Ballistics Gel Test: Are 6.5mm cartridges sufficient for big game?

Published on October 8, 2021
Duration: 8:28

This ballistics gel test investigates the big game suitability of 6.5mm cartridges like the Creedmoor and PRC. While field performance on smaller game was noted, a large wildebeest incident prompted testing. Results showed ELD-X bullet penetration was similar across 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, and .308 Win, with bullet design, not just cartridge energy, being key to deep penetration.

Quick Summary

Bullet penetration depth in ballistics gel tests is more dependent on bullet design than cartridge energy. For big game, consider bullet construction like mono-metal GMX for deep penetration, as 6.5mm cartridges may be insufficient for larger animals without proper bullet selection.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Field Performance on Small/Medium Game
  2. 01:406.5mm PRC on Large Game Incident
  3. 02:39Ballistics Gel Test Setup
  4. 03:59ELD-X Penetration Results
  5. 05:25Interlock and GMX Bullet Testing
  6. 07:36Conclusion on 6.5mm for Big Game

Frequently Asked Questions

Are 6.5mm cartridges like the Creedmoor and PRC sufficient for big game hunting?

For deer-sized game and smaller, 6.5mm cartridges are generally sufficient. However, for larger or tougher big game animals, the host recommends considering larger calibers or specific bullet constructions that prioritize deep penetration over raw cartridge energy.

What factors influence bullet penetration in ballistics gel tests?

Bullet penetration depth is significantly influenced by bullet design and construction, not just the cartridge's muzzle energy. Mono-metal bullets like Hornady's GMX demonstrated superior penetration compared to expanding bullets like ELD-X or Interlock in these tests.

How did the 6.5mm Creedmoor and 6.5mm PRC perform in ballistics gel tests?

In tests simulating a shoulder bone, the 6.5mm Creedmoor with an ELD-X bullet penetrated 20.75 inches, while the 6.5mm PRC with an ELD-X penetrated 22.5 inches. The .308 Winchester with an ELD-X achieved 20.3 inches of penetration.

What is the key takeaway regarding 6.5mm cartridges for hunting large animals?

The primary takeaway is that bullet design plays a more crucial role in terminal ballistics and penetration than the specific 6.5mm cartridge used. For larger game, choosing a bullet designed for deep penetration is paramount.

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