Looks like different rings for different purposes. Ok for hunting for me, deadly to 400 yards and can target shoot up to 1000. And fits my AR platform. I THINK 7.62X39 better for cheap hog killing. And 457 socom better for bears or lions. Then 22 nosler for prairie dogs or coyotes.
i guess im randomly asking but does someone know of a tool to get back into an Instagram account..? I was dumb forgot the account password. I love any tips you can offer me.
Years ago I saw a video on Future Weapons of the 6.5 Grendel and the rounds were going thru both vehicle doors and knocking the Dummy down at 100 yards. I bought a 13.5 Grendel for deer hunting and I can't pull it out at the range without someone wanting to buy it lol. Get a Grendel.. You won't be disappointed.
Wow. Recently got into a 6.5 Grendel and I had no idea with all of this. I’ll have to take a closer look at what I have. It’s a complete PSA upper with an 18” nitride barrel. But glad to see the cartridge is gaining popularity.
I like it as well. It's actually easier for me to film and edit this way so I might try to switch up my normal format a little. Thanks for the feedback!
My son and I built almost the same upper! He is having no function problems but the Brownells barrel isn't quite as accurate as we'd like. And, yes, heavy as hell. I bought a 16" Faxon Gunner barrel for my AR upper build and love it and looking back through your Grendel videos I see that your 18" Match barrel is shooting nicer groups than the Brownells barrel did. I think I see a Faxon Match barrel in our future.
In the six months I've been researching the 6.5 Grendel you are the first RUclipsr to say they prefer the Sammi spec when every article I've read every RUclips channel I watch everyone's pushing toward the type 2. So who am I supposed to believe I sure as hell ain't going to go out and buy a type 1 and a type 2 and form an opinion when I see type 2 shooting sub MOA I don't see an issue with type 2
I appreciate the info about the Grendel type 1 and type 2. I'm in the process of shopping/building an upper and this info has definitely saved me some headaches.
You have a great channel! Thank you for your work and for sharing with us! I am sold on the 6.5 Grendel! Amazing caliber, very versatile, accurate and cost effective. Going to enjoy reloading for it! Edit to add, I have a rifle with a light weight barrel, 8 MOA drop in zero, straight down, from no suppressor to suppressor.
Haven’t finished the video yet, will do that after this comment. BUT The BA 18” Grendel barrel I bought for my last build (that you and I discussed in another video), is Grendel 2 chambered. Thanks for clearing up all the verbiage around that marketing mess
I am pretty sure your BA is a Type 2 (.136 bolt) with a SAAMI spec throat (the same as my Faxon, afaik). Ballistic Advantage has the worst product description out there! I think even the manufacturers are getting confused about exactly what types of reamers they're buying. Check out this thread, where some people contacted BA for clarification: www.65grendel.com/forum/showthread.php?14331-BA-Barrel-Specs
Holy crap, that's insane. This is the guy I bought, it even says in the other info bit that it's "grendel type 2". It's amazing the manufacture can't even get their crap in one sock on what they're selling ballisticadvantage.com/18-inch-65-grendel-spr-rifle-ss-premium-barrel.html
Their reputation is good! I really like that they even manufacture the barrel blanks, and are OEM suppliers to a bunch of companies. I bet a lot of us have shot Faxon-built barrels and never even knew it! I will probably test more of their stuff in the future.
I didn't know about the the type 1/2 bolt. Thanks for the info. I was extraction problems. Now, thanks to you, my faxon 18 inch. Saami and type 2 bolt. Thank you sir
I have just put together a 6.5 Grendel with a 20in Faxon heavy fluted barrel and a faxon bolt, bolt carrier. The parts of this rifle without the scope and rings added up to 1300 dollars. Not a cheap rifle at all and the groups that I shot with three different kinds of factory ammo sucked in my mind. The smallest was around a 1.5 the worst was 2.7 or so. I just got the hornady classic reloading set so hopefully I fix this problem. The first bullets I'm going to reload will be the 100gr hornady eld or the Nosler 100gr balistic tip. I think those will be the perfect combination of velocity and bullet performance down range. I hope to see more videos on the grendel maybe with some lighter huntng bullets. Thank you for all the wisdom on reloading.
Thanks for the feedback! I will try to incorporate this format into some future videos and see what people think. It's actually easier for me to edit this way, so if it makes for a better video I will definitely go with it!
Johnny, watched the whole vid as always, and thanks for supporting a local business here in Cincinnati. Haven't dealt with them myself personally yet but I heard they are good people and their products always seem to get good praise. Hopefully you can get those light bullets figured out. I think that would make the platform a great long range shooter with that 18", give you a nice SPR.
They even manufacture the blanks! Truly barrel manufacturers...not just barrel smiths doing the profiling and chamber work. Pretty cool stuff. I'm happy so far with the accuracy I'm seeing.
Nutnfancy said in his TC compass review that suppressors help lightweight barrels achieve better accuracy. A claim that your groups seem to be supporting. Pretty cool man.
Just got my 6.5 finished, and it’s shooting about a 0.25-.30” group... at 200 yards haha. That’s crazy for me because I’m only a 1 MOA shooter, or at least I thought so.
@@NotACop247 Great groups, what are you shooting ,type and gr., be nice to find a upper to build and shoot, should have done it 6 months ago, everyone is out of stock now days. Like a long range boy to build, any ideas on who's would be great/ Thanks
In the process of assembling my Grendel now. So far I have a LaRue stripped upper, LaRue hand guard and a LaRue 18” barrel that I can’t wait to finish. No BCG yet but looking at a JP lightweight one and some form of adjustable gas block. Plan to top it with a Vortex Viper PST 5-25 most likely. Keep up the great videos, learning a lot from them..
Intermediate length is about 13+" long. It sits between Mid length and Rifle Length. Gorilla Manufacturing has a Grendel 18" with a rifle length.(For like $90)
Not sure how caliber specific it is, but I've read on several forums that the solids perform well seated to short COLs to the first pressure groove from the meplat. I've found it to be true for Barnes TTSX in 30 and 7mm calibers for testing in my guns. I've also had success on paper, and on game, with the SST bullets in both 30 and 7mm calibers as well. Good bullets. BTW, I pick up more from your "rambling" than you could know. Thanks for your effort and time, and keep up the great vids.
The reason the 6.5G market was & is screwed up is because of Les Bear and others wanting to get in on the 6.5G market but didn't want to pay royalties to AA to use the name. LBC brought the .264 LBC-AR to the market and had to change the chamber & bolt design to avoid patent infringement. I am NOT knocking LBC, I own 2 of their 1911's and love them both along with 1 of their .264 LBC carbines (it shoots 6.5G ammo just fine). The fault lies with AA keeping the 6.5G a proprietary cartridge for so long. The SAMMI spec chamber is how AA designed the 6.5G and even AA doesn't understand how they got stuck with the Grendel 2 moniker. I talked to AA while building my latest 6.5G and they are some of the nicest folks out there & very willing to help even tho I wasn't buying major parts from them. Anyone passing up the 6.5G because of the confusion is missing out on one hell of a fine cartridge/rifle combo. The 6.5G out performs the .308 Win beyond 400 yrds hands down and does it in a lighter more customizable platform (AR15), with less recoil and muzzle blast. Can you tell I'm a fan of the 6.5G? I love my .308 Win but ya gotta give this little cartridge its due.
Thanks for making another 6.5 Grendel video... I bought an Alexander Arms 6.5 24” upper and have had not one bad experience with it so far.. maybe because it’s their cartridge like you said.. just throwing it out there
28.0-28.5gr of 8208 with the Hornady ELD M 123gr has shot very well in both of my Grendel's. The 123smk's shoot just under .75 with same charge weight, out of an 18" Saturn barrel and a 20" Odin barrel
Man I completely agree when the Grendel first came out it was like you needed a Masters in gunsmithing to figure out what to buy. I know the Grendel has blown up in popularity now and they have some what standardized things but that past really hurt the reputation of the Grendel and it's such a good cartridge.
I build my Grendel around a 20" heavy barrel stainless steel with 1:8 5R rifling i have test fired it a while back haven't given the gun much love at all but will be ordering a reloader and start my load development soon and see just how good this 5R rifling is
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Glad to see you're back to the 6.5 Grendel! Lots of good info here. Those are some crazy shooting results. I have found my 6.5 Grendel to be a finicky one and my dreams of great accuracy have not materialized.
If you are shooting certain Hornady Black cartridges you will never achieve accuracy. My gun HATES the BTHP and FMJ options. I have not tested the ELD Match but have heard nothing but excellent reviews about the ELD rounds.
Jonny I love the 135 Berger classic hunter in 6.5 Grendel. I actually shot a 8 point with it this past weekend and it performed excellent. I'm getting 2480 out of an 20" black hole weponary barrel with 29.8 grains of leverevolution. So I would assume you could get 2400 FPS easily. One thing to note is I'm running my OAL at 2.305 so I have a small amount of more case capacity. I have also had good luck with VihtaVuori N540 using the 136 grain lapua Scenar-L load data. Not quite as fast but extremely accurate approximately 2400 FPS with a max book charge of 28.2 grains.
I’ve got to tell you that we both started out with the Grendel with same objective. We also started out with same 24 inch barrel. I’m now out of my Grendel because after I used it in the field for a successful deer hunt I was disappointed. No exit on a neck shot at 156 yards with the Hornady SST 123. The Grendel is one of the lowest velocity 6.5 cartridges on the market even out of a 24 inch barrel. At muzzle it barely generates the velocity needed to create hydrostatic/hydraulic shock. It certainly accurate enough but after watching numerous RUclips videos of its “killing power” it’s inconsistency made me go a different direction. I built a 20 inch Creedmoor AR-10. I was hoping you would too and you might later. I saw Creedmoor ammo at Walmart the other day. I believe the Grendel is soon to be forgotten at anything but an outstanding low recoil long range cartridge. More Creedmoor please?
I built 12" & 20" 6.5 Grendels. I am absolutely in love with this round and do not understand why our military has not switched over to it. With a little $$$ invested in R&D, it would definitely rein supreme! I have been having issues from jump with cases getting stuck in my 20" but my 12" has been beyond reliable. I haven't decided whether I'm replacing the 20" PSA barrel with a Faxon or a JP barrel (1st PSA product that I have ever had issues with but in all fairness, I have a few other things to try before I give up on it). I'm building a 14.5" 6.5G scout rifle next...
I have a SOLGW barrel, 18" 1:8". And I noticed once I got a couple hundred rounds through it that it started grouping better with everything. It also LOVES to be right at the cusp of pressure with whatever load I'm shooting. I used shooters world tactical rifle (123gr SST load) and cfe223 (HDY 95gr vmax load) recently and both loads are near the cusp of pressure for each respective weight and data list. Thankfully both loads were developed during warmer months as cfe223 is pretty touchy with heat, and shooters world tactical rifle is supposed to be similar to h335.
with the barnes bullets never load them up to the lands i have had really good luck with them they are expensive and takes a while to learn how to load them up butt go with the barnes reloading charts they do perform excellent in any gun.
I hear ya on the whole chamber/bolt dimension confusion, I went thru the same thing before I took the plunge. Originally I was looking at barrels and Brownell's had a few in stock from the Sabre Defense liquidation, the only ones they had left were 14.5" (1:7.5") and in the white. I was looking for a barrel to test out the cartridge and these caught my eye, mostly because they were only 50 bucks! So I called them to find out more and was lucky enough to get a guy who had a Grendel and was up to speed, he said "definitely a type 2 bolt" to match their barrel, which saved me a lot of frustration. So I bought the barrel and a bolt from Anderson, then I ordered some 123 gr Hornady HPBT Match and some 120 Federal Match loaded ammo to sample, back then (2018) there weren't a lot of ammo choices. I was pleasantly surprised, the Federal averaged 1 1/4" (5 shot) groups and the Hornady was just under 3/4" with the first three just shy of 1/2"! The Hornady 123 gr SST factory load shot every bit as well and printed almost to the same point of aim. Then I bought a Faxon 18" Big Gunner profile and their matching bolt and it shoots nearly as well. Now I'm about to start reloading for them both and am reviewing videos like yours. Thanks for a great video Johnny! I like to watch your handloading vids because they're more comprehensive and include a lot of detail about the how's and why's you decide on a certain powder, bullet, etc. and you talk real plain - which I appreciate! Please keep cranking them out!
I had a Grendel built on CZ30cal. carbine receiver with a 24” barrel, my builder wanted to drop it to 20”, but all the data said 6.5 like a long barrel...so I stuck to my guns....anyone familiar with the CZ knows the extended magazine makes for lousy carrying, however my builder Patriot Arms was quite amazed to find the rifle with 24” barrel balanced perfectly with hand placed just forward of the Magazine. By the way Patriot Arms changed their name shortly after that build. I also had a Mini-30 ...Grendel build...you might have figured out I’m not an AR fan. Cut my teeth on an M-14 at PI. My son has my guns as I live in exile, were weapons are forbidden.
The ejector in 762x39 is normally what breaks. With 6.5 Grendel it doesn’t seem to have bolt problems. I literally just built a 6.5, but haven’t shot it yet. Its all Aero Precision with the exception of the Bear Creek Arsenal bolt and barrel. I used 26 round duramag. I bought a bunch of 123gr AAC from PSA for the range, so hopefully it works for sighting in the gun. Faxon pronounced Fax-in. Used Faxon barrel for my 762x39 build, which identical to the Grendel build minus the obvious.
@JRB, if the gas port is .075", then the port was tuned for a standard carbine buffer and spring, I would revert it back to them and adjust gas block for function with those in place. None of my 3 Grendel's are any different. And since you aren't running yours full auto, you don't need to worry about bolt bounce, which is what the H1-H3 carbine buffers were meant to solve with different 5.56x45 barrels. Edit: the poor grouping with the 123scenar bullets in the non-suppressed/no chrono appears that you are between nodes for that powder/bullet combo, and the added weight of the suppressor/chrono has altered the tuning of the barrel down to that node range. Would like to see a ladder UP from the 25gr without suppressor to see where the groups shrink to the barrel harmonics. That's why there are 3 different groups in the unsuppressed load alone, one centered, one group at 1:30 and another group at 6:30 Edit 2: I am not surprised about the Barnes and Lehigh groups, I've tried to get Barnes bullets to shoot for over 5yrs in tons of calibers and just can't get them to group in ANY caliber I've tried them in, and even the Hornady GMX and Nosler E-Tip are extremely finicky in my testing.
I spent a ton of time trying to clean up the audio and make it work okay. I'm glad to hear it worked! I am waiting on a new microphone to arrive tomorrow, then the next video I shoot will be another 6.5 Creedmoor. Depending on when the UPS man shows up, that video will be up Wed or Thurs. Stupid technical problems have been driving me crazy and delaying my videos a lot lately!
I have a 22" Satern Grendel 2 I built a few years ago. 1/4" MOA all day. Rifle length with adjustable gas block and a Omega 30. Recoils like a 22mag and about as loud.
I have a Faxon barrel in my ultra-lightweight AR-15. I have the 14.5 pencil pinned and welded from the factory. it's great I have never had an issue with it. I also have a Glock barrel from them too, but i haven't shot it enough to comment on that. The point is a really do think Faxon is a great American company woth giveing your hard earned money.
That does sound like it would be just about right. I guess gas tubes being $15, I shouldn't get too worked up about the companies doing custom lengths.
Only problem is you can't get Adams Arms pistons in those lengths. I love me an AA piston gas system. Guess If I go to Grendel I will have to do some of that DI you all be using :)
I did the easy, but expensive easy button and bought my upper from the right source which was alexander arms. 18 inch light wt stainless. I wanted to make sure every thing was right and that I could also shoot the cheaper steel wolf 6.5 g. I have only just made sure that my 6.5 g functions and have put it aside working out the kinks with cheapo BCA 7.62x39 upper which I am starting to like a lot. I greatly appreciate detailed videos of personal experiences with this 6.5 round. I paid the extra so it would be right since I plan to make the 6.5g my mostly do everything rifle round. The .308 with ap of course is better for combat involving vehicles, but I am not planning on that type of SHTF for the moment.
So now that I have a suppressor, I get to make similar comparisons! Looking back at this again, it was kinda cool watching you go through the crazy changes with 6.5 Grendel. The shift from with a suppressor to without is around 3.5 inches for me as well. That's with .223 Rem at 100 yards so around ~3 moa. It's really annoying, especially when other shooters near have far less shift, but they all have super long barrels (24"+).
Interesting results. I think this video makes a compelling argument for velocity vs accuracy. If there was a way to squeeze out maybe an extra 150/200+ fps and maintain those groups, that would be amazing
Reference the solid bullets. From the little I’ve loaded them you have to seat them about .030 or more off the lands. They need a running start to keep pressure down. Good luck with those choices.
I have two different grendel AR’s. Both are from double star not sure who makes their barrels. I bought both used and not sure of grendel 1 or 2. Both shoot well with any 123gr ammo I buy or handload. I was gifted some 120gr amax bullets and worked up some loads. They shot great in the 20” stainless bull barreled one but wouldn’t chamber in the 16” one. The bullet would hit the lands and get stuck. Had to mortar the thing to get the bolt free. Left the bullet in the barrel dumping powder everywhere. The ojive of the 120’s is a lot more blunt than any of the 123’s I’ve shot. I can’t remember my measurements but I’m thinking in order to get the 120’s to chamber I was going to have to seat them .030 deeper than the manuals called for. To me that was going to be too much. I contacted Hornaday and they were no help at all. Any ideas would be appreciated and keep up the good work. I learn a lot from your videos.
Well if I seat them to fit the gun they’re too short and I can’t find any load data for seating them that deep. I’ve read a lot of ppl having the same problem with the 120’s in their Grendel’s. I did do a measurement on both my bolt faces after watches no your video and they’re both the .136. I just don’t know why one chambers them and the other doesn’t. Thanks for your response.
As far as I know, the SAAMI specs allow for some variation in throat length. Your 16" gun clearly has a slightly shorter throat. I would prefer to have the throat in your 16" barrel, since it will mean less jump for the proper Grendel bullets like the 123's! That often means better accuracy. Varying your oal to fit your gun is very common in reloading and only requires the same "start low and work your way up" safety measures that you use with the manual suggested oal values.
I get great accuracy from my 20” grendel. My best 3 shot group was .385 at 100 yards and 5 shots at just under 3/4” at 100 yards. Those are with handloads using 123gr matchkings over 8208 powder and Remington benchrest primers Hornady brass. I’ve shot sub moa groups out to 750 yards with this rifle as well. I’ve only shot the 16” out to 200 yards but I get basically the same good accuracy at that range. I’ve just been loading the 120’s for the 20” barrel and just shoot the 123’s in the 16”. I’ve even worked up some 129gr sst loads that shoot good in the 16” for hunting. Keep up the vids cause I learn a little more from each of your videos I watch.
At 5:03 you said it's only the BOLTS that are different? Correct me if I'm wrong but I was told NOT to mix up type 1 and 2 bolts AND type 1 or 2 BARRELS as well because they're chambered to length specifically per type? There's only "one" saami spec for the cartridge size itself... If you mixed the wrong combination, say a type 1 barrel with a type 2 bolt you could have 0.011"of the rear of the brass unsupported in the chamber or more depending on how "sloppy" the bolt and chamber are machined and possibly blow up the casing or worse the rifle?!
They were using a 7.62x39 bolt (.125 bolt face recess as opposed to the sammi grendel and grendel 2 .136 bolt face recess). My 18" Blackhole Weaponry .264 LBC uses the same 7.62x39 bolt..
You took the words right of my mouth,,,they need to standardize the barrels BCG's and what's what for sure. like the video very much even that' it's a older video. Great video and info,,,,Thanks,,now I'm really confused,,difference between 6.5 Grendel and 6.5 CM,,,,same ???
I've got the same exact barrel with a tool craft dlc type II bolt. I've had feeding issues too, but it's not the bolt or the barrel, it's the magazines. It cycles fine but it struggles to chamber the next round. The mags are tight. Running ACS and e lander and both are ridiculously difficult to unload by hand, which I'm sure it's why the bolt skips the round and can't load it. Lots of folks are filing down the mags and fixing the feeding issues
ive been looking at the bear creek arsenal 6.5 Grendel complete uppers. and you just answered all my questions as to what a type 2 is. they have type 2 with contoured barrel 1/8 twist. for little over 300. my question to you is 18, 20, or 24 inch barrel...
The wording on their website is very confusing, just like most barrel manufacturers. I think they are selling Type 2 (.136 bolt) SAAMI Grendels (compound throat), judging by some of the comments. I don't know what you're planning to do with the gun so I can't provide any guidance on barrel length. I spoke in this video about my decision to switch from 24" to 18" and my planned usage of the gun. Your requirements might be opposite, for all I know.
deibert1 Look, you can rant and rave as you call it but you are really informative man. Thanks a lot. You help us try to save money & brass. Keep up the good work!
I know that your initial comment is a year old, but I purchased the Bear Creek 24" SS barrel a year ago and it is producing 1/2" groups at 100 yards. I primarily hunt from blinds, and it is wonderful to hunt with. My barrel really likes 123gr Hornady ELD-Match, and I have harvested 2 whitetail with it. I hope this helps.
I have a Satern barrel too and it has the same loose chamber ... I also have a Rainer barrel and I have to separate my brass by gun now for resizing. It's a pain but they both shoot excellent so I just deal with it but I feel you Brother
I know this is a very old video But that 10 round mag needs the front part that’s facing the receiver Ground or filed to a U SHAPE Just enough So the rounds don’t hit the very smallest front edge That how I fixed all mine Love the video Grew shooting
I'm using a BCA barrel and bolt. I shoot handloads with 123gr Hornady SST bullets. I shoot 1" groups consistantly and have never had any kind of malfunction. Their website does say type II.
BCA's use of "Type II" is a little confusing to me so I looked around. I wish their site said "Type 2" instead. Multiple people have confirmed with them that their barrels are indeed Type 2 SAAMI Grendel chambers. So, your barrel is chambered exactly like mine, with a .136 bolt and a compound throat.
Great video, especially the explanation of type 1 and type 2, etc. I was wondering if you measured the difference in velocity between suppressed and unsuppressed? Is the 4 inch shift in POI due to a change in velocity or something else?
I did not measure velocity without the suppressor. I am certain there was not enough difference to cause such a massive shift. I think it's all about barrel harmonics. Pretty crazy to see that much difference at 100 yards!
So I've been watching several of your videos now, and I find them extremely interesting and entertaining. A lot of people seem to like the 6.5 Grendel over all the new fancy stuff and I guess it's largely due to its versatility (hunting loads, range, round-to-weight ratio, etc). I'm actually really curious about your hunting gear setups. Also, isn't a heavier barrel supposed to deal with barrel whip better?
You are exactly right about finding "nodes" with a powder/suppressor combination and the fact that most extruded propellants produce superior accuracy to most ball propellants.
Bipod leaning forward causes muzzle lift on recoil causing a little vertical stringing. Recoil should drag the feet of your bipod. My opinion and personal findings.
Not a 6.5grendel but i have a 18inch 5.56 rifle gas faxon with a KAW valley linear brake and getting close to 1/2moa if i do my part with 69gr sierra and 55gr sierra
Question, I'm loading Reloader 15 for 30-06 and I'm getting "comet tail" on the holes in the target, I don't get it with other powders, 4895, 4064 etc.
That's really surprising! Are they actually key-holing through the target or just minor instability? 4064 and Reloder 15 have very similar characteristics, so it's weird to hear that one works and the other doesn't. Are you shooting extremely heavy bullets, like 200+? If you've got a 1:12 barrel and you're shooting heavy, you might just be on the edge for stability and RL-15 is exposing it for some reason.
My Faxons are a bit whippier than my Ballistic Advantages, especially the fluted ones. I've noticed point of impact shifts on all of them although not quite as much as you are. You are having some extra whip imparted I think based on the brake. That completely goes away with the can on. I'd be interested to see the bare crowned barrel. The only barrel I haven't seen an impact shift is my 6.5 Grendel 20" DMR BA barrel, but it's just under 3 pounds and very thick. All my testing is done with a pair of Gemtech ONEs direct threaded on or the bare crowned barrel. I've been testing with the 120gr Fusion Soft Point, 123gr ELD Match and 130gr Berger Hybrid OTM.
Hey Johnny, Ii found that the 123 AMax performed much better on deer than the SST. I was having trouble with the exit.123 SST does a lot of internal damage but not exiting. The 123 AMax I shot went through top of shoulder and out the back of the other shoulder leaving about a two inch hole on both sides. What have you found? I want that exit if all possible. The second question, if they don't make the AMax anymore is that EDL Match the equivalent. I love hunting with my Grendel! What do you think?
I have 6.5 Grendel that's also a 24 inch spiral fluted barrel.It shoots lights out at 600 yards It is a cheap $73.00 BCA barrel.I love it for long range shooting.I was going to cut it down but decided to buy a 18 inch barrel. I've got a 6mm ARC with a 18 inch barrel.I want to hunt with Grendel as I do with my 6mm ARC
Man Jonny, were you on the rag or what? Thought you were gonna pop a tube. Just jacking your wires lol. I guess your demand for perfection can cause great frustration. All aside, i learn from you brother. Fight thru and please don’t give up on the 6.5 grendel.
My 308 Winchester 24" Varmint/Target Shilen barreled Savage shifts 1 MIL up when I add the Magneto Speed Sporter to it. Not surprised really. Since you are gonna use this as a Hunting rifle let's see a FULL load work up. Not just OCW... Finish to step two and beyond finalizing the charge. Might be a good time to try the 6.5 guys thing as a comparison...or maybe even try it with those pesky Sierra's that are not shooting. By the way not a crazy crappy video..just the same crud we all face working up a load or piecing a rifle together. Thought it was great. Right there with ya big fella!
SAAMI spec on the case length to the datum is 1.220-.007. The chamber is 1.2201 min to 1.2301 max. Looks like your die may be the equivalent of a small base die.
Surprise, there are about 3-different sizes to the Brass. .010 is a bunch of difference and I had this problem of 4 shots and the base would split off. I have now converted to piston on my 6.5, and does it shoot sweet.
I was going to cover the lbc but it just makes things even more confusing. It uses the parallel throat, but I think it has a tighter neck to make alignment better without the compound throat. I don't have anything bad to say about any of the similar wildcats. I just hate that all of this crap is out there confusing the market.
We have built more 6.5 Grendel rifles than any other AR-15 cartridge. The best source and semi custom rifles, is CORE 15 Rifle systems. Any specs and questions, I would call or email them about all the facts. They are whom we recommend for anyone and if our orders are way too backed up. They were granted full production from Alexander Arms to offer everything Grendel. Just stick to E-Lander magazines, as no other options still, can touch their reliability. Happy hunting, unless you shoot a 224 Valkyrie. Then just stick to paper punching.
I'm assuming you installed the barrel yourself? How much torque are you using on your barrel nut? Try bracketing 35-75 foot lbs in 10 ft lb increments at 35,45,55,65,75 and shoot 5 shot groups at each point until it groups "best". That has quite an affect on your barrel harmonics and group size. Just a royale pain...
Johnny, I bought this barrel. I'm having trouble keeping groups under 5" at 100 yds. I've been using Hornady Black 123 ELD. I did try some 90 gr varmint rounds that shot an inch at 100, but they're now out of stock everywhere. What's the deal? Why are these rounds wildly inaccurate?
I think 6.5 Grendel continues to grow in popularity in spite of the confusion because it just makes soo much sense ballistically.
the 6.5 Grendel is a nuclear powered self guided missile. Forged in the fires of Mordor. One round to rule them all!
Holy fuck....your comment was forged 9 months ago 9 rings haha
Looks like different rings for different purposes. Ok for hunting for me, deadly to 400 yards and can target shoot up to 1000. And fits my AR platform. I THINK 7.62X39 better for cheap hog killing. And 457 socom better for bears or lions. Then 22 nosler for prairie dogs or coyotes.
@@jjw5165 really iv shot black bear deer and hogs with 6.5. All have dropped fist shot everytime
i guess im randomly asking but does someone know of a tool to get back into an Instagram account..?
I was dumb forgot the account password. I love any tips you can offer me.
@Paul Talon Instablaster =)
Years ago I saw a video on Future Weapons of the 6.5 Grendel and the rounds were going thru both vehicle doors and knocking the Dummy down at 100 yards. I bought a 13.5 Grendel for deer hunting and I can't pull it out at the range without someone wanting to buy it lol. Get a Grendel.. You won't be disappointed.
Just found your videos recently. I’ve enjoyed everyone of them. Hopefully to see more one soon.
Man you did it again. Great vid. Like Carlie Simon sings it, “Nobody does it better"
The style of your dialog is great for me, you explain things exactly the way I do. Great informative video.
Thank you for all the detailed information. This was exactly the video I was hoping to find as I am doing research for my first 6.5 Grendel.
Wow. Recently got into a 6.5 Grendel and I had no idea with all of this. I’ll have to take a closer look at what I have. It’s a complete PSA upper with an 18” nitride barrel. But glad to see the cartridge is gaining popularity.
I like this format. Talk shoot talk. Good video.
Me Too...
I like it as well. It's actually easier for me to film and edit this way so I might try to switch up my normal format a little. Thanks for the feedback!
Grey Man
Me three! I likee
My son and I built almost the same upper! He is having no function problems but the Brownells barrel isn't quite as accurate as we'd like. And, yes, heavy as hell. I bought a 16" Faxon Gunner barrel for my AR upper build and love it and looking back through your Grendel videos I see that your 18" Match barrel is shooting nicer groups than the Brownells barrel did. I think I see a Faxon Match barrel in our future.
Finally getting on the band wagon and building a 6.5 Grendel upper.
In the six months I've been researching the 6.5 Grendel you are the first RUclipsr to say they prefer the Sammi spec when every article I've read every RUclips channel I watch everyone's pushing toward the type 2. So who am I supposed to believe I sure as hell ain't going to go out and buy a type 1 and a type 2 and form an opinion when I see type 2 shooting sub MOA I don't see an issue with type 2
Finally making it through the Grendel series...videos like this are why I subscribed. Wonderful.
I appreciate the info about the Grendel type 1 and type 2. I'm in the process of shopping/building an upper and this info has definitely saved me some headaches.
You have a great channel! Thank you for your work and for sharing with us! I am sold on the 6.5 Grendel! Amazing caliber, very versatile, accurate and cost effective. Going to enjoy reloading for it! Edit to add, I have a rifle with a light weight barrel, 8 MOA drop in zero, straight down, from no suppressor to suppressor.
Haven’t finished the video yet, will do that after this comment. BUT The BA 18” Grendel barrel I bought for my last build (that you and I discussed in another video), is Grendel 2 chambered. Thanks for clearing up all the verbiage around that marketing mess
I am pretty sure your BA is a Type 2 (.136 bolt) with a SAAMI spec throat (the same as my Faxon, afaik). Ballistic Advantage has the worst product description out there! I think even the manufacturers are getting confused about exactly what types of reamers they're buying. Check out this thread, where some people contacted BA for clarification: www.65grendel.com/forum/showthread.php?14331-BA-Barrel-Specs
Holy crap, that's insane. This is the guy I bought, it even says in the other info bit that it's "grendel type 2". It's amazing the manufacture can't even get their crap in one sock on what they're selling ballisticadvantage.com/18-inch-65-grendel-spr-rifle-ss-premium-barrel.html
I actually won a Faxon 18" 223wylde match series gunner profile barrel on Instagram and I built my interpretation of a SPR and its shoots lights out.
Their reputation is good! I really like that they even manufacture the barrel blanks, and are OEM suppliers to a bunch of companies. I bet a lot of us have shot Faxon-built barrels and never even knew it! I will probably test more of their stuff in the future.
Like the rant ! Yes uniform , the same, is the name of the Game . Been reloading 25 years or so. Your rant had me smiling , Very well then .
I didn't know about the the type 1/2 bolt. Thanks for the info. I was extraction problems. Now, thanks to you, my faxon 18 inch. Saami and type 2 bolt. Thank you sir
I have just put together a 6.5 Grendel with a 20in Faxon heavy fluted barrel and a faxon bolt, bolt carrier. The parts of this rifle without the scope and rings added up to 1300 dollars. Not a cheap rifle at all and the groups that I shot with three different kinds of factory ammo sucked in my mind. The smallest was around a 1.5 the worst was 2.7 or so. I just got the hornady classic reloading set so hopefully I fix this problem. The first bullets I'm going to reload will be the 100gr hornady eld or the Nosler 100gr balistic tip. I think those will be the perfect combination of velocity and bullet performance down range. I hope to see more videos on the grendel maybe with some lighter huntng bullets. Thank you for all the wisdom on reloading.
Another Great Vid... I too am enjoying this format.. Talk-Shoot-Talk-Shoot
Thanks for the feedback! I will try to incorporate this format into some future videos and see what people think. It's actually easier for me to edit this way, so if it makes for a better video I will definitely go with it!
Johnny, watched the whole vid as always, and thanks for supporting a local business here in Cincinnati. Haven't dealt with them myself personally yet but I heard they are good people and their products always seem to get good praise.
Hopefully you can get those light bullets figured out. I think that would make the platform a great long range shooter with that 18", give you a nice SPR.
They even manufacture the blanks! Truly barrel manufacturers...not just barrel smiths doing the profiling and chamber work. Pretty cool stuff. I'm happy so far with the accuracy I'm seeing.
Nutnfancy said in his TC compass review that suppressors help lightweight barrels achieve better accuracy. A claim that your groups seem to be supporting. Pretty cool man.
I’m leaning toward a 6.5 Grendel build next. Thank you for sharing from your experience.
Just got my 6.5 finished, and it’s shooting about a 0.25-.30” group... at 200 yards haha. That’s crazy for me because I’m only a 1 MOA shooter, or at least I thought so.
@@NotACop247 Great groups, what are you shooting ,type and gr., be nice to find a upper to build and shoot, should have done it 6 months ago, everyone is out of stock now days. Like a long range boy to build, any ideas on who's would be great/ Thanks
In the process of assembling my Grendel now. So far I have a LaRue stripped upper, LaRue hand guard and a LaRue 18” barrel that I can’t wait to finish. No BCG yet but looking at a JP lightweight one and some form of adjustable gas block. Plan to top it with a Vortex Viper PST 5-25 most likely. Keep up the great videos, learning a lot from them..
Intermediate length is about 13+" long. It sits between Mid length and Rifle Length. Gorilla Manufacturing has a Grendel 18" with a rifle length.(For like $90)
Do you know what size the gas port hole is? I have a barrel with the same specs and can't get it to run anything reliably
yay you went with a Faxon barrel! I am a big fan of Faxons' products.
Especially their 5R match series barrels.
I've had great results with my 20" 4150 qpq Grendel from Faxon.
Not sure how caliber specific it is, but I've read on several forums that the solids perform well seated to short COLs to the first pressure groove from the meplat. I've found it to be true for Barnes TTSX in 30 and 7mm calibers for testing in my guns. I've also had success on paper, and on game, with the SST bullets in both 30 and 7mm calibers as well. Good bullets. BTW, I pick up more from your "rambling" than you could know. Thanks for your effort and time, and keep up the great vids.
The reason the 6.5G market was & is screwed up is because of Les Bear and others wanting to get in on the 6.5G market but didn't want to pay royalties to AA to use the name. LBC brought the .264 LBC-AR to the market and had to change the chamber & bolt design to avoid patent infringement. I am NOT knocking LBC, I own 2 of their 1911's and love them both along with 1 of their .264 LBC carbines (it shoots 6.5G ammo just fine). The fault lies with AA keeping the 6.5G a proprietary cartridge for so long. The SAMMI spec chamber is how AA designed the 6.5G and even AA doesn't understand how they got stuck with the Grendel 2 moniker. I talked to AA while building my latest 6.5G and they are some of the nicest folks out there & very willing to help even tho I wasn't buying major parts from them. Anyone passing up the 6.5G because of the confusion is missing out on one hell of a fine cartridge/rifle combo. The 6.5G out performs the .308 Win beyond 400 yrds hands down and does it in a lighter more customizable platform (AR15), with less recoil and muzzle blast. Can you tell I'm a fan of the 6.5G? I love my .308 Win but ya gotta give this little cartridge its due.
Thanks for making another 6.5 Grendel video... I bought an Alexander Arms 6.5 24” upper and have had not one bad experience with it so far.. maybe because it’s their cartridge like you said.. just throwing it out there
Yup, you can be sure that's a SAAMI chamber! haha I've heard great things about the AA uppers.
Love your videos! Just got a matching 16" Satern BBL in 300 BlkOut with my 16" Grendel.
28.0-28.5gr of 8208 with the Hornady ELD M 123gr has shot very well in both of my Grendel's.
The 123smk's shoot just under .75 with same charge weight, out of an 18" Saturn barrel and a 20" Odin barrel
what kind of velocities do you get from the 18 vs the 20?
Man I completely agree when the Grendel first came out it was like you needed a Masters in gunsmithing to figure out what to buy. I know the Grendel has blown up in popularity now and they have some what standardized things but that past really hurt the reputation of the Grendel and it's such a good cartridge.
I build my Grendel around a 20" heavy barrel stainless steel with 1:8 5R rifling i have test fired it a while back haven't given the gun much love at all but will be ordering a reloader and start my load development soon and see just how good this 5R rifling is
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Glad to see you're back to the 6.5 Grendel! Lots of good info here. Those are some crazy shooting results. I have found my 6.5 Grendel to be a finicky one and my dreams of great accuracy have not materialized.
If you are shooting certain Hornady Black cartridges you will never achieve accuracy. My gun HATES the BTHP and FMJ options. I have not tested the ELD Match but have heard nothing but excellent reviews about the ELD rounds.
Jonny I love the 135 Berger classic hunter in 6.5 Grendel. I actually shot a 8 point with it this past weekend and it performed excellent. I'm getting 2480 out of an 20" black hole weponary barrel with 29.8 grains of leverevolution. So I would assume you could get 2400 FPS easily. One thing to note is I'm running my OAL at 2.305 so I have a small amount of more case capacity. I have also had good luck with VihtaVuori N540 using the 136 grain lapua Scenar-L load data. Not quite as fast but extremely accurate approximately 2400 FPS with a max book charge of 28.2 grains.
Solid info! Thanks!
Gotta try some of those 100gr gamekings in my 243 someday.
Nice video man. None of that "breaking in the barrel" BS some folks like to talk about.
I’ve got to tell you that we both started out with the Grendel with same objective. We also started out with same 24 inch barrel. I’m now out of my Grendel because after I used it in the field for a successful deer hunt I was disappointed. No exit on a neck shot at 156 yards with the Hornady SST 123. The Grendel is one of the lowest velocity 6.5 cartridges on the market even out of a 24 inch barrel. At muzzle it barely generates the velocity needed to create hydrostatic/hydraulic shock. It certainly accurate enough but after watching numerous RUclips videos of its “killing power” it’s inconsistency made me go a different direction. I built a 20 inch Creedmoor AR-10. I was hoping you would too and you might later. I saw Creedmoor ammo at Walmart the other day. I believe the Grendel is soon to be forgotten at anything but an outstanding low recoil long range cartridge. More Creedmoor please?
😅😅😅
I built 12" & 20" 6.5 Grendels. I am absolutely in love with this round and do not understand why our military has not switched over to it. With a little $$$ invested in R&D, it would definitely rein supreme!
I have been having issues from jump with cases getting stuck in my 20" but my 12" has been beyond reliable. I haven't decided whether I'm replacing the 20" PSA barrel with a Faxon or a JP barrel (1st PSA product that I have ever had issues with but in all fairness, I have a few other things to try before I give up on it).
I'm building a 14.5" 6.5G scout rifle next...
I have a SOLGW barrel, 18" 1:8". And I noticed once I got a couple hundred rounds through it that it started grouping better with everything. It also LOVES to be right at the cusp of pressure with whatever load I'm shooting. I used shooters world tactical rifle (123gr SST load) and cfe223 (HDY 95gr vmax load) recently and both loads are near the cusp of pressure for each respective weight and data list.
Thankfully both loads were developed during warmer months as cfe223 is pretty touchy with heat, and shooters world tactical rifle is supposed to be similar to h335.
with the barnes bullets never load them up to the lands i have had really good luck with them they are expensive and takes a while to learn how to load them up butt go with the barnes reloading charts they do perform excellent in any gun.
I hear ya on the whole chamber/bolt dimension confusion, I went thru the same thing before I took the plunge. Originally I was looking at barrels and Brownell's had a few in stock from the Sabre Defense liquidation, the only ones they had left were 14.5" (1:7.5") and in the white. I was looking for a barrel to test out the cartridge and these caught my eye, mostly because they were only 50 bucks! So I called them to find out more and was lucky enough to get a guy who had a Grendel and was up to speed, he said "definitely a type 2 bolt" to match their barrel, which saved me a lot of frustration.
So I bought the barrel and a bolt from Anderson, then I ordered some 123 gr Hornady HPBT Match and some 120 Federal Match loaded ammo to sample, back then (2018) there weren't a lot of ammo choices. I was pleasantly surprised, the Federal averaged 1 1/4" (5 shot) groups and the Hornady was just under 3/4" with the first three just shy of 1/2"! The Hornady 123 gr SST factory load shot every bit as well and printed almost to the same point of aim. Then I bought a Faxon 18" Big Gunner profile and their matching bolt and it shoots nearly as well. Now I'm about to start reloading for them both and am reviewing videos like yours.
Thanks for a great video Johnny! I like to watch your handloading vids because they're more comprehensive and include a lot of detail about the how's and why's you decide on a certain powder, bullet, etc. and you talk real plain - which I appreciate! Please keep cranking them out!
I had a Grendel built on CZ30cal. carbine receiver with a 24” barrel, my builder wanted to drop it to 20”, but all the data said 6.5 like a long barrel...so I stuck to my guns....anyone familiar with the CZ knows the extended magazine makes for lousy carrying, however my builder Patriot Arms was quite amazed to find the rifle with 24” barrel balanced perfectly with hand placed just forward of the Magazine. By the way Patriot Arms changed their name shortly after that build. I also had a Mini-30 ...Grendel build...you might have figured out I’m not an AR fan. Cut my teeth on an M-14 at PI. My son has my guns as I live in exile, were weapons are forbidden.
The ejector in 762x39 is normally what breaks. With 6.5 Grendel it doesn’t seem to have bolt problems.
I literally just built a 6.5, but haven’t shot it yet. Its all Aero Precision with the exception of the Bear Creek Arsenal bolt and barrel. I used 26 round duramag.
I bought a bunch of 123gr AAC from PSA for the range, so hopefully it works for sighting in the gun.
Faxon pronounced Fax-in.
Used Faxon barrel for my 762x39 build, which identical to the Grendel build minus the obvious.
@JRB, if the gas port is .075", then the port was tuned for a standard carbine buffer and spring, I would revert it back to them and adjust gas block for function with those in place. None of my 3 Grendel's are any different. And since you aren't running yours full auto, you don't need to worry about bolt bounce, which is what the H1-H3 carbine buffers were meant to solve with different 5.56x45 barrels.
Edit: the poor grouping with the 123scenar bullets in the non-suppressed/no chrono appears that you are between nodes for that powder/bullet combo, and the added weight of the suppressor/chrono has altered the tuning of the barrel down to that node range. Would like to see a ladder UP from the 25gr without suppressor to see where the groups shrink to the barrel harmonics. That's why there are 3 different groups in the unsuppressed load alone, one centered, one group at 1:30 and another group at 6:30
Edit 2: I am not surprised about the Barnes and Lehigh groups, I've tried to get Barnes bullets to shoot for over 5yrs in tons of calibers and just can't get them to group in ANY caliber I've tried them in, and even the Hornady GMX and Nosler E-Tip are extremely finicky in my testing.
Omg! Why’d you fix that trigger “problem?” Looks like it was working great to me.
ATF: ....>_>
Once an MG, always an MG.
@@ryanbernard6550 o
Audio was fine! no issues at all. Waiting for 6.5 Creedmor and .308 win! :)
I spent a ton of time trying to clean up the audio and make it work okay. I'm glad to hear it worked! I am waiting on a new microphone to arrive tomorrow, then the next video I shoot will be another 6.5 Creedmoor. Depending on when the UPS man shows up, that video will be up Wed or Thurs. Stupid technical problems have been driving me crazy and delaying my videos a lot lately!
I didn't notice anything wrong at all with Audio. It sounded perfect! What software do you use for video editing?
Adobe Premiere Pro
Dude. You’re not joking. “JP bolt costs 8 million dollars.”
Great looking piece of engineering and I'd love to have one some day but... YEESH. that price is STEEP.
Great video, I got this exact barrel for a review build on my channel. Interesting to see how well mine does...
Grendel is King, if you don't own one you wouldn't understand. This is the biggest and baddest do all you will find. 6.5 grendel for President!
I have a 22" Satern Grendel 2 I built a few years ago. 1/4" MOA all day. Rifle length with adjustable gas block and a Omega 30. Recoils like a 22mag and about as loud.
I have a Faxon barrel in my ultra-lightweight AR-15. I have the 14.5 pencil pinned and welded from the factory. it's great I have never had an issue with it. I also have a Glock barrel from them too, but i haven't shot it enough to comment on that. The point is a really do think Faxon is a great American company woth giveing your hard earned money.
Odin's Intermediate gas system is "in between" a rifle length and mid length system. Seems to be working well so far on my 18" Grendel Build.
That does sound like it would be just about right. I guess gas tubes being $15, I shouldn't get too worked up about the companies doing custom lengths.
Only problem is you can't get Adams Arms pistons in those lengths. I love me an AA piston gas system. Guess If I go to Grendel I will have to do some of that DI you all be using :)
I have the intermediate length on my Odin 18" DMR .233 Wylde. It shoots great, never a hiccup and very accurate.
I did the easy, but expensive easy button and bought my upper from the right source which was alexander arms. 18 inch light wt stainless. I wanted to make sure every thing was right and that I could also shoot the cheaper steel wolf 6.5 g. I have only just made sure that my 6.5 g functions and have put it aside working out the kinks with cheapo BCA 7.62x39 upper which I am starting to like a lot. I greatly appreciate detailed videos of personal experiences with this 6.5 round. I paid the extra so it would be right since I plan to make the 6.5g my mostly do everything rifle round. The .308 with ap of course is better for combat involving vehicles, but I am not planning on that type of SHTF for the moment.
Crazy how much a suppressor can help with accuracy and barrel harmonics
So now that I have a suppressor, I get to make similar comparisons! Looking back at this again, it was kinda cool watching you go through the crazy changes with 6.5 Grendel. The shift from with a suppressor to without is around 3.5 inches for me as well. That's with .223 Rem at 100 yards so around ~3 moa. It's really annoying, especially when other shooters near have far less shift, but they all have super long barrels (24"+).
Great info. Thanks for keeping good info in your videos
the SLR rifleworks adjustable gas blocks are awesome
Interesting results. I think this video makes a compelling argument for velocity vs accuracy. If there was a way to squeeze out maybe an extra 150/200+ fps and maintain those groups, that would be amazing
Reference the solid bullets. From the little I’ve loaded them you have to seat them about .030 or more off the lands. They need a running start to keep pressure down. Good luck with those choices.
In the infamous words of Clark W Griswold, “hallelujah, holy shit...where’s the Tylenol?” 😂
I definitely saw extraction problems for a while; I have a type 2 bolt ; I bought a 2 piece 3/4 stainless split collar for barrel tuning
I have two different grendel AR’s. Both are from double star not sure who makes their barrels. I bought both used and not sure of grendel 1 or 2. Both shoot well with any 123gr ammo I buy or handload. I was gifted some 120gr amax bullets and worked up some loads. They shot great in the 20” stainless bull barreled one but wouldn’t chamber in the 16” one. The bullet would hit the lands and get stuck. Had to mortar the thing to get the bolt free. Left the bullet in the barrel dumping powder everywhere. The ojive of the 120’s is a lot more blunt than any of the 123’s I’ve shot. I can’t remember my measurements but I’m thinking in order to get the 120’s to chamber I was going to have to seat them .030 deeper than the manuals called for. To me that was going to be too much. I contacted Hornaday and they were no help at all. Any ideas would be appreciated and keep up the good work. I learn a lot from your videos.
If you're not willing to seat them to the required length for your gun, I don't think there is any fix.
Well if I seat them to fit the gun they’re too short and I can’t find any load data for seating them that deep. I’ve read a lot of ppl having the same problem with the 120’s in their Grendel’s. I did do a measurement on both my bolt faces after watches no your video and they’re both the .136. I just don’t know why one chambers them and the other doesn’t. Thanks for your response.
As far as I know, the SAAMI specs allow for some variation in throat length. Your 16" gun clearly has a slightly shorter throat. I would prefer to have the throat in your 16" barrel, since it will mean less jump for the proper Grendel bullets like the 123's! That often means better accuracy.
Varying your oal to fit your gun is very common in reloading and only requires the same "start low and work your way up" safety measures that you use with the manual suggested oal values.
I get great accuracy from my 20” grendel. My best 3 shot group was .385 at 100 yards and 5 shots at just under 3/4” at 100 yards. Those are with handloads using 123gr matchkings over 8208 powder and Remington benchrest primers Hornady brass. I’ve shot sub moa groups out to 750 yards with this rifle as well. I’ve only shot the 16” out to 200 yards but I get basically the same good accuracy at that range. I’ve just been loading the 120’s for the 20” barrel and just shoot the 123’s in the 16”. I’ve even worked up some 129gr sst loads that shoot good in the 16” for hunting. Keep up the vids cause I learn a little more from each of your videos I watch.
At 5:03 you said it's only the BOLTS that are different? Correct me if I'm wrong but I was told NOT to mix up type 1 and 2 bolts AND type 1 or 2 BARRELS as well because they're chambered to length specifically per type? There's only "one" saami spec for the cartridge size itself... If you mixed the wrong combination, say a type 1 barrel with a type 2 bolt you could have 0.011"of the rear of the brass unsupported in the chamber or more depending on how "sloppy" the bolt and chamber are machined and possibly blow up the casing or worse the rifle?!
And yes they were using 7.62 by 39 parts for the 6.5 Grendel in the type 1
They were using a 7.62x39 bolt (.125 bolt face recess as opposed to the sammi grendel and grendel 2 .136 bolt face recess). My 18" Blackhole Weaponry .264 LBC uses the same 7.62x39 bolt..
You took the words right of my mouth,,,they need to standardize the barrels BCG's and what's what for sure. like the video very much even that' it's a older video. Great video and info,,,,Thanks,,now I'm really confused,,difference between 6.5 Grendel and 6.5 CM,,,,same ???
Miss the Grendel videos!!!
I've got the same exact barrel with a tool craft dlc type II bolt. I've had feeding issues too, but it's not the bolt or the barrel, it's the magazines. It cycles fine but it struggles to chamber the next round. The mags are tight. Running ACS and e lander and both are ridiculously difficult to unload by hand, which I'm sure it's why the bolt skips the round and can't load it. Lots of folks are filing down the mags and fixing the feeding issues
ive been looking at the bear creek arsenal 6.5 Grendel complete uppers. and you just answered all my questions as to what a type 2 is. they have type 2 with contoured barrel 1/8 twist. for little over 300. my question to you is 18, 20, or 24 inch barrel...
The wording on their website is very confusing, just like most barrel manufacturers. I think they are selling Type 2 (.136 bolt) SAAMI Grendels (compound throat), judging by some of the comments. I don't know what you're planning to do with the gun so I can't provide any guidance on barrel length. I spoke in this video about my decision to switch from 24" to 18" and my planned usage of the gun. Your requirements might be opposite, for all I know.
its going to be used as a hunting rifle
deibert1
Look, you can rant and rave as you call it but you are really informative man. Thanks a lot. You help us try to save money & brass.
Keep up the good work!
deibert1
Sorry, I thought I was talking to Mr Johnny.
My bad.
I know that your initial comment is a year old, but I purchased the Bear Creek 24" SS barrel a year ago and it is producing 1/2" groups at 100 yards. I primarily hunt from blinds, and it is wonderful to hunt with. My barrel really likes 123gr Hornady ELD-Match, and I have harvested 2 whitetail with it. I hope this helps.
I have a Satern barrel too and it has the same loose chamber ... I also have a Rainer barrel and I have to separate my brass by gun now for resizing. It's a pain but they both shoot excellent so I just deal with it but I feel you Brother
Johnny, now that you've abandoned the 22 Nosler, can we see you play with a .224 Valkyrie?
I know this is a very old video
But that 10 round mag needs the front part that’s facing the receiver
Ground or filed to a
U SHAPE
Just enough
So the rounds don’t hit the very smallest front edge
That how I fixed all mine
Love the video
Grew shooting
This is my 1st time with the 6.5 grendel but i like it better than my 55.6AR
I'm using a BCA barrel and bolt. I shoot handloads with 123gr Hornady SST bullets. I shoot 1" groups consistantly and have never had any kind of malfunction. Their website does say type II.
BCA's use of "Type II" is a little confusing to me so I looked around. I wish their site said "Type 2" instead. Multiple people have confirmed with them that their barrels are indeed Type 2 SAAMI Grendel chambers. So, your barrel is chambered exactly like mine, with a .136 bolt and a compound throat.
Great video, especially the explanation of type 1 and type 2, etc.
I was wondering if you measured the difference in velocity between suppressed and unsuppressed? Is the 4 inch shift in POI due to a change in velocity or something else?
I did not measure velocity without the suppressor. I am certain there was not enough difference to cause such a massive shift. I think it's all about barrel harmonics. Pretty crazy to see that much difference at 100 yards!
Would like to know which one you went with ive been debating between the 20 or 18..
So I've been watching several of your videos now, and I find them extremely interesting and entertaining. A lot of people seem to like the 6.5 Grendel over all the new fancy stuff and I guess it's largely due to its versatility (hunting loads, range, round-to-weight ratio, etc). I'm actually really curious about your hunting gear setups.
Also, isn't a heavier barrel supposed to deal with barrel whip better?
I’ve had a bad barrel from Faxon. They replaced it but the barrel I got still didn’t shoot that great. It was 18” Heavy Fluted .308.
Thanks for all the great information!
I’ve re-loaded straight wall pistol cartridges in the past can you do a video on how to get into the loading rifle cartridges and what all necessary.
You did a good job on this video to me 👍
Barrel harmonics, great example of how it works in the real world
You are exactly right about finding "nodes" with a powder/suppressor combination and the fact that most extruded propellants produce superior accuracy to most ball propellants.
Bipod leaning forward causes muzzle lift on recoil causing a little vertical stringing. Recoil should drag the feet of your bipod. My opinion and personal findings.
Not a 6.5grendel but i have a 18inch 5.56 rifle gas faxon with a KAW valley linear brake and getting close to 1/2moa if i do my part with 69gr sierra and 55gr sierra
Question, I'm loading Reloader 15 for 30-06 and I'm getting "comet tail" on the holes in the target, I don't get it with other powders, 4895, 4064 etc.
That's really surprising! Are they actually key-holing through the target or just minor instability? 4064 and Reloder 15 have very similar characteristics, so it's weird to hear that one works and the other doesn't. Are you shooting extremely heavy bullets, like 200+? If you've got a 1:12 barrel and you're shooting heavy, you might just be on the edge for stability and RL-15 is exposing it for some reason.
Try this. www.jbmballistics.com/cgi-bin/jbmstab-5.1.cgi
I always thought it was pronouced just like 'faction'. I have, shoot, and love an 18 inch barreled 6.5 grendel. Love that cartridge.
My Faxons are a bit whippier than my Ballistic Advantages, especially the fluted ones. I've noticed point of impact shifts on all of them although not quite as much as you are. You are having some extra whip imparted I think based on the brake. That completely goes away with the can on. I'd be interested to see the bare crowned barrel. The only barrel I haven't seen an impact shift is my 6.5 Grendel 20" DMR BA barrel, but it's just under 3 pounds and very thick. All my testing is done with a pair of Gemtech ONEs direct threaded on or the bare crowned barrel. I've been testing with the 120gr Fusion Soft Point, 123gr ELD Match and 130gr Berger Hybrid OTM.
Just an FYI Johnny, Ballistic Advantage sell's an 18in SPR 6.5 Grendel barrel and it has a rifle length gas system.
Hey Johnny, Ii found that the 123 AMax performed much better on deer than the SST. I was having trouble with the exit.123 SST does a lot of internal damage but not exiting. The 123 AMax I shot went through top of shoulder and out the back of the other shoulder leaving about a two inch hole on both sides. What have you found? I want that exit if all possible. The second question, if they don't make the AMax anymore is that EDL Match the equivalent. I love hunting with my Grendel! What do you think?
I have 6.5 Grendel that's also a 24 inch spiral fluted barrel.It shoots lights out at 600 yards It is a cheap $73.00 BCA barrel.I love it for long range shooting.I was going to cut it down but decided to buy a 18 inch barrel.
I've got a 6mm ARC with a 18 inch barrel.I want to hunt with Grendel as I do with my 6mm ARC
FYI the Maxim bolt is the bolt Satern barrels come with
Ill take my 6.5 G 16" pencil faxon out this weekend and tell you how much the drop difference is with a suppressor.
Thanks, brother. I'll be interested to hear your results!
It should gain a little velocity with the suppressor on it.
Well?
Man Jonny, were you on the rag or what? Thought you were gonna pop a tube. Just jacking your wires lol. I guess your demand for perfection can cause great frustration. All aside, i learn from you brother. Fight thru and please don’t give up on the 6.5 grendel.
My 308 Winchester 24" Varmint/Target Shilen barreled Savage shifts 1 MIL up when I add the Magneto Speed Sporter to it. Not surprised really.
Since you are gonna use this as a Hunting rifle let's see a FULL load work up. Not just OCW... Finish to step two and beyond finalizing the charge.
Might be a good time to try the 6.5 guys thing as a comparison...or maybe even try it with those pesky Sierra's that are not shooting.
By the way not a crazy crappy video..just the same crud we all face working up a load or piecing a rifle together. Thought it was great. Right there with ya big fella!
SAAMI spec on the case length to the datum is 1.220-.007. The chamber is 1.2201 min to 1.2301 max. Looks like your die may be the equivalent of a small base die.
Surprise, there are about 3-different sizes to the Brass. .010 is a bunch of difference and I had this problem of 4 shots and the base would split off. I have now converted to piston on my 6.5, and does it shoot sweet.
The .264 lbc has a diffrent throat too, its shorter than a grendel 2 and parallel.
I was going to cover the lbc but it just makes things even more confusing. It uses the parallel throat, but I think it has a tighter neck to make alignment better without the compound throat.
I don't have anything bad to say about any of the similar wildcats. I just hate that all of this crap is out there confusing the market.
.295 neck vs .300 neck and slightly less freebore. Uses the same single angle "parrallel" throat as the Grendel II.
We have built more 6.5 Grendel rifles than any other AR-15 cartridge. The best source and semi custom rifles, is CORE 15 Rifle systems. Any specs and questions, I would call or email them about all the facts. They are whom we recommend for anyone and if our orders are way too backed up. They were granted full production from Alexander Arms to offer everything Grendel. Just stick to E-Lander magazines, as no other options still, can touch their reliability. Happy hunting, unless you shoot a 224 Valkyrie. Then just stick to paper punching.
I'm assuming you installed the barrel yourself? How much torque are you using on your barrel nut? Try bracketing 35-75 foot lbs in 10 ft lb increments at 35,45,55,65,75 and shoot 5 shot groups at each point until it groups "best". That has quite an affect on your barrel harmonics and group size. Just a royale pain...
Johnny, I bought this barrel. I'm having trouble keeping groups under 5" at 100 yds. I've been using Hornady Black 123 ELD. I did try some 90 gr varmint rounds that shot an inch at 100, but they're now out of stock everywhere. What's the deal? Why are these rounds wildly inaccurate?