Thread: Reloading 6.5 Grendel Subsonic ?

Originally Posted by Pete_D

Hi Guys, we are going to buy a Howa Mini in 6.5 Grendel, neat little rifle and mainly for my young fella to use in the bush.
We have seen online guys shooting subs and thought that would be a bonus if the young fella could shoot possums while we away in the bush.
Has anyone had any experiance with reloading for this ? any thoughts, comments appreciated.
Cheers

For subsonics, use a FAST powder like IMR 2400 or Hodgdon Trail Boss, which are position insensitive (no wadding up front needed to hold the powder up against the primer hole when small loads are used).

Do NOT use a slow powder, danger of detonation rather than conflagration... detonation meaning that a small charge can turn the chamber into a fragmentation grenade. Slow powders CAN be used for subsonics, but with wadding keeping the powder up against the primer hole, but really why bother/risk it when Trail Boss is not that expensive.

Agree it's easier to just use full power ammo for accuracy, but out on DOC land you have the no-rimfire restriction... and full power centrefire ammo is a really shitty idea if you want to shoot things out of trees. For subsonic loads, play with cat's sneeze loads just using lead ball. US #2 buckshot is 6.9mm and can be pressed into a 6.5 case (actual bullet diameter 6.7mm) with a smidge of grease on top. Look up the Trail Boss loads yourself. You won't need a silencer.

But ... while you are thinking over your purchase...why not choose the Howa Mini in 7.62x39 - significantly better for subsonic loads, and much cheap ammo available to the boy.