Remarks:
I tested this load on the same day as the Hodgdon BLC(2) load. While conditions weren’t ideal and the GRT model shows that this powder will have a low burn rate that could result in inconsistent results, this load produced higher accuracy than the BLC(2) load.
While velocities are lower than desired, this load produced decent accuracy (1.3 MOA) at the max charge I tested (28.0 grains). With the shooting setup I was working with that day, I would take that.
This load wouldn’t be my first choice but as-is, with proper shot placement, it would get the job done out to 150 yards. Also, the brass showed no signs of over pressure so there is potential to increase the charge weight.
Conditions:
- Date: 3/1/2022
- Temperature: 55 F°
- Wind: N/A
Firearm:
- Barrel: PSA 12” 1:7 Twist
- Upper: PSA
- Lower: PSA
- Lower Parts: PSA
- Trigger: Larue MBT-2
Components:
- Bullet: Hornady 123 gr SST – G1 B.C.: 0.510
- Powder: Accurate 2520
- Primer: CCI #400
- Brass: Hornady
- Dies: Lee Pacesetter 3-die set
- Chronograph: Caldwell Ballistic Precision
Measurements:
- Case Trim Length: 1.510
- C.O.L.: 2.245
- C.B.T.O:
Load / Model Data:
- Gordons Reloading Tool Data

- Charge Data

- GRT Pressure Curve

- Expected Ballistics Table

- Expected Bullet Drop

Results:
- 26.0 Grains

- 26.5 Grains

- 27.0 Grains

- 27.5 Grains

- 28.0 Grains

- Observed Max Ballistics Table

- Observed Max Bullet Drop

5.45×39 fired from the AK105 is by far superior to the 6.5 Grendel cartridge and in fact Bill Alexander basically necked up 5.45 to create the 6.5 Grendel