6.5 Grendel Nosler Bullet Choice - Deer Hunting

[USAFRet]

I am finally loading for my Grendel. PSA Upper and Stag lower. This is for deer hunting. I have in stock - 120 grain Ballistic Tip, 120 grain E-Tip and 125 grain Partition. Looking at expansion, the Ballistic Tip wins out. However, I would like a pass through for tracking, and that leaves the Partition and the E-Tip. The E-Tip takes a bit more velcoity than the Partition to open up.

Thinking the Partition is maybe the good go between? Use the Ballistic Tip for Coyotes and maybe save the E-Tip for the Creedmoor?


Any real world experience out there? Expert opinion?

 

[Dmagna]

Not a huge fan of the ballistic tip, to me it's just a heavy varmint bullet. I just went through the same thing with my 6 arc. I don't know how far out you plan on shooting but on deer I didn't see a difference between a mono and a partition on deer. I never recovered one, all went right through and the deer died.

 

[USAFRet]

200 yards, maybe stretch it out to 225. I have a power line I hunt that is about that distance.

 

[USAFRet]

Just picked up a couple hundred 129 grain ABLRs. I need to get some TAC powder, though. Only one I have listed is Varget and it is way slow. I think this will give me what I am looking for.

 

[morgaj1]

With a typical boiler room shot, you'll have no issues with the BT. However, it you are looking for maximum penetration, Partition is your huckleberry. I use Ballistic Tips and Sierra Pro Hunters in my PSA Grendel upper for deer and hogs with good success.

 

[Darryle]

This is a buck my buddy's kiddo shot with a 120gr Nosler BT out of a 16" Grendel. I built my Grendel around using this bullet and I will be using the 120gr BT in the Howa Mini 6.5 Grendel as well

 

[USAFRet]

Wow! What was the yardage on that shot?

 

[Darryle]

IIRC, about 75 - 100yds, I can't remember which blind they were hunting out of on our lease.

I was blown away by the carnage of that load, I think that is the same load the rest of the guys use in their 6.5 Grendel ARs as well.

It's soft shooting and simply kills effectively and efficiently.

 

[Darryle]

I should have said, it's the go to load out of ARs for all the kiddos to use. I have the load data written down somewhere, I will post it when I find it.

It's a real confidence booster for the kids.

 

[USAFRet]

I should have said, it's the go to load out of ARs for all the kiddos to use. I have the load data written down somewhere, I will post it when I find it.

It's a real confidence booster for the kids.

I would appreciate that. I am shooting a PSA 20" upper.

I am an disabled veteran with neck and shoulder issues, so I appreciate reduced recoil. 308 braked is about my limit.

 

[Darryle]

I would appreciate that. I am shooting a PSA 20" upper.

I am an disabled veteran with neck and shoulder issues, so I appreciate reduced recoil. 308 braked is about my limit.

26.5gr Benchmark, CCI 450, Lapua brass, not a velocity monster in a 16" AR, but extremely accurate in a variety of barrels.

 

[USAFRet]

26.5gr Benchmark, CCI 450, Lapua brass, not a velocity monster in a 16" AR, but extremely accurate in a variety of barrels.

Excellent. Thank you. The Partitions I loaded are with Benchmark. Very much appreciated.

 

[Mike D Texas]

Of the bullets you listed the E tip would be dead last. I've been shooting the Grendel for over 10 years and have tried almost every bullet available. A plain old ballistic tip or partition has been the deadliest bullet I've used by far.
I prefer the 100 grain bullets over the 120-125 at the lower velocities that the Grendel offers.
I had miserable results with the 129 ABLR in mine.

 

[bamban]

Of the bullets you listed the E tip would be dead last. I've been shooting the Grendel for over 10 years and have tried almost every bullet available. A plain old ballistic tip or partition has been the deadliest bullet I've used by far.
I prefer the 100 grain bullets over the 120-125 at the lower velocities that the Grendel offers.
I had miserable results with the 129 ABLR in mine.

Have you tried the 107 TMKs