new Barnes 6.5mm 127gr LRX bullet

[sneaky one]

Stone T. The Interbond is a better bullet than the Nos. Part. ( I used to use them in my 7-mag.,, with only good results) - Someone on here has a few of my 105 TTSX units., to try... he'll let me know.. . The 110TTSX = too long for the case. 2 yrs. ago I made a 110 tsx=no tip.,, and that was a beauty to shoot at 100 yds. Less is more, on certain bullet styles, w'ts. & ranges.,,, for deer sized game. I'm soon to get some more- Horn. Interbonds , and some Trophy bonded., to tweak, try. I have a few 117 SST's out there too. Bergers explode. Lead in every bite is unhealthy.

[Drifter]

For hunting applications using the Grendel, we have bullet choices ranging from ~85 grains to ~160 grains. Somewhere in there is an optimum weight range where the Grendel will be most efficient and effective (and this will be somewhat dependent upon bullet design as well). No doubt that bullets from both ends of the spectrum can work, but neither end of the spectrum would be ideal for use in the Grendel case.

I simply would like to see a better selection of bullets that will maximize Grendel performance in hunting applications. That's not to say that current offerings are ineffective, but it seems that most were designed with larger 6.5 cartridges in mind (including the new Barnes 127gr LRX). I'm not looking to jump ship, but rather to enhance a cartridge that could likely perform even better.

[LRRPF52]

There are way more projectiles available for the Grendel, than say the 6.8 or even .257 calibers, which are on both ends of the .264" bores. Stokes makes a very compelling case for the existing projectile selection, based on years of experience that I simply can't argue with, and wouldn't try, because it makes a lot of sense.

His assertion that the Grendel doesn't need a lot of velocity, and actually does well without it fits right in with the high sectional density advantage that is not only good for trajectory, but for behavior in tissue. I'd rather hit a tough animal with a decently-thrown spear than a fast football.

[Ullr]

The 120 gr bullet is the Grendel's sweet spot. Highest energy of any, better BC than lighter bullets, more mass than lighter bullets, higher SD than lighter bullets, more velocity than heavier, lower recoil than heavier ...

[Schwag173]

The 120 gr bullet is the Grendel's sweet spot. Highest energy of any, better BC than lighter bullets, more mass than lighter bullets, higher SD than lighter bullets, more velocity than heavier, lower recoil than heavier ...

For 2 & 4 -legged wolves, I agree.

[bobke]

Having to seat both Hornady 100 and 120gr Amax at approx 2.165" to avoid stuffing them into the lands, I'd like to see them adapt both profiles to the Grendel specific 123gr setup and drop the 120's weight back 8-12gr to sit right in between the two and would offer a price and theoretically performance competitive challenge to Sierra and Lapua offerings. And thinking a little further, perhaps more usable powder capacity with more of the weight forward than current designs. A win/win, in my mind.

[txgunner00]

Having to seat both Hornady 100 an 120gr Amax at approx 2.165" to avoid stuffing them into the lands, I'd like to see them adapt both profiles to the Grendel specific 123gr setup and drop the 120's weight back 8-12gr to sit right in between the two and would offer a price and theoretically performance competitive challenge to Sierra and Lapua offerings.

I agree with this. I was disappointed that the 100s came out with the same profile as the 120s. I'm seating them at 2.200" myself.

[JASmith]

I have explored lighter bullets for military applications and can find arguments for lighter bullets in an infantry carbine for the "average" infantryman.

Even for hunting, a lot of folks rarely shoot past 300 yards, so the lighter bullet option may be attractive. I ran the 100 and 123 gr Scenars in 16 and 24 inch barrels. The Scenars were used to keep load and drag data more consistent. I looked at drop both at 300 yd and at 400 yd, but am showing only the 400 yd numbers because they are consistent with the 200 yd and better capture the longest reach the "average hunter" should even dream about. (Definitely not a typical hordite!)

24 " 100 gr -22.2"
24: 123 gr -24.0

16" 100 gr -25.9
16" 123 gr -28.0

We see that, within a specified barrel length, we get about 2" difference in drop at 400 yards. How many of us can hold better than about .5 MOA (2") at 400 yards? Some of us can, but for those who can will almost certainly get a hit in the right spot regardless of the bullet they choose to hunt with. The remainder of us likely could not tell the difference in drop even at 400 yards. The differences are much smaller as we move closer in to the nominal 250-300 maximum range for most shooters because the 200 yard zero is used.

Given the closeness of drop data, we now ask about effectiveness given that we hit the right spot. A good rule of thumb that works as long as the bullet opens adequately is that the heavier bullet is always better! We already know that several bullets in the 120-123 gr class work well out to past 400 yards. One could announce that the technical argument is complete -- and it likely is.

There is still room for the lighter bullets because they will work within these ranges, but the heavier bullet is probably the better choice for folks who want to be able to be effective at the longer distances.

[stokesrj]

I would not argue that bullets in the lighter weight range will work, and I won't argue against stoutly constructed hunting bullets they work and work well. My only point is that the mid range weights are well suited for the Grendel and perform really well without having to go to premium bullets.
For the record, when I use my 6.5 STW I do use premium bullets, standard bullets of cup and lead core design or very fragile bullets like the Nosler BT will splash on heavy muscle and fail to penetrate. Or, I also use 140 Berger VLD it destroys a lot of meat but drops them right there.
Bob

[vendetta333]

just my 2 cents: a 120gr sierra gameking in their hollow point version (with the tough jacket) would be perfect for everything inside 300-325 yards. except elk i'd say, for that i'd go with an xbullet or partition. but most wont hunt elk with their grendels.