6.5 Grendel - 140gr Hornady Match BTHP with N540

Published on July 28, 2018
Duration: 19:28

This video details the process of reloading 6.5 Grendel ammunition using 140-grain Hornady Match BTHP bullets and Vihtavuori N540 powder. The instructor outlines a load development strategy, starting with 25.5 grains and increasing in 0.5-grain increments up to 27.5 grains, while meticulously setting overall cartridge length and monitoring for pressure signs. The testing also explores the impact of a suppressor on point of impact and group size, linking it to an upcoming video on barrel harmonics.

Quick Summary

Reloading 6.5 Grendel with 140gr Hornady Match BTHP and Vihtavuori N540 starts at 25.5 grains, working up to 27.5 grains in 0.5-grain increments. Compressed loads may reduce accuracy, and suppressors can improve group size and cause a point of impact shift. Load data for heavy bullets in 6.5 Grendel is scarce, making this testing valuable.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: 6.5 Grendel Reloading with 140gr Hornady Match & N540
  2. 00:22Powder Selection: Vihtavuori N540 for Heavy Bullets
  3. 00:59Testing Methodology: Suppressor vs. Non-Suppressor
  4. 01:40Vihtavuori Load Data for 6.5 Grendel
  5. 02:01Target Max Charge: 27.5 Grains N540
  6. 02:15Load Development Range: 0.5 Grain Increments
  7. 02:24Primer Selection: CCI No. 41
  8. 02:50Brass Preparation: New Hornady Brass
  9. 03:03Overall Length Target: 2.270 Inches
  10. 03:41Bullet Seating Process with Forster Die
  11. 07:13Range Testing: Without Suppressor
  12. 07:47First Charge: 25.5 Grains N540 (No Suppressor)
  13. 09:04Next Charge: 26.0 Grains N540 (No Suppressor)
  14. 09:47Next Charge: 26.5 Grains N540 (No Suppressor)
  15. 10:18Next Charge: 27.0 Grains N540 (No Suppressor)
  16. 10:44Max Charge: 27.5 Grains N540 (No Suppressor)
  17. 11:01Range Testing: With Suppressor
  18. 11:14First Charge: 25.5 Grains N540 (With Suppressor)
  19. 12:46Next Charge: 26.0 Grains N540 (With Suppressor)
  20. 13:09Next Charge: 26.5 Grains N540 (With Suppressor)
  21. 13:28Next Charge: 27.0 Grains N540 (With Suppressor)
  22. 13:55Pressure Signs and Conclusion of Testing
  23. 14:24Brass Inspection: Pressure Signs Analysis
  24. 16:01Results Summary: N540 vs. Previous Powders
  25. 16:31Today's Target Analysis: Groups and Velocities
  26. 17:15Impact of Compressed Loads on Accuracy
  27. 17:51Suppressor Impact on Group Tightening
  28. 18:11Upcoming Video: Barrel Harmonics and Damping
  29. 18:55Future Ammunition Testing: Moving to 130 Grain Bullets
  30. 19:23Conclusion and Farewell

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the recommended starting load for 6.5 Grendel with 140gr Hornady Match BTHP and Vihtavuori N540?

The recommended starting load for the 6.5 Grendel with 140gr Hornady Match BTHP and Vihtavuori N540 is 25.5 grains. The instructor plans to work up in 0.5-grain increments to a maximum of 27.5 grains, carefully monitoring for pressure signs.

How does a suppressor affect accuracy with the 6.5 Grendel and 140gr loads?

In this test, attaching a suppressor to the 18-inch Faxon barrel resulted in a downward point of impact shift of approximately 3 MOA and generally tightened groups. This suggests suppressors can positively influence accuracy by affecting barrel harmonics.

Are compressed loads of Vihtavuori N540 suitable for the 6.5 Grendel?

The testing indicated that compressed loads of Vihtavuori N540 may lead to degraded accuracy in this specific 6.5 Grendel setup. The best groups were observed with lower, non-compressed charge weights, suggesting the powder might not perform optimally under compression.

What is the ideal overall cartridge length for 140gr Hornady Match bullets in a 6.5 Grendel?

The instructor targeted an overall cartridge length of 2.270 inches for the 140gr Hornady Match BTHP in the 6.5 Grendel. This length provided approximately 0.075 inches of jump to the lands, balancing magazine fit with potential accuracy benefits.

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