07-16-2021, 01:58 AM
(This post was last modified: 07-16-2021, 02:01 AM by EastTNHunter.)
Resurrecting a thread a bit
Im getting into the Grendel movement. Ive setup my little Howa with 100gr NPTs at around 2775fps for deer hunting loads, and 85gr Sierra Varminters at around 2750fps for practice and varminting. Very similar POI. Its pretty well set.
My BCA 20 AR will be used mainly as an adjustable kids deer hunting gun for 3-5 different kids. have loaded several loads for my 20 BCA that have given good accuracy (consistent 1 to 1.5 MOA). See below:
123 Amax at around 2430fps (Ive read that they make great hunting bullets at Grendel velocities)
120 SMK at around 2430fps (target only, minimal expansion in target media)
129 NABLR at around 2290fps
129 Hornady Interlocks at around 2350fps (Im still developing this load, as Ive only done a ladder and loaded up two nodes to test for groups)
Ive also picked up some 123SSTs that I hoped to use as an all-purpose shooting and deer hunting load when I shot up the Amaxes and SMKs listed above. Had considered 120 Sierra PHs, 120 NBTs, and 120 Speer GDs, but they all seemed to be unobtanium and/or have their own quirks. Thats why I settled on the SSTs.
But Im beginning to second-guess myself based on some reports that Im reading of it fragmenting on deer-sized game. Is this a legitimate concern on SSTs or Amaxes? I want good blood trails, which typically means pass through in my book, but I also want a substantial wound channel and shock value, so Ive ruled out TTSXs. 250yd max shots, but typically 150yd and under.
Or will I just be better off developing and hunting with the 129gr interlock? Ive been a bit hesitant to use 129s due to reduced velocity and higher recoil, which kids can be very sensitive to. But that Hornady Interlock load looks pretty potent.
My history with ARs for hunting has been with 5.56, which has been sufficient for 4 or 5 kills by kids using my hand loads, but blood trail has been non-existent. Im assuming any Grendel load will be better.
Sorry for the ramble.
Im getting into the Grendel movement. Ive setup my little Howa with 100gr NPTs at around 2775fps for deer hunting loads, and 85gr Sierra Varminters at around 2750fps for practice and varminting. Very similar POI. Its pretty well set.
My BCA 20 AR will be used mainly as an adjustable kids deer hunting gun for 3-5 different kids. have loaded several loads for my 20 BCA that have given good accuracy (consistent 1 to 1.5 MOA). See below:
123 Amax at around 2430fps (Ive read that they make great hunting bullets at Grendel velocities)
120 SMK at around 2430fps (target only, minimal expansion in target media)
129 NABLR at around 2290fps
129 Hornady Interlocks at around 2350fps (Im still developing this load, as Ive only done a ladder and loaded up two nodes to test for groups)
Ive also picked up some 123SSTs that I hoped to use as an all-purpose shooting and deer hunting load when I shot up the Amaxes and SMKs listed above. Had considered 120 Sierra PHs, 120 NBTs, and 120 Speer GDs, but they all seemed to be unobtanium and/or have their own quirks. Thats why I settled on the SSTs.
But Im beginning to second-guess myself based on some reports that Im reading of it fragmenting on deer-sized game. Is this a legitimate concern on SSTs or Amaxes? I want good blood trails, which typically means pass through in my book, but I also want a substantial wound channel and shock value, so Ive ruled out TTSXs. 250yd max shots, but typically 150yd and under.
Or will I just be better off developing and hunting with the 129gr interlock? Ive been a bit hesitant to use 129s due to reduced velocity and higher recoil, which kids can be very sensitive to. But that Hornady Interlock load looks pretty potent.
My history with ARs for hunting has been with 5.56, which has been sufficient for 4 or 5 kills by kids using my hand loads, but blood trail has been non-existent. Im assuming any Grendel load will be better.
Sorry for the ramble.