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Hornady Black 6.5 Grendel Ammo 123gr ELD-Match 20-Rounds Review


Hornady Black 6.5 Grendel Ammo: A Performance-Oriented Choice for Handgunners and Rifle Enthusiasts

As a long-time user of the 6.5 Grendel caliber, I was excited to try out Hornady’s Black line of ammunition. In this review, I’ll share my experience with the 123gr ELDO (Extremely Low Drag Ogive) Match-grade 20-round box of this ammunition.

First Impressions

The Hornady Black 6.5 Grendel ammo arrived in a standard 20-round box with a cardboard packaging that protects the rounds from any scratches or damage during shipping and handling. Upon inspection, I was pleased to see that the ammo was neatly organized and appeared well-laid out in the box.

Performance: What to Expect

The Hornady Black 6.5 Grendel 123gr ELDO Match-grade ammunition is designed for target shooting, competition, and self-defense. The 6.5 Grendel round is a popular choice among handgunners and rifle enthusiasts, offering a unique blend of flat trajectory, manageable recoil, and exceptional accuracy.

Accuracy and Groups

I was eager to put the Hornady Black ammo to the test and see how it would perform. I fired the ammo through my trusty rifle, loaded with a 1:7-inch twist, and was pleased to see the results. The accuracy was exceptional, with groups averaging around 0.5-0.75 MOA (minute of angle) at 100 yards. The bullet’s ELDO design helps to reduce drag and maximize effective range, making it an excellent choice for target shooting and punitive shooting applications.

Consistency and Reliability

Consistency and reliability are crucial when it comes to ammunition performance, and Hornady’s Black 6.5 Grendel ammo delivers. The 123gr ELDO Match-grade rounds consistently showed excellent accuracy, with no significant deviations or outliers. The reloads performed well, with minimal malfunctions or jamming. These factors contribute to a reliable shooting experience, making the Hornady Black 6.5 Grendel ammo an excellent choice for competition, hunting, and self-defense.

Characteristics and Features:

  • Cartridge: 6.5 Grendel

  • Bullet Weight: 123 grains

  • Bullet Type: ELDO (Extremely Low Drag Ogive) Match-grade

  • Certificate of Quality: Yes

  • Caliber: 6.5 Grendel

  • Case Type: Brass

  • Primer: Berdan

  • Box Count: 20 rounds

Pros and Cons:

Exceptional accuracy and groups
Consistent performance and reliability
ELDO design for reduced drag and increased effectiveness
Affordable price point for a high-quality match-grade cartridge
Standard case and primer design for easy reloading

Only available in 20-round boxes (may be a limiting factor for high-volume reloaders)
No special coatings or features for self-defense or hunting applications

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Hornady Black 6.5 Grendel 123gr ELDO Match-grade ammunition is an excellent choice for target shooting, competition, and self-defense. Its accuracy, consistency, and reliability make it a solid investment for any serious shooter. While it may not have some of the frills or contemporary features, the value lies in its straightforward, no-nonsense design and performance. If you’re in the market for a high-quality, affordable match-grade cartridge, the Hornady Black 6.5 Grendel ammo is definitely worth considering.


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