AP 6.5 Grendel build.

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Brianma65

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So I decided to build a 6.5 Grendel on an Aero Precision set.( until my MS set is ready)
I got about $850 into it.
Weighs 7.8 lbs.
I’m still waiting on components for testing.
Overall it’s not bad for the price.
Anyway , here’s a pic.
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For sure, I m probably going to get a better barrel as this one only cost me a buck and quarter :)
I got some Lapua brass, Vivatouri 530 and a couple of box’s 123 g bullits enroute.
So if the barrel is good, I’ll keep it.
 
I’ve been looking at the MRA but they’ve been having a few issues, that I don’t really want to deal with.
As this is strictly a hunting barrel, if it’s MOA I’m good . If not, I may look at a IBI barrel.
 
The fluting isn't indexed 100% on my MRA but other than that everything else checks out fine.

If you don't care about having fluting then you're probably best to get a barrel direct from IBI
 
jiffx2781 said:
The fluting isn't indexed 100% on my MRA but other than that everything else checks out fine.

If you don't care about having fluting then you're probably best to get a barrel direct from IBI
Click to expand...
I don’t think fluting is all it’s cracked up to be, don’t make sense to me.
But it wouldn’t bother me if it was a bit misaligned.
But I’ve read they’ve been having issues with the gas tube alignment, so I’d rather spend the extra $100 and get the IBI.
 
I got the BCG,LPK,buttstock assembly’s and CH from brownells.
The Barrel off the EE( CNA from TNA)
Brake,Mag and GB from TNA.
Cost just under a $1000 all in.
Weighs 7.8 lbs.
 
I've heard the same so I too purchased specific mags from TNA. I purchased the LEE Pacesetter die set , and due to me using 7.62x39 cases was forced to remove material from the case holder to allow it to size the entire case to size. It created a small bulge near the base that would not allow the case to fit in the case gauge. . Once i removed a bit of material i then had it fit perfectly, the reason i did it that way is shell holders are the cheapest part to replace if I pooched it.
Brianma65 let me know if your rolling your own feed, and what your results are please

heres the start of the ammo build.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrlC7BzsCxQ
 
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I was thinking of trying the x 39 cases but just gritted my teeth and bought 6.5 lapua brass... ouch

I also have 123g ELD X, 123 g Matchking and Vihtavouri 540 on the way.
Only problem is, it’s a cheap barrel, so we’ll see:)
 
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PPCLI-Jim said:
I've heard the same so I too purchased specific mags from TNA. I purchased the LEE Pacesetter die set , and due to me using 7.62x39 cases was forced to remove material from the case holder to allow it to size the entire case to size. It created a small bulge near the base that would not allow the case to fit in the case gauge. . Once i removed a bit of material i then had it fit perfectly, the reason i did it that way is shell holders are the cheapest part to replace if I pooched it.
Brianma65 let me know if your rolling your own feed, and what your results are please

heres the start of the ammo build.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrlC7BzsCxQ
Click to expand...

Wouldn't that also push the shoulder back by pushing the brass further into the die?
I would be sure you do some measuring before you do too many or fire them. Don't just rely on the case gauge, you can't see where the shoulder sits inside there, they'll fit as long as it's short enough.
I would buy another shell holder to use after you've fired them once as well. You don't want/need to be pushing things around that much once they're fire formed.

Sounds like a small base die (if available) would be a better solution.
I would check if they'll chamber without modifying the shell holder, let the chamber smooth out the bump at the base when you fire them (if they'll chamber).

To anyone buying brass.
After reloading for semi autos for a number of years now I've learned that they're very hard on your brass so spending big bucks on Lapua is just not cost effective, the difference in group sizes from cheap brass to Lapua is only fractions of an inch (if you do everything else perfectly), you don't gain enough for the cost when you're ruining it in half the loadings (or less) a bolt gun would get. Plus you're way more likely to lose those shiny $2 things with a semi.


Good luck
 
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cr5 said:
To anyone buying brass.
After reloading for semi autos for a number of years now I've learned that they're very hard on your brass so spending big bucks on Lapua is just not cost effective, the difference in group sizes from cheap brass to Lapua is only fractions of an inch (if you do everything else perfectly), you don't gain enough for the cost when you're ruining it in half the loadings (or less) a bolt gun would get. Plus you're way more likely to lose those shiny $2 things with a semi.
Click to expand...

I can't speak for other calibers, but I would disagree in this case; Hornady 50pk of 6.5 Grendel brass is ~$60 dollars. I paid $110 for a box of 100 Lapua Grendel brass. (admittedly I have seen it for as much as $150 for 100). In my experience so far with Grendel, you will get more firings from the Lapua brass than the Hornady. The hornady brass is a better option if you're buying Hornady factory ammo for Grendel, imo.
 
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