Law Enforcement Applications

[Steyr94]

Next question?

It seems like you guys have already answered this, but what about for patrol carbines? From what I've been reading, it seems like this round isn't so hot as it should be coming out of a 10-inch barrel.

[LRRPF52]

I'm really interested to see what Variable gets with his 10.5" Grendel pushing the 85gr Sierra's with a faster powder. 31 grains of faster powder behind an 85gr projectile should send it out at a respectable velocity. It wouldn't surprise me to see 2600fps with that combo. I still think 10.5" is a bit short for an LE blaster, especially for bigger guys, which is why I would lean to 12.5" so you could at least have a mid-length handguard, and still suppress with one of the micro-sized cans.

[BjornF16]

Yes, Variable...I'm very interested in the results as well.

110 gr VMax in 300 BLK or 85 gr Sierra's in Grendel?

[txgunner00]

Bill Alexander listed a load on the old board for the Lapua bullet out of a 10.5" barrel. Problem is I can't remember if it was the 100gr. or the 108gr. bullet. I can't remember the powder either, but the velocity was an honest 2500fps. IIRC...

What do you guys think the best powder (velocity wise) would be for an 85gr. Sierra out of a 10.5" barrel? I meant to try it back a long time ago but never did. I loaded some up for my 19.5" in the beginning, but the 120Nosler BTs were so accurate I never even finished shooting the first test batch for it.

Since the topic is up again, I'd be willing to load some 85 grainers up and chrono them out of my 10.5" to see what the numbers are. I bought most of the popular powders back when I first started, but I haven't kept up lately.

ETA: H335?

Interested as well. Ramshot X-terminator, Benchmark, 2230 & 8208 would be good candidates. AA2015 or H322 are a little faster but may push the edge on chamber pressures.

[Variable]

I believe I have H335, X-terminator, and Benchmark at home. I'm supposed to be off this weekend, so if the weather allows and I don't get called in I'll chrono some loads. I have no idea what the max safe loads are with those combos, so I guess I'll use wolf brass and ease up to see what happens. Anyone have any ballpark figures for those powders?

ETA: I've seen 95gr. V-max loads with Benchmark listed at 30 grains, H335 listed at 31 grains, and X-terminator listed at 30.6 grains. It looks like the COAL should be 2.20". I'm thinking the 85gr. Sierra might be able to bump up just a notch higher in charge weight from the V-max loads being as it's 5 grains lighter? Opinions?

[JASmith]

QuickLoad suggests that you should get 2375 to 2450 ft/sec with those powders at 50,000 psi in a 10.5" barrel.

The calculations indicate that getting close to 2600 ft/sec may push pressures to 55-60ksi.

Details in PM.

Looking forward to seeing how close your results are to the predictions!

[txgunner00]

I believe I have H335, X-terminator, and Benchmark at home. I'm supposed to be off this weekend, so if the weather allows and I don't get called in I'll chrono some loads. I have no idea what the max safe loads are with those combos, so I guess I'll use wolf brass and ease up to see what happens. Anyone have any ballpark figures for those powders?

ETA: I've seen 95gr. V-max loads with Benchmark listed at 30 grains, H335 listed at 31 grains, and X-terminator listed at 30.6 grains. It looks like the COAL should be 2.20". I'm thinking the 85gr. Sierra might be able to bump up just a notch higher in charge weight from the V-max loads being as it's 5 grains lighter? Opinions?

Makes sense to me, but as you said, ease up to it. Looking forward to your results.

btw- that's 10 grains lighter...

[Variable]

Makes sense to me, but as you said, ease up to it. Looking forward to your results.

btw- that's 10 grains lighter...

Phttthhh! LOL!

Fishing for powders and stuff this morning I uncovered my old test batch of 85 grainers that I shot through my 19.5" gun. My crappy notes said they went 2828fps out of that tube with 31 grains of Benchmark at 36 degree temperature. It was only a five shot string, but that ought to give a small hint. I guess I'll try the Benchmark first since I already have some loaded.LOL


Digging through my notebook I now remember why I dropped and forgot about the 85gr. Sierra load...

That load averaged 2520fps at 36 degrees temperature and I was officially addicted to the Grendel right there. Up until that point I never thought an AR would shoot that good for a five shot group.LOL I abandoned everything else and went to that load for things that needed to die, and used Wolf MPT for (relatively)cheap full auto and plinking. I hate reloading, but I'll take another stab at the 10.5" since it would be good to have a home defense round that might not be too overly penetrative.

[Variable]

Well, the weather sucked all day Saturday, and today was a pile of domestic drama/chores. I just set the chrono out the door before it got too dark and shot the 5 benchmark loaded rounds that I had left over. I shot 5 factory Hornadys first to be sure the chrono was going to read everything ok.

I'll post detailed numbers if anyone wants them, but the numbers suck, so there isn't a lot of use for them in my book.

Temperature: 70 deg. F.

Chrono distance: 15 feet from the suppressor front end cap

10.5" AA upper (chrome Sabre bore)

Factory Hornady 123gr. Amax load
Average Velocity: 2214fps

85gr. Sierra HP handload (31gr. Benchmark, CCI #450, AA/Lapua brass)
Average Velocity: 2395fps

The 85gr. sierra load showed no pressure signs FWIW.

Guess I'll skip Benchmark...

Later when I get a chance I'll try the H335 and see what happens.

[Vartarg]

FWIW: The one time I shot them, I was getting sub-moa @ 2808fps with 31.8gr of TAC....no pressure signs....18" barrel.

[gonzaga]

Variable, with a grouping like that I would have hung it up and ran the other way...
Nice shot group. I can't wait to shoot my new baby....

[Variable]

Variable, with a grouping like that I would have hung it up and ran the other way...
Nice shot group. I can't wait to shoot my new baby....

Thanks Gonzaga. I bet you'll be real happy with yours too!