First off thank you for all the people who will say you can kill a deer ethically with a 22 Mag all the way up to you need to hit them like a Mack Truck and shouldn't shoot less that a 180 grain slug.
My question is: I built a new rifle in 6.5 Grendel. I only get to hunt and have shots in my area to about at the most maybe 300 yards. I know the Grendel is more than enough for that. The kicker is that I got invited to hunt on a place with some old friends for a few days where there are reportedly 600 yard shots. Not that anyone should attempt to take a deer at 600 yards, but I would like to take my new rifle and not lug around my heavy barreled .257 Weatherby Mag. I shot the Grendel suppressed and it has zero recoil. I also don't want to wound one and mess up others hunting.
My gun is shooting a 120 grain Barnes TTSX @ 2280 FPS from the muzzle.
100 yards Velocity is 2082 fps with 1155 ft-lbs of Energy 200 yards Velocity is 1894 fps with 956 ft-lbs of Energy 300 yards Velocity is 1718 fps with 786 ft-lbs of Energy 400 yards Velocity is 1554 fps with 644 ft-lbs of Energy 500 yards Velocity is 1407 fps with 527 ft-lbs of Energy 600 yards Velocity is 1278 fps with 435 ft-lbs of Energy
Some people say 600 is good for the cartridge because the bullet is still supersonic. Some people say 250 to 300 is the max due to the ft-lbs of energy.
I wouldn't use the Grendel for shots longer than 300 yards or so. That being said, just because 600 yard shots are possible doesn't mean that will be your only option. Take the gun you want and make it work. Chances are the Grendel will do just fine for your needs, if that's what you choose.
600 is a little more than medium range..............most people can't shoot for schitt at that range, don't know if you fall into that category or not.
The Grendel it a little outgunned at 600 with the drop & drift at that range, IMO.
Take the 257 even though it's heavy...............if not for this scenario, then what did you buy it for?
Or splurge & buy something lighter in a decent chambering.
Take your new rifle in 6.5 Grendel and do the right thing and limit your shots to 300 yards or under.
Just because you can make a longer shot, you need to be positive that you are making a good shot on the animal.
^^^^This^^^^
Why is it that just because you can see a deer 600 yards away, you should shoot at? I shoot a 6.8mm Rem SPC and still won't even consider a shot beyond about 150 (+/-) yards. I trust the gun, I don't trust me! Besides, if I'm so desperate that I feel a 600 yard shot is necessary, I'll save money and go to the grocery store!
I can also shoot a 123 Grain Hornady SST in the Grendel.
I probably should just carry the 12 pound .257 Mag. It is hilly and some elevation mostly hunting from the ground on 1200 acres of hard woods and pasture mix. I will be on the ground and still hunting. I have not hunted this place in 20 years.
The 257 Mag is shooting a 100 grain Barnes TTSX @ 3652 FPS from the muzzle.
100 yards Velocity is 3338 fps with 2475 ft-lbs of Energy 200 yards Velocity is 3047 fps with 2062 ft-lbs of Energy 300 yards Velocity is 2774 fps with 1709 ft-lbs of Energy 400 yards Velocity is 2518 fps with 1408 ft-lbs of Energy 500 yards Velocity is 2276 fps with 1151 ft-lbs of Energy 600 yards Velocity is 2049 fps with 932 ft-lbs of Energy
.257 Take it out and shoot it at 600 yards and a few points in between, if you haven't already, so you know what it does before you throw lead at a deer.
I mostly read what Slum and Remi put down esp this time of year
The TTSX load is one that company that I got my upper receiver from loaded it is very slow. I am shooting from a 16 inch barrel
I can switch to a 123 grain Hornady SST @ 2385 FPS factory ammo from the muzzle.
100 yards Velocity is 2220 fps with 1346 ft-lbs of Energy 200 yards Velocity is 2062 fps with 1161 ft-lbs of Energy 300 yards Velocity is 1910 fps with 997 ft-lbs of Energy 400 yards Velocity is 1766 fps with 852 ft-lbs of Energy 500 yards Velocity is 1630 fps with 726 ft-lbs of Energy 600 yards Velocity is 1504 fps with 618 ft-lbs of Energy
I doubt that I shoot more than 400 yards but I dont want to have a poor blood trail or recover the animal. I am trying to figure out with my short barrel what I can stretch it too. I did not know that the TTSX did not open up well under 1800 fps. I know alot of guys here reload. I have only killed on deer over 500 yards in my life.
I mostly read what Slum and Remi put down esp this time of year
The TTSX load is one that company that I got my upper receiver from loaded it is very slow. I am shooting from a 16 inch barrel
I can switch to a 123 grain Hornady SST @ 2385 FPS factory ammo from the muzzle.
100 yards Velocity is 2220 fps with 1346 ft-lbs of Energy 200 yards Velocity is 2062 fps with 1161 ft-lbs of Energy 300 yards Velocity is 1910 fps with 997 ft-lbs of Energy 400 yards Velocity is 1766 fps with 852 ft-lbs of Energy 500 yards Velocity is 1630 fps with 726 ft-lbs of Energy 600 yards Velocity is 1504 fps with 618 ft-lbs of Energy
I have not had time to develop my own handload
Again, I'd keep the max range at 300 yards or so, but the SST load is likely to perform better at that max range. Take it!!!
Unless you're accustomed to taking game at over 300 yards and up to 600 yards, I would not recommend that you attempt it without a great deal of practice at those distances and until you feel you are proficient enough to do so.
There's no shame at all in knowing your limits and sticking to them. Wait for a shot or position yourself for a shot within your limitations.
I also cast my vote for the .257 bee for any shot over about 200 yds.
If you are questioning it Here you already know the answer. 120 grain bullet at 2000 is a recipe for lots of tracking unless you shoot it perfectly. Brain or spine at any range.
First off thank you for all the people who will say you can kill a deer ethically with a 22 Mag all the way up to you need to hit them like a Mack Truck and shouldn't shoot less that a 180 grain slug.
My question is: I built a new rifle in 6.5 Grendel. I only get to hunt and have shots in my area to about at the most maybe 300 yards. I know the Grendel is more than enough for that. The kicker is that I got invited to hunt on a place with some old friends for a few days where there are reportedly 600 yard shots. Not that anyone should attempt to take a deer at 600 yards, but I would like to take my new rifle and not lug around my heavy barreled .257 Weatherby Mag. I shot the Grendel suppressed and it has zero recoil. I also don't want to wound one and mess up others hunting.
My gun is shooting a 120 grain Barnes TTSX @ 2280 FPS from the muzzle.
100 yards Velocity is 2082 fps with 1155 ft-lbs of Energy 200 yards Velocity is 1894 fps with 956 ft-lbs of Energy 300 yards Velocity is 1718 fps with 786 ft-lbs of Energy 400 yards Velocity is 1554 fps with 644 ft-lbs of Energy 500 yards Velocity is 1407 fps with 527 ft-lbs of Energy 600 yards Velocity is 1278 fps with 435 ft-lbs of Energy
Some people say 600 is good for the cartridge because the bullet is still supersonic. Some people say 250 to 300 is the max due to the ft-lbs of energy.
What do you say???
Pretty weak azz rd energy wise. You would be lucky to get a exit wound beyond 300 with it and it would be a miracle for it to slip between ribs going in and out to do it at 300 I bet.
I can also shoot a 123 Grain Hornady SST in the Grendel.
I probably should just carry the 12 pound .257 Mag. It is hilly and some elevation mostly hunting from the ground on 1200 acres of hard woods and pasture mix. I will be on the ground and still hunting. I have not hunted this place in 20 years.
The 257 Mag is shooting a 100 grain Barnes TTSX @ 3652 FPS from the muzzle.
100 yards Velocity is 3338 fps with 2475 ft-lbs of Energy 200 yards Velocity is 3047 fps with 2062 ft-lbs of Energy 300 yards Velocity is 2774 fps with 1709 ft-lbs of Energy 400 yards Velocity is 2518 fps with 1408 ft-lbs of Energy 500 yards Velocity is 2276 fps with 1151 ft-lbs of Energy 600 yards Velocity is 2049 fps with 932 ft-lbs of Energy
You just answered your own question with the 257 data.
I mostly read what Slum and Remi put down esp this time of year
The TTSX load is one that company that I got my upper receiver from loaded it is very slow. I am shooting from a 16 inch barrel
I can switch to a 123 grain Hornady SST @ 2385 FPS factory ammo from the muzzle.
100 yards Velocity is 2220 fps with 1346 ft-lbs of Energy 200 yards Velocity is 2062 fps with 1161 ft-lbs of Energy 300 yards Velocity is 1910 fps with 997 ft-lbs of Energy 400 yards Velocity is 1766 fps with 852 ft-lbs of Energy 500 yards Velocity is 1630 fps with 726 ft-lbs of Energy 600 yards Velocity is 1504 fps with 618 ft-lbs of Energy
I have not had time to develop my own handload
🥴🥴🥴🥴 Huh??? Listen to me and slumlord???
Furthest I ever shot a deer was about 135 yds with a .308 165gr bullet out in Colorado
Next furthest was around 115 120 yds on slumlords place with a 8mm 196gr grain bullet.
Weight with velocity matters. that equals shock and pass thru,s for exit wounds and bleed outs.
Shooting light bullets at low velocities is the way to wound and lose game and poor blood trails from not getting exit wounds. IMO
Plenty of 1 lung shot deer survive. Not many survive at all with both lungs blown out and a exit wound.
Better to have enough gun than not have enough gun.
I can also shoot a 123 Grain Hornady SST in the Grendel.
I probably should just carry the 12 pound .257 Mag. It is hilly and some elevation mostly hunting from the ground on 1200 acres of hard woods and pasture mix. I will be on the ground and still hunting. I have not hunted this place in 20 years.
The 257 Mag is shooting a 100 grain Barnes TTSX @ 3652 FPS from the muzzle.
100 yards Velocity is 3338 fps with 2475 ft-lbs of Energy 200 yards Velocity is 3047 fps with 2062 ft-lbs of Energy 300 yards Velocity is 2774 fps with 1709 ft-lbs of Energy 400 yards Velocity is 2518 fps with 1408 ft-lbs of Energy 500 yards Velocity is 2276 fps with 1151 ft-lbs of Energy 600 yards Velocity is 2049 fps with 932 ft-lbs of Energy
1200 acres is about 2 square miles. And you're worried about carrying a 12 pound rifle? How much other weight will you be carrying? How close can you get with a truck to get a critter out if you shoot one?
If you're in any kind of shape, even old man shape like I am, I'd not worry much about a 12 pound rifle on a 1200 acre hunt.
Good luck with the Weatherby.
Or ....................bring the Grendel and stalk closer, that's what hunting is about anyway.
If it were me I would bring both guns. That way you have options. I don't know how many days you will be hunting there. If you intend to be slipping through the hardwoods, I would use the 6.5 with the 123 sst's. That will easily get you to 200yds. Should be plenty for shooting on the ground in the woods. If you decide to set up on the edge of a pasture, then use the 257 Bee. and shoot to what ever distance you feel comfortable at.
well if you are under 40, 220 lbs and in great shape to drag a 10 lb rifle around a 2 mile by1 mile property for 6 or 8 hours ,,GO for it , but myself i would take the light one, lots of fire power.
well if you are under 40, 220 lbs and in great shape to drag a 10 lb rifle around a 2 mile by1 mile property for 6 or 8 hours ,,GO for it , but myself i would take the light one, lots of fire power.
If your luck is like mine....take the Grendel, and all your shot opportunities will be at 500 yards plus...take the 257, your shot will be at 30 yards. If you think that there's any possibility of a shot past 200 yards, take the Weatherby. The Grendel is certainly a capable deer round, but does have limitations, especially with the load you have listed.
I'll take the 300 win mag any day of the week over a barely adequate round for the ranges you are talking. You read to much without doing the things to see if you can. If doing that is to hard stay at home and do as your wife tells you to.
He just barely got that deer. You can see the shot at 4:45. He blew the wind call and it hit high on the neck (with the head down), quite a ways from the COM. Certainly not within a pie plate.
His wind call should have been 1.25 - 1.5 plus the 3/4 he put on it. So, he had about 1/3 of the wind he should have had.
I guess taking those kind of shots depend on how much value you place on your quarry. If you think they are rats, you'll take it. If you think they are valuable animals, you'll get closer.
First off thank you for all the people who will say you can kill a deer ethically with a 22 Mag all the way up to you need to hit them like a Mack Truck and shouldn't shoot less that a 180 grain slug.
My question is: I built a new rifle in 6.5 Grendel. I only get to hunt and have shots in my area to about at the most maybe 300 yards. I know the Grendel is more than enough for that. The kicker is that I got invited to hunt on a place with some old friends for a few days where there are reportedly 600 yard shots. Not that anyone should attempt to take a deer at 600 yards, but I would like to take my new rifle and not lug around my heavy barreled .257 Weatherby Mag. I shot the Grendel suppressed and it has zero recoil. I also don't want to wound one and mess up others hunting.
My gun is shooting a 120 grain Barnes TTSX @ 2280 FPS from the muzzle.
100 yards Velocity is 2082 fps with 1155 ft-lbs of Energy 200 yards Velocity is 1894 fps with 956 ft-lbs of Energy 300 yards Velocity is 1718 fps with 786 ft-lbs of Energy 400 yards Velocity is 1554 fps with 644 ft-lbs of Energy 500 yards Velocity is 1407 fps with 527 ft-lbs of Energy 600 yards Velocity is 1278 fps with 435 ft-lbs of Energy
Some people say 600 is good for the cartridge because the bullet is still supersonic. Some people say 250 to 300 is the max due to the ft-lbs of energy.
I am and have been an adamant proponent of Barnes Bullets since the early ‘90’s. To expect good expansion at the velocities you list at. 300 yards…..puts you on pretty thin ice for adequate expansion!
I would suggest (and I can’t believe I’m saying this) you would be better served with one of the fragile, cup and core bullets available for hunting (?) ……Sierra, Nosler Ballistic Tip, Berger, ect., ect! memtb
I have a Grendel, and shoot 120gr ballistic tips, and 125 grain partitions. No way I would shoot past 300, even on a booner, I have too many other guns/cartridges that are more than capable of going greater distances. I can't understand why so many people think a little, tiny, cartridge, like a Grendel, or 6 ARC, are now super duper, long range killing rounds ?? I have both, and find them fun toys, but only hunting rounds for realistic distances, within their respective size constraints.
I have a Grendel, and shoot 120gr ballistic tips, and 125 grain partitions. No way I would shoot past 300, even on a booner, I have too many other guns/cartridges that are more than capable of going greater distances. I can't understand why so many people think a little, tiny, cartridge, like a Grendel, or 6 ARC, are now super duper, long range killing rounds ?? I have both, and find them fun toys, but only hunting rounds for realistic distances, within their respective size constraints.
Exactly. The Grendel is not a long range hunting round. I love mine, but the shots I will take are limited to 250 yards or less. I'll probably let my oldest granddaughter use it, as she likes it better than her 243. She won't shoot at anything over 200 yards, so it'll be good.
I decided after shooting the 300 win mag again today to take it. I am shooting it suppressed with a 200 grain eld-x bullet with a custom turret. I shot it out to 300 yards and was happy with it. I dont have a longer range.
Since I have been invited to hunt and I want to use what will put the most knock down power. I dont want a long tracking job or piss off the neighbors. I would rather have too much gun and be prepared for a long shot instead of standing there looking at a Booner to far away to ethically shoot.
Thanks for all your comments and knowledge. I will save the Grendel for hunting here at the house where all the shots are under 200 yards. I am going to bust a couple does with it and see how it does and make some better bullet choices.
Use this hunt as an excuse to buy a general purpose hunting rifle. 308,270 or 30-06. Not too hard to find one that weighs around 8.5 pounds scoped, slung and loaded. Forget about 600 yards, obviously you are not practiced enough for that.
If it were me I would bring both guns. That way you have options. I don't know how many days you will be hunting there. If you intend to be slipping through the hardwoods, I would use the 6.5 with the 123 sst's. That will easily get you to 200yds. Should be plenty for shooting on the ground in the woods. If you decide to set up on the edge of a pasture, then use the 257 Bee. and shoot to what ever distance you feel comfortable at.
[quote=H5farm]I decided after shooting the 300 win mag again today to take it.
I've shot oodles of deer sized game with a 300 WM, from 150gr Federal Factory loads on Texas Hill Country deer to 180 Barnes on similar sized Springbok in Namibia. I suffered no shame, nor did I tear up a bunch of meat with either load! Since I never used the bullet you named, I "think" I myself would try for high shoulder shots instead of behind the shoulder. But hey, I don't know! I hope you do well and report back with pics!
Save your Barnes in the Grendel for hogs. I once used a little 6mmx222 Magnum wildcat with older Barnes 85gr SBT going 2900fps. ( recent neck surgery) I killed two big Axis deer fine as well as bigger game, but it failed to open at 40yds on jackrabbits, just zipped through. They dies after a long run, of course. Not enough muscle mass to initiate expansion. Since hogs are "almost like" shooting a hardwood stump, Barnes are great, SST not so much. On skinny/soft animals, SST is great, Barnes not so much...unless you hit bone.
Use this hunt as an excuse to buy a general purpose hunting rifle. 308,270 or 30-06. Not too hard to find one that weighs around 8.5 pounds scoped, slung and loaded. Forget about 600 yards, obviously you are not practiced enough for that.
Absolutely. I AM experienced in shooting targets at 600 yards - High Master classification at 600 with the Service Rifle, BUT I would never even think of shooting at a deer at 600 yards. In fact, I limit my deer shooting with my .270 to an absolute max. of 400 yards, and that's with a firm rest and no wind. Anything past 300 yards would have to be one hell of a trophy buck for me to even consider squeezing the trigger.
Use this hunt as an excuse to buy a general purpose hunting rifle. 308,270 or 30-06. Not too hard to find one that weighs around 8.5 pounds scoped, slung and loaded. Forget about 600 yards, obviously you are not practiced enough for that.
Absolutely. I AM experienced in shooting targets at 600 yards - High Master classification at 600 with the Service Rifle, BUT I would never even think of shooting at a deer at 600 yards. In fact, I limit my deer shooting with my .270 to an absolute max. of 400 yards, and that's with a firm rest and no wind. Anything past 300 yards would have to be one hell of a trophy buck for me to even consider squeezing the trigger.
You are not the OP. And I agree with you though I limit myself to 450 yards.
