The new ammo maker is..... (read to find out)

Seeing this on Mid South Shooters supply page..

https://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=0000386283

I called Hornady and confirmed with sales that Hornady reloading brass will be available the beginning of next year. I called back and Hornady confirmed they will be making factory ammo for the 6.5 Grendel as well

Dont know why its such a flipping secret around here when the Mfg obviously doesnt care.....

That's great news! I wonder how Hornady's price will compare to Lapua's for Grendel brass?

That's great news! I wonder how Hornady's price will compare to Lapua's for Grendel brass?

$32.34 per 50 count

So that's $64.68 per 100. Aren't I smart? Us Mainers know how to do all that adding stuff. Looks like that is a lot cheaper than the Lapua marked stuff. I saw that crap for like $100 per 100! That would be $1 per piece, case you didn't figure that out... :D

Good to know Hornady is makin it soonish.

Great News! Happy Happy!

I wonder if that is the info Hornady is going to release in November?

Curly,

Yeah you be a math whiz! :D Isn't Barney Frank from Maine? :D :D :D

Jeff

Actually, I think he was born/hatched there. Probably came of age in CA. :eek:

Hornady confirmed they will be making factory ammo for the 6.5 Grendel...
Bummer. I was really hoping that Remington would be the new 6.5 G manufacturer. Hornady isn't likely to offer a FMJ loading.

Bummer. I was really hoping that Remington would be the new 6.5 G manufacturer. Hornady isn't likely to offer a FMJ loading.

Ditto That!
I at least hope their brass is decent for reloads. Any word on the type bullets they will offer?

Any idea what type of primers they use in their Grendel brass?

Here is the link to order the ammo. Its a 123 gr A-max.

http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=000038150

Steel.

You are kidding right? Be happy someone is going to make ammo. If you dont like what is offered, reload!

So that's $64.68 per 100. Aren't I smart? Us Mainers know how to do all that adding stuff. Looks like that is a lot cheaper than the Lapua marked stuff. I saw that crap for like $100 per 100!

Looks like just about all the Hornady brass in grendel'ish size runs in the $32-35/50 range. But most is nickle, which might be a plus.

AA available now on midway for $80/100. While Grendel Lapua is high and unavailable, virtually none of the Lapua of any caliber is less than $80/100, so I expect that's just the weak $ working against us.

Even Remington widely available brass (7.62x39,.243,6.8, etc) is $45-50/100, so $64/100 for Grendel is not unreasonable, and I expect it will drop over time.

What's odd is that the Midsouth ammo add lists the Grendel as 123g. To my knowledge Hornady does not make a 123g 6.5mm bullet, so either it's a type or a new bullet. Can't imagine H not using one of their own bullets!

I'm glad to see another mfg!!! Kudo's to AA for this breakthrough.

Have fun,

Alan

Is the A-Max a hunting bullet or a Target bullet? I don't want to get hit with either, but what is a A-Max designed for?

Is the A-Max a hunting bullet or a Target bullet? I don't want to get hit with either, but what is a A-Max designed for?

It's officially a match target bullet:
Link to older A-Max brochure (http://www.hornady.com/media/2006catalog/Hornady_Bullets_Rifle_Match.pdf)

But lot's of folks are reporting excellent results on deer sized game in .243-.308 type cartridges.

Not sure I'm ready to use it for game in the grendel, there are better options available. And even in 120g, it's long in the Grendel.

Have fun,

Alan

Seeing this on Mid South Shooters supply page..

https://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=0000386283

I called Hornady and confirmed with sales that Hornady reloading brass will be available the beginning of next year. I called back and Hornady confirmed they will be making factory ammo for the 6.5 Grendel as well

Dont know why its such a flipping secret around here when the Mfg obviously doesnt care.....

Cool...confirmation that I nailed it in August :D

Thread (http://www.65grendel.com/forum/showpost.php?p=63806&postcount=51)

45 ACP :)

Cool...confirmation that I nailed it in August :D

Thread (http://www.65grendel.com/forum/showpost.php?p=63806&postcount=51)

45 ACP :)


I got it as my second choice in March


HERE (http://www.65grendel.com/forum/showpost.php?p=57044&postcount=37)

That's excellent news!

Hornady is redesigning their 120 A-Max to give it a better ogive, thus the new 123 A-Max.

Bayou, the A-Max is "designed" for target use.

John

I got it as my second choice in March


HERE (http://www.65grendel.com/forum/showpost.php?p=57044&postcount=37)

Damit!!! You're right...you beat me to it :mad: I'm just happy that Hornady is the new manufacturer as they make some of the finest ammo there is and I'm sure there will be plenty available year round!

Cheers,

45 ACP ;)

Expected date of in stock status on the 6.5Grendel Hornady at MidSouth is TOMORROW!!! They say that is an axpected date based on prior backorder from the company, so who knows???

I encourage the unwashed barbarian horde of the Grendel Nation to show their gratitude for and support of Hornady in their new 65G venture, and order one or more boxes from your favorite vendor!

It can't be too long before it hits Cabela's, and, interestingly, I've got just about $19 worth of bonus points left on my stupid Cabela's card. :D

John

I encourage the unwashed barbarian horde of the Grendel Nation to show their gratitude for and support of Hornady in their new 65G venture, and order one or more boxes from your favorite vendor!
You bet, John. Just as soon as they offer an FMJ load... :D

I encourage the unwashed barbarian horde of the Grendel Nation to show their gratitude for and support of Hornady in their new 65G venture, and order one or more boxes from your favorite vendor!

It can't be too long before it hits Cabela's, and, interestingly, I've got just about $19 worth of bonus points left on my stupid Cabela's card. :D

John
I'm Tryin'!!! :D

They don't have enough staff to log in the FFL I faxed them today, so I guess I have to wait until monday... :rolleyes: By that time I'll be clear at the back of the line. :o LOL

Excellent! If it's as good as the Hornady .308 ammo I hunt with, it ought to be stellar. I will definitely order some!

I encourage the unwashed barbarian horde of the Grendel Nation to show their gratitude for and support of Hornady in their new 65G venture, and order one or more boxes from your favorite vendor!

It can't be too long before it hits Cabela's, and, interestingly, I've got just about $19 worth of bonus points left on my stupid Cabela's card. :D

John


Hopefully they will be making dies also. I love my Hornady 450b dies and and my Hornady 300 Win Mag dies I think that if the grendel dies run about the cost of their other sets (I think my 300 Win Mag dies were about $32) then Hornady Grendel dies would squash the Lee dies as the bargain priced option.

Hornady has to make a hunting load for the Gendel. Does anyone know if they are planing to make a hunting load?
Hey, I'll buy a few boxes of the 123 AMax's if it will encourage Hornady to make us a good hunting load.

Hornady has to make a hunting load for the Gendel. Does anyone know if they are planing to make a hunting load?
Word is that, yes, they will. Possibly a GMX.

Kudos for Mr Alaxander or who ever put this deal together! When ammo becomes readily available, I suspect companies like Ruger and CZ and maybe Browing (with it's BLR) will be more likely to invest in at least small runs of Grendels. Oh..and as I worry that over time no matter who gets elected buying ammo will probably get harder and harder I suggest that Grendel enthusiast stockpile early and heavily.

Hopefully they will be making dies also. I love my Hornady 450b dies and and my Hornady 300 Win Mag dies I think that if the grendel dies run about the cost of their other sets (I think my 300 Win Mag dies were about $32) then Hornady Grendel dies would squash the Lee dies as the bargain priced option.
Ask and Ye shall receive... (Well, sort of...)

Hornady Grendel 2 Die set... (https://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=00005546291)

It's only a two die set, but some people aren't hooked on the factory crimp die like me. :D

All they need is to make a 123grain SST :cool:

I finally got their (Midsouth) system to accept a retail order from me for four boxes. It sucks paying retail, but I'll take the hit to try and get some data ASAP. I'm afraid the line will get too long before I'm in it otherwise... :D

I've been too lazy/busy lately to do much, but as soon as I actually get my hands on some of this ammo, I'll rush as soon as I can to shoot it through all three of my guns to see some velocity/accuracy results. I'll post the data as quick as I can get it. Hopefully between three different barrel lengths I will be able to get some useful data. :)

I hope this causes some of the naysayers to start believing when we say there is good news.

Remember how many scoffed at the new ammo manufacturer/possibility of high quality ammo?

If I did not need to keep it a secret I would have loved to give them a slap down on their remarks. :D

Two more things to start hoping for now:

1. 6.5 Grendel load data in their book with their full line of bullets

2. the possibility of some higher velocities out of their factory loads using their proprietary powders that are allowing the performance in many of their other new developments such as the new Ruger cartridges

any of you insiders have an opinion or knowledge of these possibilities?

I suspect, but do not KNOW, that Hornady will do to the Grendel what it did with the 6.5 Creedmoor, which is develop loads that are able to be duplicated by handloaders.

I would very much like it if they made the powders available that they are using, and if they would make the powder available that Bill Alexander is using for AA's loads! Bill has long stated a desire to make that powder available, but the manufacturer has yet to do so.

Bill

They certainly can up the velocities while keeping pressures down

Consider what they did with the light magnum loadings.

:cool:

If the Hornady light Magnum 150grain moves @ 3000fps and they apply the same to the Grendel we could see 120grains @ 2900fps

Excellent! I'm sooooo glad it's Hornady. About the most progressive big ammo manufacturer around. You know if they commit to the caliber then they'll be making more variants. It's a good day for the Grendel! :D

Congrats guys. Hornady is a great company. It is even better that they are coming out with some affordable brass and dies.

Consider what they did with the light magnum loadings.

If the Hornady light Magnum 150grain moves @ 3000fps and they apply the same to the Grendel we could see 120grains @ 2900fps
LIGHT MAGNUM **Not for use in semi-automatic or gas operated firearms**

http://www.hornady.com/

Hornady is redesigning their 120 A-Max to give it a better ogive, thus the new 123 A-Max.
John

So....does that mean it might result in an even better ballistic coefficient? (smiles)

Presumably. If they do this right, it should be a great bullet, even for serious match use. David Tubb, for example, has gone to polymer tips for the sake of bullet-to-bullet consistency, right? :)

If the 123 SMK has a BC of .510 and the 123 Lapua Scenar has a .547 (Bill A.
thinks the SMK is conservative and the Scenar is optimistic, and both should be .530), a new 123 Hornady A-Max should be comparable.

I'm really excited to see this.

John

LIGHT MAGNUM **Not for use in semi-automatic or gas operated firearms**

http://www.hornady.com/


There are a few firearms that can handle it.

The M60 and M240 could.

A few rifle would be in there as well.

But not many

My point was similar to, but with tolerable pressures.

I have run rounds through my FAL @ 2800fps and 2900fps with no ill effect.

But these were loaded by someone else and they had thorough knowledge of what the pressures were.

@2900 the groups were not great.

@ 2800 they were really nice.

Bummer. I was really hoping that Remington would be the new 6.5 G manufacturer. Hornady isn't likely to offer a FMJ loading.

Hornady does make a steel case v-max 7.62x39. Maybe they will retool for the grendel eventually if they see a demand and if nobody else makes a FMJ, why wouldn't they test the waters?

Any idea why Hornady doesn't list the 6.5 Grendel on their WEB site? If they are the new bulk manufacturer you would think they would have an 'Official' announcement, but I havn't seen anything other than the posting by Midsouth of their ammo. Nothing on AlexanderArms site.

Hornady has to make a hunting load for the Gendel. Does anyone know if they are planing to make a hunting load?
Hey, I'll buy a few boxes of the 123 AMax's if it will encourage Hornady to make us a good hunting load.
My thoughts exactly.

Hornady does make a steel case v-max 7.62x39. Maybe they will retool for the grendel eventually if they see a demand and if nobody else makes a FMJ, why wouldn't they test the waters?
It's possible that eventually they would, but here's why I think it very unlikely to happen in the near future:

- They currently offer no 7.62x39 FMJ ammo or bullets.

- They currently offer no 6.8 SPC FMJ ammo or bullets.

- They don't have a line of low-cost plinking ammo like Remington's UMC, Federal's American Eagle, and Winchester's "white box" (whatever it's called these days).

If Remington, Federal, or Winchester picked up 6.5 Grendel, there'd be a much greater chance of getting FMJ.

Any idea why Hornady doesn't list the 6.5 Grendel on their WEB site? If they are the new bulk manufacturer you would think they would have an 'Official' announcement, but I havn't seen anything other than the posting by Midsouth of their ammo. Nothing on AlexanderArms site.
I talked with Hornady yesterday. They only announced the Grendel agreement to their people last week, and they were surprised that MidSouth already had it up.

They acknowledged that they will be making Grendel ammo, but the individual I talked to was told it was a 2010 product, which typically means that it will start to be shipped late in 2009. We are late in 2009, so I asked what that means, and they said that it means anytime between now and the end of January when it hits the shelves.

AA, after being burned by Fiocchi, and Wolf, (twice at least), will probably not make a public statement until the ammo is actually available, but then again, they might do it sooner too! Bill Alexander is an optimist, so he may want the official word out there sooner!

Bill

I haven't been a Grendel man for as long as a lot of you, but I am leery of big deals that don't seem to be materializing as promised. Crossing my fingers.
S89

I haven't been a Grendel man for as long as a lot of you, but I am leery of big deals that don't seem to be materializing as promised. Crossing my fingers.
S89
Wow, Hornady just let their employees know a week ago, and you're worried about big deals that don't seem to materialize as promised?

It takes months to develop the tooling to make a new brass, and then weeks to months to iron out all the little issues regarding loading a new round from that brass.

Hornady has acknowledged to several people that they will be making 6.5 Grendel ammunition and brass, they have even let their wholesale customers know already.

Hornady, to the best of my knowledge, has never racanted on anything once they have said they will do it, which is one of the reasons most of us are so excited.

Bill

Wow, Hornady just let their employees know a week ago, and you're worried about big deals that don't seem to materialize as promised?

Hornady has acknowledged to several people that they will be making 6.5 Grendel ammunition and brass, they have even let their wholesale customers know already.
Plus, the official announcement was reportedly to occur in November (http://www.65grendel.com/forum/showpost.php?p=65995&postcount=104), and we're only three days into the month.

A little patience would seem appropriate.

Here's some advice from a longtime 6.8 SPC shooter. Be thankful that someone like Hornady is willing to make ammo, brass, and dies for the Grendel. Things should be less complicated with the Grendel as Hornady doesn't have to worry about 5 different chambers and the ever changing bullshit that they had to pit up with. Hornady is a top notch company so be positive and support them.

"Hornady, to the best of my knowledge, has never racanted on anything once they have said they will do it, which is one of the reasons most of us are so excited." ~bwaites

I guess I stepped in it.

What I was trying to get across was that before you spoke to your connections at Hornady, it seemed like a little information from Midsouth was the revelation everyone was anticipating. That without any listing at Hornady or postings from AA.
I appreciate that a number of you have the inside track and I'm looking forward to the 'Official News Release' by Hornady and AA. Many of my friends were skeptical of the Grendel and this will really do alot to sell the Grendel as the great AR round it is. Couple that with availability in more retail stores, I think it will blow the socks off most other AR calibers.
S89

Here's some advice from a longtime 6.8 SPC shooter. Be thankful that someone like Hornady is willing to make ammo, brass, and dies for the Grendel. Things should be less complicated with the Grendel as Hornady doesn't have to worry about 5 different chambers and the ever changing bullshit that they had to pit up with. Hornady is a top notch company so be positive and support them.


Well said Paulo and I am glad you spoke up about that.

If I said it people would think I was attacking the 6.8spc crowd.

:D The only problem I see with Hornady making Grendel ammo is that now, I am likely to simply HAVE to own at least one more Grendel! :D Originally, when I built up my 24" JP upper on an AA lower, I was planning on it being my only 6.5G. With the realized potential of the Hornady ammo, I foresee another one, something along the lines of an 18-incher with a mid-weight barrel, topped with a nice, lightweight optic. Oh, well, it's only money...

Well said Paulo and I am glad you spoke up about that.

If I said it people would think I was attacking the 6.8spc crowd.

I'm no longer part of the SPC crowd. I'm a free agaent now. :eek: :D :) :p

And clean out your mailbox. Nothing like writing a nice long IM, only to get it kicked back because someone is too popular. :D :D

Now if they'd make a regular hunting bullet for it. A 100-123gr GMAX would be nice.

Hornady's online catalog lists a new 6.5mm 120 copper GMX. They need to load this as a hunting round.

Link here: http://www.hornady.com/store/.264-6.5mm

John

JohnL, I am SO with you on that!! Got a 22" rig (pix in the 22" section under the "wood" headline), and been wanting to build the 18" version bad for a while. Have a 6.5G marked lower stripped and ready and an upper ready too. Just need the right barrel, bolt, gas block, etc.

Oh yeh, that 120Gr Gmax should work great in my 22" for yotes and such. My gun loves 120gr's!

Oh yeh, that 120Gr Gmax should work great in my 22" for yotes and such. My gun loves 120gr's!

If you're not worried about pelt damage, the 95gr Vmax works very well. Shoots really tight with my 18" and can actually get some speed out of it too.

Hornady's online catalog lists a new 6.5mm 120 copper GMX. They need to load this as a hunting round.

Link here: http://www.hornady.com/store/.264-6.5mm

John

That should make a nice hunting bullet. Midway is expecting them in next month. http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=180052 Its nice to have choices. Hunting around my area has to be with an unleaded bullet so Barnes has been my only choice. I really like the TSX etc but would like to try other flavors. Now that Branes is releasing a 100 gr TTSX and a 100gr non-tipped first of the year, the future looks really bright.