Thinking about diving into the 6.5 Grendel in an AR platform
If anyone has any favorite loads they'd care to share I'm open to suggestions.
Thank you in advance.

StarchedCover

123gr ELD with 8208 XBR. Caution, that powder is bit temp sensitive so work up to max slowly on hot day. It's been a really consistant load for me.

You might consider reading the threads about this in the AR section of the forum. We've discussed loads for the Grendel in the AR15 a bunch.

Also - 8208 is NOT a very temp sensitive powder. In fact it's one of the least temp sensitive powders available for the Grendel.

Mine likes 120 Ballistic Tips with either TAC or BL-C(2).

I've got brass that begs to differ

Are you sure you're not thinking of a different powder?

All powders show some degree of temp sensitivity, but 8208 is one of the more stable powders, and one of the best suited to mid-weight Grendel loads. Of course if you load right up to the ragged edge of max in cool weather, almost any powder will show pressure signs when it gets hot enough.

Can you name any other appropriate Grendel powder that is less temp sensitive for you than 8208? I don't think I can from my own use. I use a lot of 8208 with 120-123gr Grendel loads and haven't found anything more stable, although there are a number of other powders that work reasonably well.

How does 8082 compare to Shooters World Tactical? They are next to each other on the burn rate chart.

Benchmark "might" be more stable, I have not run any tests. In my rifle maximum 8208 XBR loads started showing pressure signs(ejector swipes) in hotter summer temps. Those same loads shot really well in colder temps( maybe +50 down to +20 or so). So just be aware when your loading with that powder. I still use it and works fine. I just backed off a 1/2 grain. It's really not that uncommon. Reloader 7 is about the worst I've tried.

Benchmark is decent but slightly more temp sensitive than 8208. They are very similar powders though. Benchmark is one small step faster in burn rate.

David Walter - interesting question. If you find an answer please let us know.

Guess I’ll have to break out the Chrono and 123 grain bullets...

120 grain Gold Dots with 31.5 grains of leverrevloution powder.

110 grain bullets of your choice with H-355 powder,it works well with lighter as well.

plainsman what 110gr bullets are you using?

I do like Lever for the heavy bullets (~130-140gr) in the Grendel. It definitely has a bit of temp sensitivity though, but is worth dealing with for heavy bullets. That's my go-to with the 129 ABLR for a hunting load.

The Lehigh Defense controlled chaos copper bullet.

We use 31.7 grains of H-335 with the 90 TNT grain bullet as well.

So far the TNT has done in 2 hogs at 65 to 110 yards.

120 Grain Speer Gold Dot over 26.3 Grains H-322, Starline Brass, CCI-450 Primer, 2.310" COL, In a 20" Howa Mini Action 6.5 Grendel HB

Howa mini

120 Nosler BT
27.2grs H4895

120 Sierra
28.5grs H4895

CCI 400
Hornady Brass