Anyone using the new Sierra 6.5mm 120 grain Tipped GK that was made for Grendel-type speeds?

[Bobby Tomek]

I recently picked up some of these. While I haven't worked up any loads to test for accuracy, I did put a few of them into test medium at velocities from 2200 to right at 2300 fps. All expanded very well, no cores were shed, and they averaged just a bit shy of 70 percent weight retention. So far I am impressed.

Before long, I'll download a few to around 2200 fps MV and recover them at 250 yards. Depending on the actual BC, this should have an impact speed of around 1800 fps, which will give a better indication of performance potential at the outer limits of its useful hunting range.

Hopefully soon, I can work up some loads and see how they group in my 1:9 6.5 Bullberry or the 1:8 6.5 BRM. Both have 24" barrels.

The bullets are quite long for their weight and notably longer than even the 120 grain Ballistic Tip, which is shown in the bottom photo for sake of comparison.

The 130 grain Tipped GK was very accurate for me but a bit too hard for the type of terminal performance I prefer. But this 120 is definitely built differently.

Have you guys given these a try?

[Mjshell]

Bobby,

I bought several boxes of the 130s.

I look forward to your reports on the 120s

[sunnysmarine]

Now that's a boattail

[FyrepowrX]

That one has also been on my radar for tests in the grendel, and in the 6.5x30/30 Ackley. Hope to see some
bullet expansion tests on pork-sized targets.

[BT]

No, but thanks for the heads up. I’ll have a Grendel eventually, been saying that for a year. I ordered a 20” 6.5 CM today instead for a handy little Encore “carbine” project.

After seeing your post, I read about these 120’s on Sierra’s website, then shopped around for them. Everywhere seems to be out of stock.

[BobT]

I am going to try them at some point in my XP-100 .260 Remington. I also plan to try the 120 grain Pro Hunter flat base.

[Bobby Tomek]

Everywhere seems to be out of stock.

I got mine from Powder Valley for 33.99 per hundred, which is much lower than other tipped GKs. But I just checked, and they, too, are out of stock.