3 of 15 6.5 Grendel factory loads carry 1,500 ft·lb and expansion velocity for elk; the best reach 50 yd (Barnes VOR-TX 115 gr TAC-TX BT). Ranked, with the drop chart for each.
| Load | gr | Max ethical yd | MV fps | 500 yd ft·lb | Shoulder shot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barnes VOR-TX 115 gr TAC-TX BT | 115 | 50 | 2,590 | 634 | yes |
| Federal Fusion MSR 120 gr | 120 | 50 | 2,600 | 576 | yes |
| Hornady Custom 90 gr CX | 90 | 50 | 2,910 | 600 | yes |
| Nosler Trophy Grade Long Range 129 gr AccuBond Long Range | 129 | not enough | 2,350 | 753 | yes |
| Barnes Precision Match 120 gr Match Burner OTM BT | 120 | wrong bullet | 2,590 | 808 | behind the shoulder only |
| Federal American Eagle 120 gr OTM | 120 | wrong bullet | 2,610 | 735 | behind the shoulder only |
| Hornady Custom 123 gr SST | 123 | wrong bullet | 2,580 | 868 | behind the shoulder only |
| Hornady Frontier 123 gr FMJ | 123 | wrong bullet | 2,580 | 731 | behind the shoulder only |
| Hornady Hornady BLACK 123 gr ELD Match | 123 | wrong bullet | 2,580 | 866 | behind the shoulder only |
| Federal Varmint & Predator 90 gr Speer TNT JHP | 90 | wrong bullet | 3,000 | 422 | behind the shoulder only |
| Hornady V-Match 100 gr ELD-VT | 100 | wrong bullet | 2,730 | 831 | behind the shoulder only |
| Remington Premier Match 130 gr Berger Open Tip Match | 130 | wrong bullet | 2,400 | 834 | behind the shoulder only |
| Nosler 90 gr Varmageddon FB Tipped | 90 | wrong bullet | 2,800 | 535 | behind the shoulder only |
| Nosler 120 gr Ballistic Tip Hunting | 120 | wrong bullet | 2,400 | 654 | behind the shoulder only |
| Nosler Match Grade 123 gr Custom Competition | 123 | wrong bullet | 2,400 | 735 | behind the shoulder only |
1,500 ft·lb is the number most repeated (Guns & Ammo, Backfire); Hawks says 1,200, Boddington floats 2,000. Avoid quick-opening and match bullets. Legal: SD: ≥ .243 and 1,700 ft·lb at muzzle · CO: 1,000 ft·lb at 100 yd, ≥ 85 gr. Floor used: 1,500 ft·lb at impact plus the bullet's published expansion velocity. Orange = a target or varmint bullet (construction, not energy); red = never carries the energy. Sources: www.gunsandammo.com, www.chuckhawks.com, www.petersenshunting.com, regulations.justia.com.