08-19-2023, 07:20 PM
Most limit shots on elk to about 200 yards with the 6.8 SPC, but of course there is always that one guy who post pics of a 350+ yard one ( at altitude, with a 20" barrel and loaded to above SAAMI pressures). That is the exception rather than the rule, however. Google searches including "elk" and the cartridge name will get more specific info. Although this site and the 68Forum were once bitter rivals, I have followed both for years and the rounds are pretty much comparable for hunting to at least 300 yards. Once you get much beyond that range, you need to worry about the opening speed of the bullet, windage, drop, etc. With certain combinations, you can to around 400 yards for deer with both cartridges, but, in my opinion, that us pushing it. Of course ridiculous shots have been made with both cartridges and the Grendel seems to gain a little more from barrels over 18".
The Grendel really shows an advantage if you like to plink or ring steel at 500 yards and beyond. Realistically, more ammo is used at the range than on a hunt.
Regarding pass-throughs at long range: That is not always a good thing. That sometimes means that there was little to no bullet expansion. A year or two ago the Backfire channel compared ballistic gel performance of several cartridges using the same bullet. At range, the least powerful, slowest round had the most penetration.
The Grendel really shows an advantage if you like to plink or ring steel at 500 yards and beyond. Realistically, more ammo is used at the range than on a hunt.
Regarding pass-throughs at long range: That is not always a good thing. That sometimes means that there was little to no bullet expansion. A year or two ago the Backfire channel compared ballistic gel performance of several cartridges using the same bullet. At range, the least powerful, slowest round had the most penetration.