50 Beowulf Vs 6.5 Grendel | How Much Does Ballistic Coefficient Play a Factor at 100 Yards?

Published on October 7, 2023
Duration: 10:03

This video compares the 50 Beowulf and 6.5 Grendel, focusing on how ballistic coefficient affects bullet performance at 100 yards. It demonstrates significant velocity and energy loss in the 50 Beowulf's low BC bullet compared to the 6.5 Grendel's higher BC bullet, highlighting the importance of BC even at shorter distances.

Quick Summary

Ballistic coefficient plays a significant role in bullet performance at 100 yards. The 50 Beowulf's low BC bullet (0.2) lost 352 fps and 840 ft-lbs of energy, while the 6.5 Grendel's high BC bullet (0.51) lost only 174 fps and 211 ft-lbs, demonstrating the importance of BC for retained velocity and energy.

Chapters

  1. 00:01Introduction
  2. 00:1850 Beowulf vs 6.5 Grendel Comparison
  3. 00:36Bullet Specifications
  4. 01:06Testing Methodology
  5. 02:1050 Beowulf Muzzle Velocity Readings
  6. 02:406.5 Grendel Muzzle Velocity Readings
  7. 03:26Muzzle Velocity Averages
  8. 03:31100 Yard Chronograph Setup
  9. 04:3450 Beowulf 100 Yard Velocity Readings
  10. 05:016.5 Grendel 100 Yard Velocity Readings
  11. 06:01Final Data Analysis
  12. 06:2050 Beowulf Muzzle & 100 Yard Data
  13. 06:516.5 Grendel Muzzle & 100 Yard Data
  14. 07:19Impact of Ballistic Coefficient
  15. 09:01Conclusion and Takeaways

Frequently Asked Questions

How does ballistic coefficient affect bullet performance at 100 yards?

At 100 yards, a higher ballistic coefficient (BC) significantly reduces velocity and energy loss. For example, the 6.5 Grendel's bullet with BC 0.51 lost less than a quarter of the velocity and energy compared to the 50 Beowulf's bullet with BC 0.2.

What were the muzzle velocities for the 50 Beowulf and 6.5 Grendel in the test?

The 50 Beowulf averaged 1969 feet per second (fps) at the muzzle, while the 6.5 Grendel averaged 2308 fps. Both were tested with 16-inch barrels.

How much velocity did the 50 Beowulf lose at 100 yards?

The 50 Beowulf, using a 300-grain FTX bullet with a BC of 0.2, experienced a velocity loss of 352 feet per second, dropping from an average of 1969 fps at the muzzle to 1617 fps at 100 yards.

What is the recommended energy threshold for hunting deer?

A common recommendation for taking down a deer is a minimum of 1000 foot-pounds of energy. The test highlights how energy levels can drop below this threshold at extended ranges, especially with low BC bullets.

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