6.5 Grendel Barrel Length Comparison

[LRRPF52]

LRRPF52, at what distance are you still get reliable expansion with the 12.5 inch with the SSTs? I know my new 12.5 upper likes the SST. Had horrible results with the 95 gr TREX on the first test loads.

For the altitudes where I encounter mule deer, assuming 2350fps mv from my 12” with 123gr SST, my program says 400yds 1817fps, using the Litz G1 BC of .462 for the 123gr SST, not the Hornady BC of .510 G1.

If I was at sea level, it would be 325yds.

Most guides will stalk their clients into within 300yds, even if they are shooting magnums, because most hunters have no training or experience in compensating for trajectory or wind.

If I was hunting mulies, I think I would load up the 129gr ABLR and get some good downrange impact data with it for a while. BC is really high with it, and expansion goes down to 1300fps, since it’s a bonded bullet with plenty of tail mass to deliver deep penetration. I don’t think the outcome would be much different using 123gr SST or ELD-M though. ELD-M expands more rapidly, which would be ideal for the 12”.