6.5 Grendel - Barnes TTSX and Cavity Back MKZ

Published on January 30, 2025
Duration: 48:20

This video details the process of reloading 6.5 Grendel ammunition using copper bullets, specifically the Barnes TTSX and Cavity Back MKZ. It covers powder selection, bullet seating techniques, achieving consistent overall cartridge length, and initial accuracy testing. The instructor highlights common challenges with copper bullets, such as potential copper shaving and inconsistent grouping, while also demonstrating how to use tools like a bullet comparator for precision.

Quick Summary

The 6.5 Grendel is tested with copper bullets like the Barnes TTSX and Cavity Back MKZ. Reloading involves careful powder selection (Ramshot Xterminator, Reloader 15, IMR 8208 XBR, H335), precise bullet seating to 2.26 inches, and addressing potential issues like copper shaving. While Barnes TTSX showed slightly better accuracy, overall performance with copper bullets in this rifle was mediocre.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to 6.5 Grendel Copper Bullet Testing
  2. 00:24Cavity Back MKZ 105 Grain Bullet Overview
  3. 02:00Barnes 100 Grain TTSX Bullet Overview
  4. 02:23Powder Selection for 6.5 Grendel Reloading
  5. 03:44Sierra Match King Load for Sighting In
  6. 04:20Cartridge Overall Length Considerations
  7. 04:48Measuring Max Overall Length with Tools
  8. 06:37Seating Die Stem Selection
  9. 07:13Brass and Primer Preparation
  10. 07:47Upcoming 6.5 Creedmoor Reloading Video
  11. 08:44Weighing Powder for Sierra Match Kings
  12. 09:59Reloading Press Setup and Die Adjustment
  13. 11:04Seating Sierra Match King Bullets
  14. 12:24Weighing Powder for Cavity Back Bullets
  15. 13:31Seating Cavity Back Bullets
  16. 15:12Copper Shavings During Seating
  17. 16:15Seating Barnes TTSX Bullets
  18. 17:36Seating Barnes TTSX with Reloader 15
  19. 18:35Bullet Comparator Measurements
  20. 19:03Overall Length Consistency Check
  21. 21:22Range Test: Sighting In with Sierra Match Kings
  22. 23:03Initial Zeroing and Gas System Check
  23. 23:34Scope Adjustments and Magazine Testing
  24. 26:18Velocity Results for Sierra Match Kings
  25. 27:05Testing Cavity Back Bullets with Ramshot Xterminator
  26. 29:05Testing Cavity Back Bullets with IMR 8208 XBR
  27. 30:56Testing Cavity Back Bullets with H335
  28. 32:50Initial Impressions of Cavity Back Performance
  29. 33:24Testing Barnes TTSX with Ramshot Xterminator
  30. 35:05Testing Barnes TTSX with Reloader 15
  31. 37:09Testing Barnes TTSX with IMR 8208 XBR
  32. 39:35Testing Barnes TTSX with H335
  33. 41:05Extended Rapid Fire with Sierra Match Kings
  34. 43:57Post-Range Session Brass Inspection
  35. 45:16Analysis of Copper Bullet Performance
  36. 45:40Addressing Copper Shaving Issues
  37. 45:59Future Reloading Plans for 6.5 Creedmoor
  38. 46:36Rifle Barrel Peculiarities and Bullet Preferences
  39. 47:23Alternative Calibers for Testing
  40. 48:01Viewer Recommendations for Bullet Brands
  41. 48:08Conclusion and Next Video Preview

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key copper bullet types tested for the 6.5 Grendel?

The video tests two main copper bullet types for the 6.5 Grendel: the 105-grain Cavity Back MKZ, known for its unique base cavity, and the 100-grain Barnes TTSX, a popular all-copper bullet with a plastic tip.

What powders were used for reloading the 6.5 Grendel copper bullets?

The reloading experiments utilized Ramshot Xterminator, Alliant Reloader 15, IMR 8208 XBR, and Hodgdon H335 powders, with a consistent charge weight of 28.0 grains for most loads.

What were the main challenges encountered when reloading copper bullets?

Challenges included potential copper shaving during bullet seating, especially with the Cavity Back bullets, and inconsistent accuracy. The instructor also noted that some copper bullets can be more expensive and may not always yield the desired accuracy in certain rifle barrels.

How did the Barnes TTSX and Cavity Back MKZ bullets perform in the 6.5 Grendel?

The Barnes TTSX bullets generally showed slightly better accuracy than the Cavity Back MKZ in this specific rifle, though neither copper bullet type achieved exceptional grouping. The instructor noted that the rifle barrel is picky and has historically favored specific bullet designs.

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