6ARC and 6.5 Grendel 105 and 123 gr, Hornady BTHP for deer

FredH

FNG
Joined
Dec 2, 2021
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38
Have a bunch of both loaded already so I may try them on deer. 2600 fps for the ARC and 2530 fps for the Grendel.
 
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FredH

FNG
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Dec 2, 2021
Messages
38
I know the 105 has had some use on deer but wondering if the 123 will do about the same.
 

mtluckydan

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Dec 7, 2012
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Shot a doe...with 6.5 grendel this year with Hornady 123 eldm. Had to shoot her twice...shredded liver with 1st shot & through the lungs 2nd shot. She still traveled 50 yards after 2nd hit & I was unimpressed. I intentionally avoided shoulder but my usual calibers would have been one & done. A sample of one doesn't make any conclusions & I want to try 120 noslers. It was a larger muley doe but still not impressed.

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Shot a doe...with 6.5 grendel this year with Hornady 123 eldm. Had to shoot her twice...shredded liver with 1st shot & through the lungs 2nd shot. She still traveled 50 yards after 2nd hit & I was unimpressed. I intentionally avoided shoulder but my usual calibers would have been one & done. A sample of one doesn't make any conclusions & I want to try 120 noslers. It was a larger muley doe but still not impressed.

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You hit it back on the first shot and straight through the lungs on the 2nd one and it didn’t drop so you are unimpressed?

Not sure what you were expecting. I’ve shot deer through the lungs with a 300WM and they ran 50-100 yards, should I be unimpressed?

Not sure what outcome you were expecting.


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Oct 14, 2023
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Houston (adjacent) TX
In my research the bthp from Hornady perform better than the traditional Sierra Match Kings but not as good as tipped bullets. I have seen more positive reports about the bthp being used than negative but this is anecdotal and third hand info at best.
 
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FredH

FNG
Joined
Dec 2, 2021
Messages
38
Well I have 500 of the 123 grain Hornady BTHP bullets. Also some Barnes matchburners in 120 grain. Those definitely are going to open quickly. destroyed first two gallon jugs, hole through the third and found in 4th. Shot into water filled gallon jugs at 100 yards. Muzzle velocity 2430 fps.
 

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mtluckydan

Lil-Rokslider
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Dec 7, 2012
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290
MikeD Texas....the OP wanted opinion on bullet performance results. I've shot hundreds of does with the same shot placement. Doesn't make sense to shoot a meat deer through both shoulders to anchor. I use accubonds & ttsx's in 243,708, 308, 284,,, one shot kills drt mostly. With 6,5 grendel and 123 eldm on close range broadside shot deer didn't even appear to be hit. I'm not sure if it's a difference in velocity, bullet or what but unimpressed is the only thing I can say. Yes the deer is dead but had better results in the past with an arrow and broadhead. I'll try 120 noslers next time as a comparison but will save the Hornady for coyotes and wolves.

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FredH

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Dec 2, 2021
Messages
38
Well I did a jug test with the Hornady 123 gr. BTHP. Absolutely destroyed the first two jugs and shredded the third with a piece of jacket going through the 4th jug. This from a 16 inch barreled Grendel, velocity at the muzzle 2430 fps. The jugs were set up in front of my target frame at 100 yards. The first gallon milk jug was hit right at the upper edge of the label. It seems the third jug was shredded by fragments and found the jacket base in the bottom of what was left. I only found the two pieces of jacket and no small pieces of lead. I think to would work pretty good on deer if a bit messy.
 
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