Loading 6.5 Grendel - ep 5 - 70 more handloads for function testing

Published on November 30, 2015
Duration: 27:35

This video details the initial function testing of 70 handloaded 6.5 Grendel rounds using seven different powders. The presenter focuses on forming new brass, addressing minor extractor marks, and conducting round-robin testing at 200 yards to gather baseline velocity and accuracy data. The results indicate AR Comp shows promise for accuracy and consistent velocity, with no significant performance degradation observed due to fouling after 70 rounds, paving the way for more rigorous load development.

Quick Summary

Initial function testing of 70 handloaded 6.5 Grendel rounds involved forming new brass, addressing extractor marks, and testing seven powders. AR Comp showed excellent accuracy and velocity consistency, while H335 was the least accurate. No significant accuracy degradation was noted due to fouling after 70 rounds.

Chapters

  1. 00:01Introduction: 6.5 Grendel Handload Testing
  2. 00:07Preparing New Brass for Function Testing
  3. 00:41Selecting Powders for Initial Testing
  4. 01:08Adjusting Overall Length (OAL)
  5. 01:56Addressing Extractor Marks on Brass
  6. 03:35Sizing New Brass Without Lube
  7. 04:13List of Tested Powders
  8. 05:02Case Capacity vs. Pressure Considerations
  9. 05:46Priming Cases
  10. 07:01Completing the Handloads
  11. 07:31Ammo Box Recommendations
  12. 08:11Bullet Comparator Insert Reminder
  13. 08:51Range Conditions and Setup
  14. 09:09Shooting at the 200 Yard Line
  15. 09:41Round Robin Shooting Strategy
  16. 10:15Using the MagnetoSpeed Chronograph
  17. 10:51H335 Powder Test Results
  18. 11:17Ramshot TAC Powder Test Results
  19. 12:03Confirming All Loads On Paper
  20. 15:30Decision to Not Clean Firearm During Testing
  21. 18:45Firearm Break-In Complete
  22. 19:08Analyzing Target and Velocity Data
  23. 19:40Impact of Fouling on Accuracy
  24. 20:13AR Comp: Promising Accuracy Results
  25. 21:27Key Takeaways from Testing
  26. 22:30Case Fill Comparison of Powders
  27. 23:15Worst Performing Powder: H335
  28. 23:39Varget and Reloader 15 Accuracy
  29. 24:22BLC2 Performance and Called Shot
  30. 24:52Comparing Observed Velocity to Manual Data
  31. 25:31Next Steps: Real Load Development
  32. 26:12Exploring Load Development Techniques (OCW, Ladder)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the initial 70 rounds of 6.5 Grendel handloads?

The initial 70 rounds of 6.5 Grendel handloads serve multiple purposes: to form the new brass to its final case capacity, to break in the firearm, and to conduct function testing with seven different powders to gather baseline velocity and accuracy data before dedicated load development.

How can extractor marks on 6.5 Grendel brass be addressed?

Extractor marks on the case rim, caused by the extractor digging into the brass during ejection, can be mitigated by lightly polishing the sharp internal edges of the extractor itself. This reduces friction and prevents excessive marking.

Which powder showed the most promising accuracy for 6.5 Grendel in initial testing?

In the initial function testing, AR Comp powder demonstrated excellent accuracy potential, producing tight groups at 200 yards with outstanding velocity consistency. Varget and Reloader 15 also showed good accuracy, while H335 was the least accurate.

Does firearm fouling affect accuracy in 6.5 Grendel after 70 rounds?

No significant performance degradation due to fouling was observed after firing 70 rounds through the 6.5 Grendel. This suggests the firearm can maintain consistent accuracy even when dirty, simplifying future load development and shooting sessions.

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