11-14-2022, 03:45 PM
I'll vote hornady black factory ammo with 123 gr eld-m, it went 1" further in gel than sst did but others who've shot game with both seem happier with eld-m, hand load...eld-m also, high bc, high sd, and ideal expansion/penetration characteristics for Grendel velocities, has taken 13 big game animals for us without issue, including a moose at 125 yards and a whitetail at 420, most of it from a 16" barrel launching at 2386 fps. Expect 18" penetration with lots of damage internally and about 80% retention and 2-3x expansion at 2100 fps impact (200 yards 16" barrel). Nothing we routinely hunt will take that in the ribs out to 400 yards. Bullet still delivers a beautiful mushroom over 2x expansion with approx. 95% retention down to 1700 fps impact (which is about 500 yards from a 16" barrel at decent elevation). These are slow rigs, so tougher 'delayed expansion' type bullets not the answer, typical rapid expansion designs (a-max, ballistic tip, eld-m) act more like moderate expansion in Grendel velocities. You'll watch more drop, have shorter recoveries, and walk up to more with this formula than not. If you have a pressing need to shoot things through femurs or die on neighbouring properties then expect some rodeos with the barnes type stuff. They don't open up well enough for these velocities. You can do it all with one bullet in the Grendel and maximize the Grendel's 30 grains of powder burned...going to lower bc/sd options thinking of a singular purpose it 'may be better?' just hamstrings you. Don't waste your time imo. 