New Build

[HandgunHTR]

Lots of good info given already.

I will add the 7SAW/7-08AI to the list

I have a 20" 7-08AI. My accuracy load gives me 2850 with a 150 grain ELDX. I have room to go up, but accuracy isn't as good.
That load is still above 1800 fps at 700 yards.

 

[HandgunHTR]

Too bad these were not in the same length barrel, but a 20" barrel would be close to what you're shooting the 6.5SS at. My one point on 6.5 PRC is that it would be nice to see a slightly heavier bullet, say, an LRX Bore Rider in the 150-160 grain. Currently the LRX 127 is what most people will use in 6.5 PRC, but it could use a slightly heavier bullet, IMO.



Certainly the 6.5 PRC shooting TTSX 130s will do that. A lot of people taking game at 500-700 yards with it, like Elk and Black Bear. This is one factor that scares me about 6.5 Grendel. I do like it, it's a great cartridge in the mini-action, but going bear hunting with it seems like showing up to the gunfight with a knife. As they say, "shot placement is everything", and I believe if you get close enough and have a well placed shot, it's probably possibly to take down black bears...but it's better suited for deer and pig, IMO. I wouldn't want a 6.5 Grendel with any bear coming at me from 20 yards. I try to work that scenario in my head in case it happens. If it's a Grizzly, I probably want a bazooka...that is if I don't $#!T myself to death...

I have killed more than one black bear with my 6.5G, using a 105 grain Cavity Back MKZ and a 123 grain Hornady SST.
Smallest was 175 lbs, largest around 250.
It worked great.

 

[BrentM]

My prc's: I run a 156 in a 18" at 2815. 22" is 2915. Those aren't bad numbers considering the 156 bc is pretty decent and it retains well.

My primary bullet is a 135 in my 20" at 3100.

 

[liber]

I have killed more than one black bear with my 6.5G, using a 105 grain Cavity Back MKZ and a 123 grain Hornady SST.
Smallest was 175 lbs, largest around 250.
It worked great.

That I don't doubt, in fact there's a lot of hunters killing black bear with a 6.5 Grendel. For all intents and pupose that's an average size black bear. I can't use lead bullets but plenty have been taken with copper. That SST seems to be a favorite of Grendel folks. Hornady has a new offering which is copper, but only about 90 grain, so that seems to be headed in the wrong direction.

But simply put, I can get much greater velocity shooting the exact same bullet in the 6.5 Creedmoor, and even more velocity shooting the exact same bullet out of the 6.5 PRC. I wasn't trying to challenge the Grendel's capability, but if I do find myself with a 400-500 lb bear within range, I want the best cartridge I can use. I do like the Grendel and it fits in the weight I strive for, but just not long enough range for what I'm intending.

250 lbs seems to be at the top of the medium size game. The question is if you needed to take a longer shot across a canyon at even 400 yards, the Grendel wouldn't be my first choice, more so I would have my fingers crossed!

The majority of people shooting Grendel, seem to be shooting pigs at 200-300 yards, hardly long range. It's not the first choice for bear hunters in my area. Look what @BrentM is getting with a 20" PRC shooting 135 grainers. The 6.5 PRC has Grendel velocities at 700 yards.

EDIT: FWIW, on the Hornady website they list their 123 grain SST loads and 90 grain CX for medium size game to 300 lbs. Black bear get much larger than that, but it is uncommon.