12-31-2011, 03:56 AM
The only thing wrong with these comparisons is the notion that more energy is equal to more dead. It doesn't take much energy to humanely dispatch an animal if the energy is applied correctly. I've taken a lot of game with the .308 and 30-06 which are both very effective big game cartridges. However, I have also taken a lot of game with low energy cartridges and even more with a bow and arrow. What I have learned is that shot placement is the most critical factor by far.
Marketers try to brand effectiveness and boil it down to simple issues such as caliber or bullet, but taking a game animal humanely is much more complex than the convenient brand marketer would like.
Though complex it is also simple, to take a game animal cleanly means that removal of a vital organ is required. Very few foot pounds of energy are required to disrupt the nervous system of most big game animals. However extreme accuracy is required, but if accomplished death is quick and mobility is not an issue. examples would be a brain or spinal shot near the brain.
Cardio vascular shots require more energy because, depending on the shot angle, penetration of significant muscle and/or bone may be required to reach the vital organs and remove their function.
Based on my field experience of taking several hundred head of big game, I would summarize that the Grendel is as capable as the .308 if used with knowledge and precision. And, just for the record I have had difficult recoveries on big game with less than optimum shot placement with the .308. The only animal I have failed to recover was a mountain goat I shot with a .300 Weatherby Magnum that I shot a around 50 yards. The bullet I was using was a 200 grain Nosler Patition, and shot placement was through the center of the shoulder muscles broad side. The goat walked a few steps and jumped over a cliff into Price William Sound.
If I were to take that shot over today, and using a Grendel, I guarantee you I would anchor that goat with one shot.
Bob
Bob
Marketers try to brand effectiveness and boil it down to simple issues such as caliber or bullet, but taking a game animal humanely is much more complex than the convenient brand marketer would like.
Though complex it is also simple, to take a game animal cleanly means that removal of a vital organ is required. Very few foot pounds of energy are required to disrupt the nervous system of most big game animals. However extreme accuracy is required, but if accomplished death is quick and mobility is not an issue. examples would be a brain or spinal shot near the brain.
Cardio vascular shots require more energy because, depending on the shot angle, penetration of significant muscle and/or bone may be required to reach the vital organs and remove their function.
Based on my field experience of taking several hundred head of big game, I would summarize that the Grendel is as capable as the .308 if used with knowledge and precision. And, just for the record I have had difficult recoveries on big game with less than optimum shot placement with the .308. The only animal I have failed to recover was a mountain goat I shot with a .300 Weatherby Magnum that I shot a around 50 yards. The bullet I was using was a 200 grain Nosler Patition, and shot placement was through the center of the shoulder muscles broad side. The goat walked a few steps and jumped over a cliff into Price William Sound.
If I were to take that shot over today, and using a Grendel, I guarantee you I would anchor that goat with one shot.
Bob
Bob