Thanks for the insight brother. Great video content and reflections. I appreciated shooting your 6.5 Grendel and the silencer attributed to a magnificent experience.
I've been down this road for 11 years. I found all the goods and bads of this cartridge which makes this a wonderful cartridge for deer size animals in my personal opinion to 250 yards with great performance. I totally agree with your findings mirroring mine. The 120 gives me great accuracy and so does the Hornady 129 grain. Just using common sense ballistics will make a hunter happy! Thanks for the great video!
Wow, you’ve had one for quite some time! I’ve got three hunting seasons under my belt and I’ll have a hard time going back to the .308 for deer size animals. Still gonna need it for bigger game though 😁 thanks for watching and leaving a comment with some of your own personal experiences 👍🏻
The 100 grain Nosler Ballistic Tip is a varmint round designed to violently fragment on impact. The problem wasn't energy, it was that you were using an inappropriate bullet for the task.
I use the 100 grain Barnes TTSX at about 2900 FPS. I have had good results on several hogs and took a huge Aoudad ram at 150 yards quartering away behind the shoulder. The Aoudad went about 100 yards which is not unusual as they are very tough animals. I was not expecting the Aoudad and was really worried the Grendel was not up to the task but it did fine. The Grendel is a great round for hunting with the AR-15 platform but I'm still toting my heavy 308 AR-10 for hogs most of the time. Thanks for the video great information.
Thanks for the response. I really enjoy hearing other people’s experiences as it helps me make decisions on what I want to do in the future. You’re the third person now to mention a lighter bullet, but monolithic or a partition. I do now have 120 TTSX and 125 partitions so those are likely what I’m slinging this fall. In the end shot placement is huge. Good luck in your future hunts and thanks for stopping by my channel.
I'm a fan of the cartridge so far. I haven't really looked in the ammo section of stores lately but I'm glad I reload so I have more options for bullet types. Can't wait for pronghorn season this fall to try out some new ammo whether it be 129 SSTs, 120 TTSXs, or 125 Nosler partitions. I'll definitely do my best to document the hunt and share the results.
I'm headed out to Northern AZ next weekend to hunt mule deer with my suppressed 6.5 grendel. I'm excited. My family has whacked and stacked lots of deer in the past few years using 6.5 grendel.
Thank you. XBR 8208 is probably my true love for Grendel, but it's been hard to find. Don't think I'll have any complaints for 2520 after I use it more. Now if I can just find bullets :(
Best performance on whitetail for me was the 125gr Partition, but, I love the 120 Ballistic tip and 90gr Varmageddon in my Grendel due to same point impact at 100yd - No need to re-zero before deer season (not saying you shouldn't check your zero!). I'd use the Lehigh 110gr Controlled Chaos but POI is drastically different (6" high and 2" left!). I'm trying 95gr V-max this week and hoping for same POI as the 120BT and 90 Varmageddon. Fingers Crossed!
125gr Nosler Partition needs 20" or longer barrel to get 2500+fps in a Grendel. I think it is a great projectile way better for hunting than the Hornady 123gr stuff. The 100gr Nosler Partition can get performance like 100gr Partition does in shorter barreled 243's
This is why I opted to rebarrel a Zastava Mini Mauser to 6.5 G. I'm a lefty, so no off-the-shelf mini actions. There's 2-300 fps being lost due to gas gun bolt fragility, based on the latest 6mm ARC data in Hornady's 11th Ed. reloading manual.
I use the same combination 120 Nosler on Fallow, none have moved. One I thought I had missed it as it just stood there looking at me for quite a while, before keeling over it's hind legs.
I’m a Grendel only deer hunter after I began using it about five years ago. I’m not a reloader (sadly), so I’ve used the following ammo: Federal fusion 120ish g Hornady SST 123g Barnes VORTX 115g They all killed ethically on large deer but the copper Barnes are head and shoulders my favorite. I never could get a tight enough group out of the SSTs for my satisfaction.
Big high five on the Barnes bullets. After making this video I started using the 120 grain TTSX and have had fantastic results. They are for sure my favorites for now with Nosler partition bullets in second place. I appreciate sharing your experiences as well with different bullet types. Thanks for watching and commenting.
123gr is the sweet spot for 6.5GR in my opinion, especially longer distances(350+). I'm from the hills of WV where long distance hunting isn't as common as most other places.(30-30/30-06 quite popular here) but I was recently turned on to the 6.5 (I bought an AR platform) and absolutely love it! Now I have been turned on to hunting gas line and power line right of ways even more. Anyway.. after some trial and error the 123gr is the only round that has literally dropped them all in their tracks every time. Until yesterday my last five kills were all 350-500yds but last was my longest ever with any rifle cal. Dropped nice 10 point at 630yds. I almost didn't take the shot fearing I would only wound it and never find it, but I can shoot and had confidence in the 123gr. This guy did stumble about 10ft but he was out within a few seconds. I don't have tested numbers and stats, but the 123gr has it and I don't know why..lol. The cavities left behind doesn't look any different from the others. Perhaps it's just the overall velocity and pressure or impact of that particular grain at greater distances? You know, kind of like if a person gets hit in the chest hard enough it can stop their heart.. even though their heart was not pierced or directly contacted. Oh well, that was way more than I wanted to say but that's my experience and opinion.. If you disagree don't hate me :)
Zero issues with your findings. I’ve seen many other people talk about 123 grains being the sweet spot. I’m super thrilled to find other people having great success and confidence with their Grendel. Thanks for watching and leaving your thoughts as well. Happy hunting!
I shoot 6.5 Grendel too and love the caliber I’m going to try and start videoing hunts with it because I’ve heard many stories like yours but can’t find very much where it was filmed and I think there’s a lot of others that wanna see it too and I would love to be able to film a shoot like yours that really shows what this cartridge is capable of Congratulations
As a fellow Grendel hunter I can attest to its lethality. 120 gr gold dot has been my go to projectile over a max charge of lever evolution and cci 41 or 450 primer. At 2550 velocity it's hard to keep in the animal but the ones that did mushroom perfect and retained around 90% of their weight. I also load 100 gr barnes ttsx running 2800 and 123 sst running 2540 with lever evolution as well. IMHO the best overall Ar caliber as I've got good hits over 800 yds with factory elds along with excellent on game performance. Appreciate the video and sharing the Grendel love.
@@mr.mr.3301 It looks like the two are super similar. Might be best to peruse Reddit or other parts of the interwebs to see if anyone has more info on the comparison.
I use a grendel as well as my son is young and is unable to shoot the larger calibers. I use the Barnes 127gr, the Hornady 123gr sst or the nosler 129gr. In 2020 I took a bull elk at 480 yards with one shot. He stood for a few minutes then fell over. I am at the top of the reloading ladder using staball 6.5 with cci 450 or cci 41 primers. I wouldn't push past 500 yards.
Thanks for listing your bullet choices and powder. Congrats on your harvest. I am really excited for the 2022 season so I can use the heavier bullets this year and see the results.
@@SnowbirdProductionsTX I know old school people will say you can't use gun smaller than 300 for elk for a clean ethical kill, but I say nay to that. If you are confident in your ability to shoot and your gun can put that lead on target, I feel the grendel is a very solid choice to 500 yards, but I will say on big game you need the larger bullets. I use the 123 gr for javelina and would use for deer and antelope.
Living in California we have to use copper bullets. If the velocity gets down they don’t open up. I’m using Barnes 100 gr at about 2800 FPS. I haven’t harvested anything with it yet. Hope it works good. I don’t shoot over 150-200 yaeds
The only weird thing I noticed with the Barnes so far was when my daughter shot her pronghorn at 300+ yards and a petal fragmented and created a secondary path. Still had full penetration from the main bullet though. I hope you have good results when the time comes. So far I haven’t been disappointed with monolithic bullets.
@@rowdytitan by next year I’m gonna have a FFP optic with better zoom and I should be able to tighten that group some more. I got a cheaper vortex 4-12 on it now
I think it very much depends on what bullet you want to use, how far, and what type and size animal. Some have seen great results from 100 grain Barnes TTSX screaming out of a bolt gun*. Others swear by 129/130 grain stuff humming along. *Take a look at 6mm ARC bolt data vs gas gun data in the latest Hornady reload book.
Glad to hear you are getting great results! My daughter poked a pronghorn at over 320 yards about a week ago with a 120 grain TTSX. It performed amazing. Super happy with the combo and I need to post the post shot analysis here in the next couple of days.
Great video. New sub. A few years ago I took a 2 point blacktail deer with a 243 etronx 95 gr nosler ballistic tip . It went down in 30 yards. Bullet went right threw middle of the heart, but after going threw both legs , 6 times threw the hide and 1 rib and exited the deer. The bullet didn't look like it expanded at that distance. The impact was right at 800 ft lbs. I am thinking of setting up a 6.5 grendal.
I’ve been through 3 hunting seasons now with the Grendel and have shot pigs, pronghorn, whitetail and muledeer. I’ll have a hard time not using the Grendel in other hunting adventures as it works so well. After making this video I’ve started using the 120 grain TTSX bullets and absolutely love them. If you set one up I think you should go with a 20” barrel.
Thanks for sharing! I’d be tempted to give it a try. This year I was super happy with the 125 Nosler Partitions and 120 Barnes TTSX. I love having options though so I might have to load up a batch of accubonds 😀
Heck yeah. I know it worked well on the pig I shot. I used the same 125 grain partition bullets though. I could see the 90 grain bullets a good choice for coyotes. I’ve just been hesitant to use lighter bullets on deer after somewhat lackluster performance from 100 grain ballistic tips. Might have just been an issue with the Nosler BTs though.
mark larue owner of larue tactical is said to have killed an elk at 405 yds measured with lazer rangefinder. not sure about which bullet but 6.5 grendel is a great hunting caliber
I really think if you have monolothic bullets or a partition bullet it’s possible. I’d be a little hesitant as elk are freaking crazy tough. I have watched a video of a younger lady who took one down with a Grendel and something like 3 shots. I just got some monolothics and want to test them here shortly. I want to procure a shoulder bone from a butcher and see how the bullets do.
Hey bud, thanks for the video! i had a question or two for ya if you dont mind. Were hunting muleys with a couple 6.5 grendel 20 inchers in northern CO this year, but we cant get the heavier bullets, and infact ive been having a hard time even getting lead hunting ammo. I order 129 gr noslers but there was a inventory error and they were out. Were using coppers because its what weve got, 110 gr lehigh controlled chaos but theyre fast little snots. Any thoughts on what we can do to keep our kills ethical? Im worried about the knockdown potential. Laso, you know anyone whose had luck with eld or scenars?
That is awesome that you get the chance to chase muleys this fall...congrats! So I have been researching a lot about bullet compositions and bullet sectional densities. Sectional densities relate to how well a bullet can penetrate. So when it comes to bullet compositions it seems to be a consensus that SSTs are better for behind the shoulder shots while monolithic (copper only) bullets are better for shoulder busting. It's just the way they mushroom/break apart based on their compositions. I looked up your bullet and the sectional density is lower (.225) than the 129s (.264) but still falls within the range of "enough" that I've researched about effectiveness on deer size animals. Those 100 grains that I used last year were only .205 and yes they killed the animals but they fragmented something awful. I didn't have to chase the animals, but I know they suffered a bit. I JUST ordered Barnes TTSX 120 grain a couple of days ago (May 16th or so) from Midway. They look super similar to the controlled chaos bullets and if you have time maybe order a batch of those if you want a slightly heavier bullet with a much higher sectional density (.266). I plan on combining the Barnes TTSX with CFE223. I'll be hunting pronghorn and muleys myself this year so I plan on using trying both bullets. Results won't come out until October but I plan on documenting and making a video about it. Bottom line, don't try to shoot super long ranges and I think you'll be fine. p.s. I have not used ELDs or scenarios yet. I really wish I could get my hands on Nosler partitions (125 grain) but apparently they're too good to make them in .264 right now.
@@SnowbirdProductionsTX Thanks so much for the tips on how SD relates to impact site. My reloading stuff got snatched right off my porch when i was cleaning it at our last place (went to the bathroom like a fool), and i haven't been able to replace any of it, so ive been having to buy premade this year. Ironically enough, before i read this we ended up getting 50 rds of barnes TTSX 120gr in lapua brass from Precision firearms and 50 rds of 129 gr Accubond Noslers in Lapua brass to go along with the 100 or so we have of underwoods. I would love to have more of each, but availability is trash atm. Luckily i can get everything zeroed up pretty well for my gun and my wife's with just a handful of rounds And we have some wolfs with not super dissimilar trajectories for some practice. Wish we could hunt surpressed here but no dice. Instead, went the opposite way and put some compensator/muzzlebrake hybrids from VG6. My wife is pretty recoil averse, how did your daughter do with these? Im not a great measure of these things, i dont think my old man's 375 kicks that bad, haha. Oh yeah, what barrel length are you working with?
@@thegingerbeardman8399 I’m using a bear creek arsenal 20” barrel. My daughter has zero issues with the kick and I’m super proud of how well she shoots. All of her harvests have been 200+ yards.
Thanks for the video!!! By now you've already done your load work up and I'm wondering what were you able to get for velocity. I think that's awesome that your daughter enjoys hunting with you. Best of luck hunting this year.
So after messing with the 129 SSTs I changed my mind. I kept having feed issues and was also able to procure some 120 grain Barnes TTSX and some 125 grain Nosler Partitions. I averaged 2438 with the Barnes TTSXs using 26.5 grains of 8208 XBR. I have yet to run the Partitions through a chrono but I assume they'll be right in the same ballpark of speed. I am so going to pair the Partitions with Accurate 2520. It's T-minus one month before we head out for hunting season and we're both super excited. It's no doubt we'll bag a couple of speed goats for our yearly meat supply. Hopefully I'm able to capture the events and be able to post a video. More to follow :)
@@SnowbirdProductionsTX cavity back bullets. They also make loaded ammo. 2550 118grn bullets in a 18in barrel. Expansion is crazy. Bc.536. But they are expensive. 40 for 20. But they are fast. And heavy.
@@SnowbirdProductionsTX Maker ammo makes a great bullet. The 120s I think. The heavyer bullets. Eld federal Fusion 120. Nosler custom 120. Older wolf gold 120sp. I wish Remington cor loct or Federal blue box would make a more economy bullet. Sellior and bellot just started making 6.5grendel. but it's fmj. Ppu has a 120 grn hpbt for 22$ a box right now on. Ammo seek
I agree with you on ethics: just drop it, don't let it suffer. What barrel length are you using? From my 26.5 and 24 inch barrels, with proper 123gr loads, this is far more capable at distance than 150gr 308. Nice video. Good information.
I am only using a 20" barrel, but average about 2400 - 2450 fps on the loads I use. Since making this video I have really fallen in love with 120 grain Barnes TTSX bullets. They did a heck of a job on our pronghorn this year and the two shot with them went down quick and excellent with one only one bullet each from approximately 190 and 320 yards. Took one more pronghorn with a single 125 grain Nosler Partition as well, which does a great job as well, but is little more brutal on surrounding tissue which can lead to meat loss. Regardless, had complete passthroughs on all of the animals even with punching through some shoulder bones. I have a sentimental connection to that .308 I showed in the video, but after 3 years of hunting with the Grendel I am going to have a hard time not wanting to use it.
I’m a little late to the party, but can you go over why the muzzle velocity of the 120gr and 129gr was so similar? We’re you using the same load? Same barrel length? Appreciate your time in advance
Howdy @CommanderChipmunk. So I actually had to go back through and look at the data I used when I was making the video. I don't often load 129 SSTs, so at the time I used pre-made load data that was available in an app called Ballistics AE (Advanced Edition). That particular preset was called ".264 Alexander Arms 129gr Hornady SST". Now for the 120 grain Nosler BTs I did use my own loads, with 26.5 grains of 8208 XBR, and chronographed those at 2378 FPS. I use a 20" barrel on my Grendel. After publishing the video, I finally made some 129 SSTs and those were loaded with 30.5 grains of CFE223. I chronographed those at 2439 fps in my 20" barrel as well as the additional length of a suppressor. I think you can push them a little hotter but I tend to keep my stuff on the conservative side just cause I don't feel it's necessary to beat up your equipment for a few extra fps. Really in the end you can get 120, 123, 125, and 129 all to average right around 2400 fps with a 20" barrel. I honestly prefer 120s just because I've lately gravitated to monolithics, like the Barnes TTSXs. I also am a big fan of the Noser 125 grain partition bullets. Please don't hesitate to ask any other questions if I missed something. Hope this helps.
@@SnowbirdProductionsTX how is Gillette, did the oil ever recover? I have some friends there that got hit really bad when it went under. Good video btw 👍
@@SnowbirdProductionsTX absolutely, just put in for deer and antelope, plus 2 extra deer and 2 extra antelope! Should be a busy year for the grendel. Good luck to you as well!
When I lived in Alaska most people would carry either a 10MM (.40), .454 Casull, .S&W .460, or S&W 500. Now granted, these are all revolver/handgun applications. I'd honestly have to say if an animal such as a bear were charging you I'd prefer at least a .30 caliber weapon (rifle such as .308/30-06/Win-Mag) or a shotgun. Never happened to me though so I cannot give you a subject matter expert opinion on it.
I would be curious how the Barnes would do as well. But at that distance, I don’t think the velocity is there to open up. What were your results? Any any pass-through shots? I’m at East Coast Hunter in like through and through for blood trails.
The Barnes TTSX work just fine. My daughter took down a pronghorn at 323 yards. I absolutely hammered one myself at 185 yards. Since I’ve made this video the Barnes 120 grain TTSX and the 125 grain Nosler partition are my favorites for bullet choices. All of these were pass through shots through and through.
@@mr.mr.3301 I use a Vortex 4-16x44. However, if you’re hunting woods I would think a 3x9 would be just fine. I knew I would be hunting out west at first so that’s why I chose the scope that I have.
@@SnowbirdProductionsTX fantastic bullet inside 200yards. Solid copper are longer than similar wt cup & core/bonded bullets. If your want to push ethical hunting ranges to 400 on med sz game...look at lower grain weight projectiles(85-100)...deep penetration, bullets stay together. The owners of both makers and Hammer are fantastic. They will discuss load data, etc, unbelievable customer service. Best of luck.
That’s a shame. I don’t understand why suppressors get such a bad rap when there are such good benefits to them. Anyway, good luck with your next hunting adventure!
Yeah man, bolt guns get all the love from reloading. The big benefit in my case is the ability to choose bullets as ammo availability and choice is super weak in my area.
@@SnowbirdProductionsTX same Here I'm all the way up fairbanks AK we have 2 stores have have a real selection and thats it. All the other stores just cary some of the most common cartridges.
And you don't need a standard size action. The minis are enough. Hornady did their 6mm ARC bolt action data on a CZ 527, up to 62,000 PSI and +300 fps over 6mm ARC AR-15 data. I'm itching to reload my 125 Parts hot in my Zastava Mini Mauser (same as the Chas. Daly/Interarms Mini Mark X or Rem 799), and I doubt I will come close to the limits. Don't need to.
@@anthonykaiser974 I shoot a CZ 527 in grendel. You get great performance out of even the 16inch version. I rebarreled mine to 22 inches and it is really cooking.
@@Bshwag I wish CZ did the 527 in Grendel for lefties like me. No, just .223, and that version isn't good for Grendel conversion. Some parts are too small.
I’ve loaded SST’s in .308 mainly and they fragment severely. Probably demolish a groundhog. But deer, a lead tipped bullet will stay together and pass through the deer, thus draining the animal of its blood. Your 100 grain ballistic tip would have been fine in the neck or head but at two and three hundred yards I wouldn’t try it. Just my opinion
This hunting season (2022) I used the 125 grain Nosler Partition bullets and the 120 grain Barnes TTSX bullets. Absolutely love the results I got and doubt I will ever really use the BTs again. We harvested three Pronghorn at ~150 yards, ~190 yards, ~320 yards and each time had complete pass through and no issues like I had in the video.
Right now I would also consider ammo availability if you don’t reload. Luckily I reload and have a good supply but when I was at the sporting goods store yesterday I didn’t see any.
NOt that the SAAMI spec for 6.5 Grendel is for the compromised AR-15 bolt head. In a bolt gun 60K PSI is fine and maybe more depending on the brass used.
Thanks for the insight brother. Great video content and reflections. I appreciated shooting your 6.5 Grendel and the silencer attributed to a magnificent experience.
Thank you for the kind words and I appreciate you stopping by.
I've been down this road for 11 years. I found all the goods and bads of this cartridge which makes this a wonderful cartridge for deer size animals in my personal opinion to 250 yards with great performance. I totally agree with your findings mirroring mine. The 120 gives me great accuracy and so does the Hornady 129 grain. Just using common sense ballistics will make a hunter happy! Thanks for the great video!
Wow, you’ve had one for quite some time! I’ve got three hunting seasons under my belt and I’ll have a hard time going back to the .308 for deer size animals. Still gonna need it for bigger game though 😁 thanks for watching and leaving a comment with some of your own personal experiences 👍🏻
The 100 grain Nosler Ballistic Tip is a varmint round designed to violently fragment on impact. The problem wasn't energy, it was that you were using an inappropriate bullet for the task.
Yes, now that I’ve used other bullets I couldn’t agree more.
I use the 100 grain Barnes TTSX at about 2900 FPS. I have had good results on several hogs and took a huge Aoudad ram at 150 yards quartering away behind the shoulder. The Aoudad went about 100 yards which is not unusual as they are very tough animals. I was not expecting the Aoudad and was really worried the Grendel was not up to the task but it did fine. The Grendel is a great round for hunting with the AR-15 platform but I'm still toting my heavy 308 AR-10 for hogs most of the time. Thanks for the video great information.
Thanks for the response. I really enjoy hearing other people’s experiences as it helps me make decisions on what I want to do in the future. You’re the third person now to mention a lighter bullet, but monolithic or a partition. I do now have 120 TTSX and 125 partitions so those are likely what I’m slinging this fall. In the end shot placement is huge. Good luck in your future hunts and thanks for stopping by my channel.
Great video, Just got into the 6.5 Grendel.
I'm a fan of the cartridge so far. I haven't really looked in the ammo section of stores lately but I'm glad I reload so I have more options for bullet types. Can't wait for pronghorn season this fall to try out some new ammo whether it be 129 SSTs, 120 TTSXs, or 125 Nosler partitions. I'll definitely do my best to document the hunt and share the results.
I'm headed out to Northern AZ next weekend to hunt mule deer with my suppressed 6.5 grendel. I'm excited. My family has whacked and stacked lots of deer in the past few years using 6.5 grendel.
Lucky Man
That’s gonna be an awesome experience, hopefully I’ll be able to do something like that soon
Good info on bullet selection, powder, as well as consideration for humane kills.
Thank you. XBR 8208 is probably my true love for Grendel, but it's been hard to find. Don't think I'll have any complaints for 2520 after I use it more. Now if I can just find bullets :(
Best performance on whitetail for me was the 125gr Partition, but, I love the 120 Ballistic tip and 90gr Varmageddon in my Grendel due to same point impact at 100yd - No need to re-zero before deer season (not saying you shouldn't check your zero!). I'd use the Lehigh 110gr Controlled Chaos but POI is drastically different (6" high and 2" left!). I'm trying 95gr V-max this week and hoping for same POI as the 120BT and 90 Varmageddon. Fingers Crossed!
Great info. Short and sweet.
Thank you
125gr Nosler Partition needs 20" or longer barrel to get 2500+fps in a Grendel. I think it is a great projectile way better for hunting than the Hornady 123gr stuff.
The 100gr Nosler Partition can get performance like 100gr Partition does in shorter barreled 243's
Seeing your comment I’m tempted to try the 100 grain partitions now.
This is why I opted to rebarrel a Zastava Mini Mauser to 6.5 G. I'm a lefty, so no off-the-shelf mini actions. There's 2-300 fps being lost due to gas gun bolt fragility, based on the latest 6mm ARC data in Hornady's 11th Ed. reloading manual.
I use the same combination 120 Nosler on Fallow, none have moved. One I thought I had missed it as it just stood there looking at me for quite a while, before keeling over it's hind legs.
I’m a Grendel only deer hunter after I began using it about five years ago. I’m not a reloader (sadly), so I’ve used the following ammo:
Federal fusion 120ish g
Hornady SST 123g
Barnes VORTX 115g
They all killed ethically on large deer but the copper Barnes are head and shoulders my favorite. I never could get a tight enough group out of the SSTs for my satisfaction.
Big high five on the Barnes bullets. After making this video I started using the 120 grain TTSX and have had fantastic results. They are for sure my favorites for now with Nosler partition bullets in second place. I appreciate sharing your experiences as well with different bullet types. Thanks for watching and commenting.
123gr is the sweet spot for 6.5GR in my opinion, especially longer distances(350+). I'm from the hills of WV where long distance hunting isn't as common as most other places.(30-30/30-06 quite popular here) but I was recently turned on to the 6.5 (I bought an AR platform) and absolutely love it! Now I have been turned on to hunting gas line and power line right of ways even more. Anyway.. after some trial and error the 123gr is the only round that has literally dropped them all in their tracks every time. Until yesterday my last five kills were all 350-500yds but last was my longest ever with any rifle cal. Dropped nice 10 point at 630yds. I almost didn't take the shot fearing I would only wound it and never find it, but I can shoot and had confidence in the 123gr. This guy did stumble about 10ft but he was out within a few seconds. I don't have tested numbers and stats, but the 123gr has it and I don't know why..lol. The cavities left behind doesn't look any different from the others. Perhaps it's just the overall velocity and pressure or impact of that particular grain at greater distances? You know, kind of like if a person gets hit in the chest hard enough it can stop their heart.. even though their heart was not pierced or directly contacted. Oh well, that was way more than I wanted to say but that's my experience and opinion.. If you disagree don't hate me :)
Zero issues with your findings. I’ve seen many other people talk about 123 grains being the sweet spot. I’m super thrilled to find other people having great success and confidence with their Grendel. Thanks for watching and leaving your thoughts as well. Happy hunting!
I shoot 6.5 Grendel too and love the caliber
I’m going to try and start videoing hunts with it because I’ve heard many stories like yours but can’t find very much where it was filmed and I think there’s a lot of others that wanna see it too and I would love to be able to film a shoot like yours that really shows what this cartridge is capable of
Congratulations
As a fellow Grendel hunter I can attest to its lethality. 120 gr gold dot has been my go to projectile over a max charge of lever evolution and cci 41 or 450 primer. At 2550 velocity it's hard to keep in the animal but the ones that did mushroom perfect and retained around 90% of their weight. I also load 100 gr barnes ttsx running 2800 and 123 sst running 2540 with lever evolution as well. IMHO the best overall Ar caliber as I've got good hits over 800 yds with factory elds along with excellent on game performance. Appreciate the video and sharing the Grendel love.
Thanks for sharing the load info that works for you as well.
Our gold dots bonded?
@@mr.mr.3301 I believe Speer Gold dots are a bonded bullet.
@@SnowbirdProductionsTX wonder how they are different than fusion.
@@mr.mr.3301 It looks like the two are super similar. Might be best to peruse Reddit or other parts of the interwebs to see if anyone has more info on the comparison.
I use a grendel as well as my son is young and is unable to shoot the larger calibers. I use the Barnes 127gr, the Hornady 123gr sst or the nosler 129gr. In 2020 I took a bull elk at 480 yards with one shot. He stood for a few minutes then fell over. I am at the top of the reloading ladder using staball 6.5 with cci 450 or cci 41 primers. I wouldn't push past 500 yards.
Thanks for listing your bullet choices and powder. Congrats on your harvest. I am really excited for the 2022 season so I can use the heavier bullets this year and see the results.
@@SnowbirdProductionsTX I know old school people will say you can't use gun smaller than 300 for elk for a clean ethical kill, but I say nay to that. If you are confident in your ability to shoot and your gun can put that lead on target, I feel the grendel is a very solid choice to 500 yards, but I will say on big game you need the larger bullets. I use the 123 gr for javelina and would use for deer and antelope.
Good stuff .
Glad you liked the content. Plan on making another video this fall on the next pronghorn adventure.
My grendel loves the 129 sst. My daughters loves the 123 sst.
Living in California we have to use copper bullets. If the velocity gets down they don’t open up. I’m using Barnes 100 gr at about 2800 FPS. I haven’t harvested anything with it yet. Hope it works good. I don’t shoot over 150-200 yaeds
The only weird thing I noticed with the Barnes so far was when my daughter shot her pronghorn at 300+ yards and a petal fragmented and created a secondary path. Still had full penetration from the main bullet though. I hope you have good results when the time comes. So far I haven’t been disappointed with monolithic bullets.
Thanks for the info I just got a ruger American ranch in 6.5 grendal for whitetail and now I know to stay with the heavier weight bullets.
Very cool. Best of luck this upcoming season!
Just picked up the exact same rifle. Excited to see what 123 grain rounds will do.
@@rowdytitan I was using nosler 129 grain ABLR and at 50 yards I got a quarter size group. I have a vg6 precision gamma 65 brake on mine also.
@@rowdytitan by next year I’m gonna have a FFP optic with better zoom and I should be able to tighten that group some more. I got a cheaper vortex 4-12 on it now
I think it very much depends on what bullet you want to use, how far, and what type and size animal. Some have seen great results from 100 grain Barnes TTSX screaming out of a bolt gun*. Others swear by 129/130 grain stuff humming along.
*Take a look at 6mm ARC bolt data vs gas gun data in the latest Hornady reload book.
I HAVE FOUND THE SWEET SPOT AT 123 SST, TAKEN WHITETAILS OUT TO 340 YADS CLEANLY, LOVE MINE, AND RUNNIN IT WITH A CAN MAKES IT EVEN BETTER
Glad to hear you are getting great results! My daughter poked a pronghorn at over 320 yards about a week ago with a 120 grain TTSX. It performed amazing. Super happy with the combo and I need to post the post shot analysis here in the next couple of days.
Liked and subscribed 👍👍😃
Appreciate it. Thank you. Plan on getting some more Grendel stuff out and eventual footage this fall when I go antelope hunting again.
Great video. New sub. A few years ago I took a 2 point blacktail deer with a 243 etronx 95 gr nosler ballistic tip . It went down in 30 yards. Bullet went right threw middle of the heart, but after going threw both legs , 6 times threw the hide and 1 rib and exited the deer. The bullet didn't look like it expanded at that distance. The impact was right at 800 ft lbs. I am thinking of setting up a 6.5 grendal.
I’ve been through 3 hunting seasons now with the Grendel and have shot pigs, pronghorn, whitetail and muledeer. I’ll have a hard time not using the Grendel in other hunting adventures as it works so well. After making this video I’ve started using the 120 grain TTSX bullets and absolutely love them. If you set one up I think you should go with a 20” barrel.
@@SnowbirdProductionsTX thank you for that info. I forgot to mention the deer I shot was 484 yds.
@@SnowbirdProductionsTX the deer you showed in the video was that the entrance or exit hole? Did you find your bullet in the hide on the far side ?
@wendellbell6164 That’s a long ways man! Congrats on that!
@wendellbell6164 That was the entrance side of the shot. I don’t remember looking for or finding the bullet.
Use benchmark powder it will get your velocity way up ive had extremely good luck with it
I use a Hornady case with a 129 Nosler Accubond, 25.9gr H335 powder. It's a freaking sledge hammer.
Thanks for sharing! I’d be tempted to give it a try. This year I was super happy with the 125 Nosler Partitions and 120 Barnes TTSX. I love having options though so I might have to load up a batch of accubonds 😀
What are the barrel specs? I’m using a Faxon 20” hvy fluted w/ my DA Nomad TI and having great results
Nosler etip is a better choice or similar Barnes monolithic bullets are a better choice
Yep, figured that out a bit after making this video. My primary choices are TTSX and partitions now.
I haven’t shot many deer with my Grendel but it’s been heck on coyotes and hogs using Speer 90 grain TNT’s.
Heck yeah. I know it worked well on the pig I shot. I used the same 125 grain partition bullets though. I could see the 90 grain bullets a good choice for coyotes. I’ve just been hesitant to use lighter bullets on deer after somewhat lackluster performance from 100 grain ballistic tips. Might have just been an issue with the Nosler BTs though.
Been using Grendel on pigs for a while. Kills like lightning.
You got a favorite handload or on-the-shelf ammo that you prefer?
@@SnowbirdProductionsTX I use Hornady black 123 eld match factory. Kills very good.
Hornady black 123gt eld match. Kills good!
That 6.5 grendel upper looks like bear creek Arsenal side charge with heavy barrel…am I right?
You are correct 👍🏻
Sweet! The only reason I know cause I just bought the same upper 18” love it.
mark larue owner of larue tactical is said to have killed an elk at 405 yds measured with lazer rangefinder. not sure about which bullet but 6.5 grendel is a great hunting caliber
I really think if you have monolothic bullets or a partition bullet it’s possible. I’d be a little hesitant as elk are freaking crazy tough. I have watched a video of a younger lady who took one down with a Grendel and something like 3 shots. I just got some monolothics and want to test them here shortly. I want to procure a shoulder bone from a butcher and see how the bullets do.
The young girl he’s talking about took that elk at 395yds
Very impressive
Hey bud, thanks for the video! i had a question or two for ya if you dont mind. Were hunting muleys with a couple 6.5 grendel 20 inchers in northern CO this year, but we cant get the heavier bullets, and infact ive been having a hard time even getting lead hunting ammo. I order 129 gr noslers but there was a inventory error and they were out. Were using coppers because its what weve got, 110 gr lehigh controlled chaos but theyre fast little snots. Any thoughts on what we can do to keep our kills ethical? Im worried about the knockdown potential. Laso, you know anyone whose had luck with eld or scenars?
That is awesome that you get the chance to chase muleys this fall...congrats! So I have been researching a lot about bullet compositions and bullet sectional densities. Sectional densities relate to how well a bullet can penetrate. So when it comes to bullet compositions it seems to be a consensus that SSTs are better for behind the shoulder shots while monolithic (copper only) bullets are better for shoulder busting. It's just the way they mushroom/break apart based on their compositions. I looked up your bullet and the sectional density is lower (.225) than the 129s (.264) but still falls within the range of "enough" that I've researched about effectiveness on deer size animals. Those 100 grains that I used last year were only .205 and yes they killed the animals but they fragmented something awful. I didn't have to chase the animals, but I know they suffered a bit. I JUST ordered Barnes TTSX 120 grain a couple of days ago (May 16th or so) from Midway. They look super similar to the controlled chaos bullets and if you have time maybe order a batch of those if you want a slightly heavier bullet with a much higher sectional density (.266). I plan on combining the Barnes TTSX with CFE223. I'll be hunting pronghorn and muleys myself this year so I plan on using trying both bullets. Results won't come out until October but I plan on documenting and making a video about it. Bottom line, don't try to shoot super long ranges and I think you'll be fine.
p.s. I have not used ELDs or scenarios yet. I really wish I could get my hands on Nosler partitions (125 grain) but apparently they're too good to make them in .264 right now.
@@SnowbirdProductionsTX Thanks so much for the tips on how SD relates to impact site.
My reloading stuff got snatched right off my porch when i was cleaning it at our last place (went to the bathroom like a fool), and i haven't been able to replace any of it, so ive been having to buy premade this year.
Ironically enough, before i read this we ended up getting 50 rds of barnes TTSX 120gr in lapua brass from Precision firearms and 50 rds of 129 gr Accubond Noslers in Lapua brass to go along with the 100 or so we have of underwoods. I would love to have more of each, but availability is trash atm. Luckily i can get everything zeroed up pretty well for my gun and my wife's with just a handful of rounds And we have some wolfs with not super dissimilar trajectories for some practice.
Wish we could hunt surpressed here but no dice. Instead, went the opposite way and put some compensator/muzzlebrake hybrids from VG6. My wife is pretty recoil averse, how did your daughter do with these? Im not a great measure of these things, i dont think my old man's 375 kicks that bad, haha.
Oh yeah, what barrel length are you working with?
@@thegingerbeardman8399 I’m using a bear creek arsenal 20” barrel. My daughter has zero issues with the kick and I’m super proud of how well she shoots. All of her harvests have been 200+ yards.
Thanks for the video!!! By now you've already done your load work up and I'm wondering what were you able to get for velocity. I think that's awesome that your daughter enjoys hunting with you. Best of luck hunting this year.
So after messing with the 129 SSTs I changed my mind. I kept having feed issues and was also able to procure some 120 grain Barnes TTSX and some 125 grain Nosler Partitions. I averaged 2438 with the Barnes TTSXs using 26.5 grains of 8208 XBR. I have yet to run the Partitions through a chrono but I assume they'll be right in the same ballpark of speed. I am so going to pair the Partitions with Accurate 2520. It's T-minus one month before we head out for hunting season and we're both super excited. It's no doubt we'll bag a couple of speed goats for our yearly meat supply. Hopefully I'm able to capture the events and be able to post a video. More to follow :)
@@SnowbirdProductionsTX cavity back bullets. They also make loaded ammo. 2550 118grn bullets in a 18in barrel. Expansion is crazy. Bc.536. But they are expensive. 40 for 20. But they are fast. And heavy.
@@SnowbirdProductionsTX Maker ammo makes a great bullet. The 120s I think. The heavyer bullets. Eld federal Fusion 120. Nosler custom 120.
@@SnowbirdProductionsTX Maker ammo makes a great bullet. The 120s I think. The heavyer bullets. Eld federal Fusion 120. Nosler custom 120. Older wolf gold 120sp. I wish Remington cor loct or Federal blue box would make a more economy bullet. Sellior and bellot just started making 6.5grendel. but it's fmj. Ppu has a 120 grn hpbt for 22$ a box right now on. Ammo seek
I agree with you on ethics: just drop it, don't let it suffer.
What barrel length are you using? From my 26.5 and 24 inch barrels, with proper 123gr loads, this is far more capable at distance than 150gr 308.
Nice video. Good information.
I am only using a 20" barrel, but average about 2400 - 2450 fps on the loads I use. Since making this video I have really fallen in love with 120 grain Barnes TTSX bullets. They did a heck of a job on our pronghorn this year and the two shot with them went down quick and excellent with one only one bullet each from approximately 190 and 320 yards. Took one more pronghorn with a single 125 grain Nosler Partition as well, which does a great job as well, but is little more brutal on surrounding tissue which can lead to meat loss. Regardless, had complete passthroughs on all of the animals even with punching through some shoulder bones. I have a sentimental connection to that .308 I showed in the video, but after 3 years of hunting with the Grendel I am going to have a hard time not wanting to use it.
The 6.5 G is really that good with proper load & bullet, and doing your responsibility as an ethical member of the food chain
I’m a little late to the party, but can you go over why the muzzle velocity of the 120gr and 129gr was so similar? We’re you using the same load? Same barrel length?
Appreciate your time in advance
Howdy @CommanderChipmunk. So I actually had to go back through and look at the data I used when I was making the video. I don't often load 129 SSTs, so at the time I used pre-made load data that was available in an app called Ballistics AE (Advanced Edition). That particular preset was called ".264 Alexander Arms 129gr Hornady SST". Now for the 120 grain Nosler BTs I did use my own loads, with 26.5 grains of 8208 XBR, and chronographed those at 2378 FPS. I use a 20" barrel on my Grendel. After publishing the video, I finally made some 129 SSTs and those were loaded with 30.5 grains of CFE223. I chronographed those at 2439 fps in my 20" barrel as well as the additional length of a suppressor. I think you can push them a little hotter but I tend to keep my stuff on the conservative side just cause I don't feel it's necessary to beat up your equipment for a few extra fps. Really in the end you can get 120, 123, 125, and 129 all to average right around 2400 fps with a 20" barrel. I honestly prefer 120s just because I've lately gravitated to monolithics, like the Barnes TTSXs. I also am a big fan of the Noser 125 grain partition bullets. Please don't hesitate to ask any other questions if I missed something. Hope this helps.
@@SnowbirdProductionsTX Fantastic breakdown. Thank you!
I just did a grendel build for hunting around cody, lived here 34 years, without specifics where in Wyoming do you live?
Northeast corner; Gillette
@@SnowbirdProductionsTX how is Gillette, did the oil ever recover? I have some friends there that got hit really bad when it went under. Good video btw 👍
All of the energy industries are better, but not near the boom levels they were. I hope your 2022 season goes well if you’re hunting this year!
@@SnowbirdProductionsTX absolutely, just put in for deer and antelope, plus 2 extra deer and 2 extra antelope! Should be a busy year for the grendel. Good luck to you as well!
Can this caliber good to stop a bear attaching????
When I lived in Alaska most people would carry either a 10MM (.40), .454 Casull, .S&W .460, or S&W 500. Now granted, these are all revolver/handgun applications. I'd honestly have to say if an animal such as a bear were charging you I'd prefer at least a .30 caliber weapon (rifle such as .308/30-06/Win-Mag) or a shotgun. Never happened to me though so I cannot give you a subject matter expert opinion on it.
I would be curious how the Barnes would do as well. But at that distance, I don’t think the velocity is there to open up. What were your results? Any any pass-through shots? I’m at East Coast Hunter in like through and through for blood trails.
The Barnes TTSX work just fine. My daughter took down a pronghorn at 323 yards. I absolutely hammered one myself at 185 yards. Since I’ve made this video the Barnes 120 grain TTSX and the 125 grain Nosler partition are my favorites for bullet choices. All of these were pass through shots through and through.
@@SnowbirdProductionsTX I’ll search for it.
@@SnowbirdProductionsTX what scope are you liking for the Grendel
@@mr.mr.3301 I use a Vortex 4-16x44. However, if you’re hunting woods I would think a 3x9 would be just fine. I knew I would be hunting out west at first so that’s why I chose the scope that I have.
Sweet spot is 123 grain Hornady sst
From what I understand 123 grains is what Alexander Arms used/tested when creating the cartridge
Look at Makers and hammer projectiles....95-105g solid copper is the deal in grendel
Thanks! I just got my hands on some
Barnes TTSX 120s but I’ll check out those other projectiles as well.
@@SnowbirdProductionsTX fantastic bullet inside 200yards. Solid copper are longer than similar wt cup & core/bonded bullets. If your want to push ethical hunting ranges to 400 on med sz game...look at lower grain weight projectiles(85-100)...deep penetration, bullets stay together.
The owners of both makers and Hammer are fantastic. They will discuss load data, etc, unbelievable customer service. Best of luck.
Man I wish my state allowed hunting with a supreser
That’s a shame. I don’t understand why suppressors get such a bad rap when there are such good benefits to them. Anyway, good luck with your next hunting adventure!
what's your barrel length?
20 inches
if you really want to hunt with the grendel and you hand load get a bolt action gun they really shine when properly loaded.
Yeah man, bolt guns get all the love from reloading. The big benefit in my case is the ability to choose bullets as ammo availability and choice is super weak in my area.
@@SnowbirdProductionsTX same Here I'm all the way up fairbanks AK we have 2 stores have have a real selection and thats it. All the other stores just cary some of the most common cartridges.
And you don't need a standard size action. The minis are enough. Hornady did their 6mm ARC bolt action data on a CZ 527, up to 62,000 PSI and +300 fps over 6mm ARC AR-15 data. I'm itching to reload my 125 Parts hot in my Zastava Mini Mauser (same as the Chas.
Daly/Interarms Mini Mark X or Rem 799), and I doubt I will come close to the limits. Don't need to.
@@anthonykaiser974 I shoot a CZ 527 in grendel. You get great performance out of even the 16inch version. I rebarreled mine to 22 inches and it is really cooking.
@@Bshwag I wish CZ did the 527 in Grendel for lefties like me. No, just .223, and that version isn't good for Grendel conversion. Some parts are too small.
I’ve loaded SST’s in .308 mainly and they fragment severely. Probably demolish a groundhog. But deer, a lead tipped bullet will stay together and pass through the deer, thus draining the animal of its blood. Your 100 grain ballistic tip would have been fine in the neck or head but at two and three hundred yards I wouldn’t try it. Just my opinion
This hunting season (2022) I used the 125 grain Nosler Partition bullets and the 120 grain Barnes TTSX bullets. Absolutely love the results I got and doubt I will ever really use the BTs again. We harvested three Pronghorn at ~150 yards, ~190 yards, ~320 yards and each time had complete pass through and no issues like I had in the video.
Not sure about your 300yd theory
Go watch the video of that young lady drop a big bull elk at 395yds with the 123gr SST
I’ve seen it. Took a little time but it did get it done.
Barnes X-Bullet is the ONLY way to go PERIOD.
Since making this video I started using them and doubt I will ever stop using them.
I don't believe there's an "only way" but one weight class lower monos at corresponding higher speeds tend to be a very good way.
120 gain 129 gain ok
Pondering buying one in a bolt gun...
Right now I would also consider ammo availability if you don’t reload. Luckily I reload and have a good supply but when I was at the sporting goods store yesterday I didn’t see any.
@@SnowbirdProductionsTX in my area there's plenty,and I also reload aswell
NOt that the SAAMI spec for 6.5 Grendel is for the compromised AR-15 bolt head. In a bolt gun 60K PSI is fine and maybe more depending on the brass used.
A big bull elk out 395yds would beg to differ lol
What grain and brand bullet did you sling?
@@SnowbirdProductionsTX Hornady 123gr SST
I've always thought the 1000ft lb stuff was stupid. That's equal to saying a 44magnum can't kill ethically at 10ft. Stupid.
You pose an interesting argument. As long as the bullet can do its hydrostatic thing and cause shock and bleeding then it's game over right?