6.5 Grendel 123gr sst vs. 120gr gold dot w/ ballistics gel

Published on October 31, 2020
Duration: 7:02

This video compares the terminal ballistics of two 6.5 Grendel hunting rounds: the 123gr Hornady SST and the 120gr Speer Gold Dot, using ballistics gel. The instructor, preparing for deer season, found the Gold Dot offered better penetration and less fragmentation, making it his preferred choice for deer hunting due to the likelihood of an exit wound. The SST exhibited more violent expansion and fragmentation, which he deemed more suitable for self-defense scenarios.

Quick Summary

For deer hunting with a 6.5 Grendel, the 120gr Speer Gold Dot is recommended over the 123gr Hornady SST. The Gold Dot offers deeper penetration (approx. 24 inches) and less fragmentation, increasing the chance of an exit wound. The SST, while expanding violently, fragments significantly, making it more suitable for self-defense.

Chapters

  1. 00:32Introduction to The Gun Dungeon
  2. 00:486.5 Grendel Ammunition Comparison
  3. 01:10120gr Speer Gold Dot vs. 123gr Hornady SST
  4. 01:34Bullet Construction Differences
  5. 02:08Ballistics Gel Test Setup
  6. 02:49123gr Hornady SST Ballistics Gel Results
  7. 03:38Second 123gr SST Shot Analysis
  8. 04:15120gr Speer Gold Dot Ballistics Gel Results
  9. 04:57Gold Dot Wound Channel Analysis
  10. 05:24Side-by-Side Comparison: SST vs. Gold Dot
  11. 05:34Penetration and Expansion Differences
  12. 05:56Instructor's Choice for Deer Hunting
  13. 06:05Ammunition Choice for Self-Defense
  14. 06:17Final Recap and Winner
  15. 06:45Conclusion and Call to Action

Frequently Asked Questions

Which 6.5 Grendel round performed better for deer hunting in the ballistics gel test?

The 120gr Speer Gold Dot performed better for deer hunting. It demonstrated deeper penetration (around 24 inches) and less fragmentation, suggesting a higher likelihood of an exit wound, which is preferred for ethical deer harvesting.

How did the 123gr Hornady SST perform in the 6.5 Grendel ballistics gel test?

The 123gr Hornady SST showed violent expansion and significant fragmentation, with jacket and lead separating. Expansion began around 1-1.25 inches, and it achieved about 22.5 inches of penetration, making it potentially better for self-defense.

What are the key differences between the 123gr SST and 120gr Gold Dot for the 6.5 Grendel?

The 123gr SST fragments heavily and expands rapidly, while the 120gr Gold Dot retains its weight better, fragments less, and penetrates deeper. The Gold Dot is favored for hunting, while the SST is considered for self-defense.

What barrel length was used for the 6.5 Grendel ballistics gel test?

The 6.5 Grendel ammunition was fired from a rifle equipped with an 18-inch barrel for the ballistics gel testing.

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