Wolf 6.5 Grendel Finally! Pix!!!

[Grendelizer]

Guys, I just got most of a case of Wolf 6.5 Grendel ammo from Alexander Arms to review. Had a lot of snow this weekend in Minnesota, so I didn't get a chance to shoot it, but I took about a zillion pictures. We've waited a long time for this!!!

This first loading has a 123-grain hunting soft-point. It's not going to outshoot 7.62 NATO M118LR like a 6.5 Grendel 123gr Lapua Scenar can, but my wallet likes it (Cabela's $10.99/20)!

The velocity is still below specification, being 2370 fps from a chrome-lined 16" bbl, but that will have to be incrementally improved in future lots. Bill Alexander posted, "At present, this is running about 50 to 80 fps slower than I would ideally like for the round, but the bullet bearing length will always preclude the velocities matching those of the 123-grain Lapua Scenar and Sierra MatchKing loads."

Some states, like Minnesota, don't allow any .223 round for deer hunting, so this is just what the doctor ordered! What's not to like about big-game hunting with your favorite black rifle in a traditional deer caliber like 6.5mm (with affordable ammo)? Does it get any better than that?

Anyway, enjoy the photos, I tried to make them fancy!

First up, is what I see when I get home from work one day! Hoo boy! Christmas 2007 comes early!!!



Remember that movie, A Christmas Story, with the Red Rider BB Gun and "You'll shoot your eye out?" Anyway, the Dad wins a lamp and uncrates it with about as much awe as I opened this box.



A match made in heaven: Cool black rifles and hot new ammo!



To the authors of the latest Anti-Assault Rifle legislation: In Your Face!!!



The Three Musketeers!



I'm surprised Wolf didn't have their supplier, Prvi Partizan of Serbia, headstamp the brass as Wolf.



A 6.5 Grendel-specific magazine from CProducts fits 26 rounds.



How many times have you heard rumors of a Glock AR? Well, this ain't it! (Just checking to see if you were paying attention! )



Now this is my idea of a police line-up! 6.5 Grendel is perfect for law enforcement that has to deal with four-legged critters, as well as two-legged.



And finally, "Thank yuh, thank yuh, very much. Grendel has left the building!"



John

[HankL]

Nice flowers!
Seriously, let us know how it shoots.

[shark31]

The velocity is still below specification, being 2370 fps from a chrome-lined 16" bbl

Maybe my memory is a little fuzzy, but isn't that kind of velocity the same as typical M43 cartridges (2330)? What is the minimum velocity that round will reliably fragment in?

[Grendelizer]

Shark, this is a soft-point for hunting and I don't believe it's designed to fragment. Wolf next plans a 65G load with a 120gr OTM that they call the MPT (Multi-Purpose Tactical). That's the one we'd want to test for fragmentation.

Also, Black Hills Ammunition is loading 6.5 Grendel with a 123gr Sierra MatchKing for Les Baer. That's another one I'd really like to see tested for fragmentation.

John

[C4IGrant]

Excellent! Bill better be sending me some ammo as well!


C4

[shark31]

What's the MV of the 123 Lapua Scenar from a 16" CL barrel?

[Grendelizer]

Per David Fortier's 6.5 Grendel article on page 55 of Guns & Ammo's Book of the AR15 2006:

123 Lapua Scenar HPBT

14.5 bbl = 2486 fps
16 bbl = 2505 fps
24 bbl = 2650 fps

Fortier's data was derived using an Oehler 35P chronograph 15 ft from the muzzle, 40 degrees F, 100 ft above sea level.

Per Alexander Arms published data:

123 Lapua Scenar HPBT

14.5 bbl = 2428 fps
16 bbl = 2472 fps
24 bbl = 2620 fps

Take your pick!

John

[jmart]

Corbon 53 grain DPX is getting a good reputation for a 5.56 tactical load, but it's not reliant on fragmentation. I'm wondering if the same could be applied to the Grendel. It would be an all-copper bullet so keep the length down the weight would have to be lowered, but that would help in obtaining higher velocity. Also, it could incorporate some driving bands along the shank so actual surface area of the shank could be reduced and higher velocities could be obtained.

they already have a 120 grain offering, but being all-copper it's still pretty long. I'm thinking 105-110 grain range. The BC might take a hit, but if you are looking for a good tactical load from muzzle-to-250 yards or so I would think that could be the ticket.

Barnes Bullet Chart -- Check out the TSX line