Project Grendel
Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2012 10:04 am
A few weeks back I took delivery of project Grendel. Since then I have been working up loads, etc.
A few specs:
• Zastava m85 7.62x39 action
• B&C Stock
• PacNor 264 barrel #2 profile cut at 21inches (Johno group buy)
• BSquare one piece base
• March 3-24FFP scope (for load development - noramlly 2-7Kahles)
• Magazine capacity of three rounds, follower modified to make them feed properly (the Grendel case is based on the 7.62x39 by way of the PPC. It is longer and fatter in the body than either round).
So far I have run 140gn at 2350fps with a very mild load of AR2208.
I am concentrating development on the 100gn Nosler Ballistic tip. This is complicated as load data for the Grendel is intended for AR15 rifles in the US. With a upper limit of 50000psi these loads are quite anemic in a bolt action Grendel using Lapua brass.
• AR2206H was too slow (full case topped out at 2850fps and 30fps deviations)
• BM2 was also too slow (full case topped out at 2900fps and 25fps deviations)
• BM1 is looking good with a good load delivering SD of 6fps, and ES of 12fps.
Looking forward to laying my hands on some powder sold as IMR 8208XBR in the USA. It is exceptional for this cartridge.
More to follow on this one now that I have changed scopes. Accuracy was annoying with two shots together, the next 3/4 of an inch away. I realised that the problem was parralax from the hunting scope on a target at 100m. If I could afford it, I'd leave the little March on there as it fits perfectly.
Waiting for the next run of bolt knobs to be done so I can fit a knob on this action too. Making that little bolt handle longer really improves the functioning of these little actions.
Probably going to buy a Basner stock for it as this B&C is heavier than I was looking for. The B&C will be for sale when that happens.
When it stops bloody raining I will Cerakote the whole lot.
I have a reamer and go/no-go gauges for a bolt action optimised version of the Grendel cartridge. Available for rent with conditions.
A few specs:
• Zastava m85 7.62x39 action
• B&C Stock
• PacNor 264 barrel #2 profile cut at 21inches (Johno group buy)
• BSquare one piece base
• March 3-24FFP scope (for load development - noramlly 2-7Kahles)
• Magazine capacity of three rounds, follower modified to make them feed properly (the Grendel case is based on the 7.62x39 by way of the PPC. It is longer and fatter in the body than either round).
So far I have run 140gn at 2350fps with a very mild load of AR2208.
I am concentrating development on the 100gn Nosler Ballistic tip. This is complicated as load data for the Grendel is intended for AR15 rifles in the US. With a upper limit of 50000psi these loads are quite anemic in a bolt action Grendel using Lapua brass.
• AR2206H was too slow (full case topped out at 2850fps and 30fps deviations)
• BM2 was also too slow (full case topped out at 2900fps and 25fps deviations)
• BM1 is looking good with a good load delivering SD of 6fps, and ES of 12fps.
Looking forward to laying my hands on some powder sold as IMR 8208XBR in the USA. It is exceptional for this cartridge.
More to follow on this one now that I have changed scopes. Accuracy was annoying with two shots together, the next 3/4 of an inch away. I realised that the problem was parralax from the hunting scope on a target at 100m. If I could afford it, I'd leave the little March on there as it fits perfectly.
Waiting for the next run of bolt knobs to be done so I can fit a knob on this action too. Making that little bolt handle longer really improves the functioning of these little actions.
Probably going to buy a Basner stock for it as this B&C is heavier than I was looking for. The B&C will be for sale when that happens.
When it stops bloody raining I will Cerakote the whole lot.
I have a reamer and go/no-go gauges for a bolt action optimised version of the Grendel cartridge. Available for rent with conditions.