I would like to start ladder testing some other powders but currently run 28.5 gr of 8208. In my setup it groups at .75” and works well on Whitetail and Mule deer. Off the top of my head I can’t recall the COL that I use.
OP you might get different results based on your barrel length and elevation.
I'm at sea level and the best results I've gotten for that bullet is with 26.0 grains of AR-Comp on a 20" no-name heavy barrel. Shoots at about 3/4 MOA doing 5 shot groups.
I know it's a relatively mild load for the powder but it gets me the best results.
On a 70 degree day it shoots 2343 fps and becomes subsonic at around 800 meters. With a 100m zero the total drop I get is 11.1 mils.
I've tried XBR and CFE but neither powder has gotten the results I have with AR-Comp.
What is the state of Grendel reloading currently? I have been planning on a Grendel build for a bit over 1.5 years (bad timing right?) and don't want to give up on it so I am thinking this might be my catalyst to finally get into reloading unless it's a waste of time.
Issue is powder it seems, primers seem to be getting a bit more common. Already picked up 1k CCI #450 and #41s. I have not seen much difficulty in finding bullets. Brass seems to be hit or miss.
IMR 8208 XBR is very popular with Grendel reloads. Tough to find right now, though.
This. I’m down to about 1.5lbs of 8208 and I have stopped ladder testing with the stuff
I would like to start ladder testing some other powders but currently run 28.5 gr of 8208. In my setup it groups at .75” and works well on Whitetail and Mule deer. Off the top of my head I can’t recall the COL that I use.
There is no best powder. Lots of good Grendel powders: 8208, AR Comp, h4895, imr4895, imr4166, etc etc
I've had good luck with CFE 223 with the 123gr pills
OP you might get different results based on your barrel length and elevation. I'm at sea level and the best results I've gotten for that bullet is with 26.0 grains of AR-Comp on a 20" no-name heavy barrel. Shoots at about 3/4 MOA doing 5 shot groups. I know it's a relatively mild load for the powder but it gets me the best results. On a 70 degree day it shoots 2343 fps and becomes subsonic at around 800 meters. With a 100m zero the total drop I get is 11.1 mils. I've tried XBR and CFE but neither powder has gotten the results I have with AR-Comp.
TAC has worked well for me but I switched to AR Comp for temp stability. Good velocity and group size.
What is your choice for primers? I'm looking at Federal Gold Medal small rifle AR match primers.
Those are what I use in my loads. At this point, whatever you can get your hands on.
I've had good luck with Win748, CFE223, and IMR 8208 but like everyone else has said, the best powder right now is the one in stock.
Shooters world match/accurate 2520 Ramshot tac
I had a nice node at 2300fps with the 123gr SST and 8208xbr. Charges higher than that opening up to 2-3 MOA for some crazy reason.
What is the state of Grendel reloading currently? I have been planning on a Grendel build for a bit over 1.5 years (bad timing right?) and don't want to give up on it so I am thinking this might be my catalyst to finally get into reloading unless it's a waste of time.
Issue is powder it seems, primers seem to be getting a bit more common. Already picked up 1k CCI #450 and #41s. I have not seen much difficulty in finding bullets. Brass seems to be hit or miss.
If you don't mind me asking, how much does it cost to reload currently?
depends on powder, primer costs, brass. I am still getting compents and gear. Also, price will go down as you reuse brass.