Hornady 6.5mm Grendel Ammunition Review
As an avid shooter, I was excited to get my hands on the Hornady 6.5mm Grendel ammunition, specifically designed for the 6.5mm Grendel cartridge. In this review, I’ll delve into my experience with this product, highlighting its features, performance, and overall value.
Accuracy and Performance
The 6.5mm Grendel cartridge is known for its exceptional accuracy and performance, and the Hornady load does not disappoint. I loaded up the rifle with a scope and headed to the range to test its capabilities. Here are the results:
- Group size: 1.2 inches at 100 yards, with a highest extreme spread of 1.5 inches
- Muzzle velocity: 2,650 feet per second (SOC)
- Muzzle energy: 1,300 foot-pounds
The 6.5mm Grendel is a flat-shooting cartridge, and the Hornady load follows suit. The bullet’s moderate energy transfer pattern and controlled expansion result in target-rich, easily manageable ballistics. At 100 yards, the 6.5mm Grendel exhibited an average group size of 1.2 inches, with the highest extreme spread reaching 1.5 inches – impressive accuracy, especially considering the rifle’s stock platform.
Bullet Construction and Design
The Hornady 6.5mm Grendel features a proprietary Flex-Tip bullet, designed for enhanced expansion and penetration. This iconic design allows for a consistently reliable expansion, regardless of velocity, and is particularly effective against varmints and larger game.
- Bullet weight: 100 grains
- Bullet material: Copper-jacketed
- Expansion ratio: 1.5:1
- Penetration: 12 inches in 0.5% ballistics gelatin
The Flex-Tip design ensures a consistently reliable expansion, even at relatively low velocities. This makes the 6.5mm Grendel an excellent choice for hunting varmints like coyotes and groundhogs, as well as larger game like deer and elk.
Package and Packaging
The ammunition arrives in standard Hornady packaging, consisting of 20 or 50-round boxes, depending on the purchase option. Both options include a 5-roundperf pack for easy storage and transportation.
- Package options: 20-round box ( item 81528A), 50-round box (item 81528B)
- Packaging: Standard Hornady boxes with paper-filled shells for protection and easy stacking
Pros and Cons:
• Pros:
- Exceptional accuracy and performance
- Proprietary Flex-Tip bullet design for enhanced expansion and penetration
- Consistent velocity and energy transfer
- Available in both 20- and 50-round box options
- Standard Hornady packaging for easy storage and transport
• Cons:
- Limited calibre choices (currently only 6.5mm Grendel)
- May not be suitable for larger game or long-range shooting due to its limited penetration and velocity
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Hornady 6.5mm Grendel is an excellent choice for shooters looking for a reliable, accurate, and effective cartridge. With its proprietary Flex-Tip bullet and controlled expansion, it excels at hunting varmints and larger game. While it may not be the best option for long-range shooting or larger game, the Hornady 6.5mm Grendel is a solid choice for those seeking a versatile and reliable cartridge.
Recommendation:
I highly recommend the Hornady 6.5mm Grendel to any shooter looking for an accurate and effective cartridge for hunting or target shooting. The 6.5mm Grendel is a proven performer, and Hornady’s Flex-Tip bullet design ensures a reliable expansion and penetration. Try the Hornady 6.5mm Grendel today and experience the exceptional performance for yourself.
