Project Rifle Complete

I finally got my AR project rifle in 6.5 Grendel done. It's no longer black, but it's just as evil. Here's a list of final parts:
- Alexander Arms Overwatch Upper with 24" barrel
- Alexander Arms muzzle brake
- Spikes lower w/ DPMS LPK installed (awaiting upgrade trigger)
- Magpul MIAD grip with bolt & firing pin holder insert
- Magpul PRS stock
- Magpul mono-pod
- BCM Gunfighter Charging Handle with Mod 3 Latch (the large latch)
- La Rue LT-104 scope mount
- Leupold Mark4 4.5-14x50mm w/ illuminated reticle
I'm still working up my loads so I only have if zero'd to 100yds. I will have it zero'd to 300 in the coming days.
In my basement it looks very "yellow", but when I took it outside, it was perfect.

It is very yellow in the first pics. Must have been the lighting. Looks great outside.

WOW, my pics got chopped and cropped. You can't see anything. Here are some links to the pics:

http://i542.photobucket.com/albums/gg402/ulkowskim/BigBrother067.jpg
http://i542.photobucket.com/albums/gg402/ulkowskim/BigBrother069.jpg
http://i542.photobucket.com/albums/gg402/ulkowskim/BigBrother065.jpg
http://i542.photobucket.com/albums/gg402/ulkowskim/BigBrother005.jpg
http://i542.photobucket.com/albums/gg402/ulkowskim/BigBrother003.jpg
http://i542.photobucket.com/albums/gg402/ulkowskim/BigBrother001.jpg
http://i542.photobucket.com/albums/gg402/ulkowskim/BigBrother002.jpg

Your file size was probably too big so the server cropped them to fit. Nice looking rifle.

Nice! Ive been tossing around painting one of my rifles. Whaaat kind of paint did you use?

Looks great .

I have no idea what paint was used, but it was from a spray can. I later learned that I have to be careful when cleaning it. I guess my cleaners are also paint strippers. I did not personally paint it, as I lack the skills necessary to do so. Artist- NO, shooter- YES. I had the owner of Hero Gear in Winchester TN do it.

If it stops raining, I plan to finish sighting it in tomorrow. It's great to shoot because there is little to no recoil because of the muzzle brake I installed. I need to get busy and make some more rounds for it.

Very nice project. Way to go.

Nice job! Good looking rifle.

wow..the pics you put up here don't do it justice.. beautiful rifle!!

I can't believe you bought a battle mug

give us a range report when you can!

My new year started great. I to my Grendel out to see what performance I can get at 200 and 300 yards. I had to break out my larger (4ft) silhouette targets to observe the drop of the round at each distance.

Details of today:
- 24F
- wind: right front @ 5-10 kts
- point of aim was the orange/black target

At 200 yards, I had some varied results. I would hit anywhere from the target to a bullet drop of 6-7 inches. http://i542.photobucket.com/albums/gg402/ulkowskim/GrendelTargets001.jpg

At 300 yards, I had a much better grouping. I was worried about the wind but it didn't really effect it that much. The bullet drop was approx 15 inches.
http://i542.photobucket.com/albums/gg402/ulkowskim/GrendelTargets002.jpg

The more I shoot this beauty, the more comfortable I am getting. I hope to tighten up these groups and start pushing rounds well beyond 300 yards. The windage was surprising uneffected with the sometimes gusting wind.

My recipe for reloading seems to be working well also. I'm using Alexander Arms brass, Hodgdon BL-2C powder @ 28.8 grains, and Berger 130 grain Target VLD bullets. The OAL is 2.255 inches with no crimp. I want to get a chronometer to check my initial bullet velocity.

I'm quite happy with the results so far.

something doesn't sound right...15 inch bullet drop at 300 yards?
I'm curious to know what the velocity of the round is at 300 yards and if this drop is due to the initial dip that every bullet goes through at the first part of it's trajectory.
I will admit ignorance to the ballistic performance of the grendel round and will take pains to rectify that after this post.

Interesting.
That's a fast round with a high BC! I can see it replacing the 5.56 round.
I can see now, though, why you chose to chamber that rifle in 6.5 mm.
very nice!
Now you have me thinking about building one eventually...but Im concerned about the cost of reloading/buying ammo for the thing.

Here is a chart that I came across that shows the figures for this caliber. http://www.alexanderarms.com/grendel_ballistics.pdf The last chart shows the 24" barrel. I'm not sure how decifer the PATH column. Would that be the bullet drop? I will be the first to admit that I am still learning. This is my first "real" scope, as I was used to using Aimpoints when I was in the army. Since I got my scope zero'd to hit bullseyes at 100 yards, I didn't want to make any more adjustments until I see what happens further down range.

My next test will involve using the elevation hatch marks within the reticle to see if they are accurate, rather than adjusting the elevation knob. Later, I will use the knobs, dial in my point of aim, and record these values on my scope dope under my rear lens cover.

I hope Jack is successful is building his 500m range.