Fill with 28.5 Grains of AR Comp
  27. 49:37Setting Overall Length (OAL)
  28. 53:45Calculating Charge Weight Increments for Testing
  29. 56:11Refining Charge Weight Increments (0.2 Grains)
  30. 58:48Loading Initial Batch for Fouling Shots
  31. 59:23Setting Up Powder Measure for Consistent Throws
  32. 60:39Loading 27.3 Grain Charges
  33. 60:59Adjusting Seating Die for Compressed Loads
  34. 61:44First Cartridge Seating and OAL Check
  35. 62:23Magazine Fit Test (2.276 OAL)
  36. 63:45Chambering Test with Extended OAL
  37. 65:35Finalizing Max Magazine Length (2.275 OAL)
  38. 66:35Bullet Scraping in Magazine Feed Ramp
  39. 67:22Bullet Comparator Readings
  40. 70:22OAL Consistency Check
  41. 72:05Magazine Fit Test with Final OAL
  42. 75:42Final OAL Determination (2.270 inches)
  43. 76:21First 40 Rounds Loaded
  44. 76:36Reddit Match Shooting and Initial Results
  45. 77:53Preparing Sacrifice Case for Land Measurement
  46. 78:53Resizing Fired Brass for Sacrifice Case
  47. 79:04Modifying Sacrifice Case for Land Measurement
  48. 81:09Determining Distance to Lands
  49. 83:35Measuring Initial OAL to Lands (2.347 inches)
  50. 85:48Measuring Subsequent OAL to Lands (2.353 inches)
  51. 87:06Plenty of Room to Lands vs. Magazine Length
  52. 88:36Setting Aside Damaged Bullet
  53. 89:07Reloading Fouling Shots
  54. 89:34Decapping Pin Issue on Resizing Die
  55. 90:45Loading Ladder Test Rounds (First 10)
  56. 91:59Halfway Through Ladder Rounds
  57. 92:49Completing Ladder Rounds
  58. 94:23Next Steps: Range Testing and Analysis

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key steps in preparing 6.5 Grendel brass for reloading?

Begin by wet tumbling the brass for cleanliness. Inspect for damage, then resize using a full-length die, aiming to bump the shoulder back 0.002-0.003 inches. Trim cases to 1.51 inches, chamfer necks, and clean again to remove debris. Finally, prime the cases with appropriate primers like CCI BR4.

What powder is recommended for 6.5 Grendel load development in this video?

The video recommends AR Comp powder for 6.5 Grendel. It's described as an extruded powder with short sticks, similar to Reloader 15, and it meters reasonably well through powder measures, making it suitable for precise load development.

How is maximum overall length (OAL) determined for 6.5 Grendel reloads?

Maximum OAL is determined by fitting cartridges into magazines and ensuring they chamber reliably in the firearm. The video found that 2.270 inches was the absolute maximum for magazine fit, while the distance to the lands was significantly longer at approximately 2.350 inches, allowing for a healthy bullet jump.

What are the recommended methods for load development for 6.5 Grendel?

The video focuses on two primary load development methods: Optimal Charge Weight (OCW) testing and ladder testing. Both involve testing a range of powder charges, typically in 0.2-grain increments, to identify the most accurate and consistent load for the rifle and bullet combination.

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