Thread: Hornady SST 6.5 mm 123gr v 129 gr

Hornady produce the SST in 123 and 129 grains in 6.5 mm, which has the best terminal performance when used on fallow sized animals at .260/6.5 Creedmore velocities? Any other advantages of one over the other?

I think you will find that the 123gr is designed for 6.5 Grendel and velocities there of....2300-2400fps. I'd be opting for the 129gr for the bigger case cartridges.

I have plenty of 123gns if you want some to trial.

Now that my 6.5 Grendel is due to be destroyed.

Use the 129gn they kill very well.

Thanks for the responses, I’ll stick with the 129 grain bullets which have been very effective. The higher bc of the 123 grain looked attractive.

I've loaded about 25 123gr SST at 2,900fps for my 6.5 CM specifically for fallow. They're for lung not shoulder shots. Haven't had a chance to use them on the little deer yet. The last two fallow I plugged were with the 143gr ELD-X which hardly expanded even though both dropped on the spot.

Last fallow i shot was with a 178gr ELDX out of my 3006. I didnt need to cook it, it already was.

Originally Posted by 10-Ring

I've loaded about 25 123gr SST at 2,900fps for my 6.5 CM specifically for fallow. They're for lung not shoulder shots. Haven't had a chance to use them on the little deer yet. The last two fallow I plugged were with the 143gr ELD-X which hardly expanded even though both dropped on the spot.

I went to 120's because of pass-throughs (140's), all dead, but didnt want to risk it. 120's are brilliant, the faster the better, be surprised if you're not impressed when you try them. 0-300m is great, way better expansion at 300 than 140's.

I be killed two fallow does with one shot using the 6.5 mm, 120 gn ballistic tip projectile in my 260. They have plenty of speed, penetration and efficacy.


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