About this caliber
6.5 Grendel
The 6.5 Grendel is a centerfire rifle cartridge introduced in 2003, designed to give the AR-15 platform improved long-range performance over 5.56 using efficient 6.5mm bullets. It is popular for target shooting, moderate-range hunting, and recreational use.
Commonly used for
The 6.5 Grendel was introduced in 2003 to address a specific limitation of the AR-15 platform: extending its effective range beyond what the 5.56 offers, while still fitting the standard rifle. It uses an efficient case and the aerodynamic 6.5mm (.264 caliber) bore to deliver better downrange ballistics from the same compact platform, requiring a different barrel, bolt, and magazine. Ballistically the 6.5 Grendel fires aerodynamic 6.5mm bullets — commonly around 90 to 130 grains — at moderate velocity, producing a flatter trajectory and better retained energy at distance than the 5.56, with mild recoil. That combination made it a popular choice for shooters wanting more reach and effectiveness from an AR-15 for target work and for hunting deer-class and smaller game at moderate range. It predates several of the newer AR-platform cartridges and established a durable following, with a solid base of barrels, ammunition, and components. It occupies a niche of improved-range AR-15 performance alongside more recent options like the 6mm ARC. Today the 6.5 Grendel is used for target and recreational shooting, moderate-range hunting, and varmint hunting, with steady availability in the AR-15 platform. Its pairing of efficient 6.5mm ballistics with AR-15 compatibility and low recoil is why it became a well-established improved-range option for the platform.
General information about this caliber — not a recommendation for this specific firearm.
Firearms chambered in 6.5 Grendel · 7
Ammunition in 6.5 Grendel · 18
| Load | Type | Purpose | Grain | Velocity | Energy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FORT SCOTT MUNITIONS Tumble Upon Impact (TUI) | — | Defense | 123 gr | 2538 fps | 1759 ft·lb |
| Alexander Arms SST | SP | Hunting | 129 gr | 2310 fps | 1529 ft·lb |
| Barnes Bullets VOR-TX | JHP | Hunting | 115 gr | 3225 fps | 2310 ft·lb |
| Federal American Eagle | JHP | Hunting | 90 gr | 3000 fps | 1798 ft·lb |
| Frontier Cartridge Military Grade | FMJ | Hunting | 123 gr | 2580 fps | 1818 ft·lb |
| Hornady Custom | — | Hunting | 90 gr | — | — |
| Hornady Custom | SP | Hunting | 123 gr | 2580 fps | 1818 ft·lb |
| Nosler Varmageddon | SP | Hunting | 90 gr | 2800 fps | 1567 ft·lb |
| Nosler Trophy Grade | SP | Hunting | 129 gr | 2350 fps | 1582 ft·lb |
| PPU Standard Rifle | FMJ | Hunting | 110 gr | 2756 fps | 1855 ft·lb |
| PPU Standard Rifle | JHP | Hunting | 120 gr | 2674 fps | 1905 ft·lb |
| Alexander Arms Lapua Scenar | JHP | Target | 123 gr | 2480 fps | 1680 ft·lb |
| Barnes Bullets Precision Match | JHP | Target | 120 gr | 2590 fps | 1788 ft·lb |
| Hornady Black | SP | Target | 123 gr | 2580 fps | 1818 ft·lb |
| Nosler Match Grade | JHP | Target | 123 gr | 2400 fps | 1573 ft·lb |
| Remington Ammunition Premier | JHP | Target | 130 gr | 2400 fps | 1663 ft·lb |
| AMMO INCORPORATED Compete | JHP | — | 123 gr | 2500 fps | — |
| Hornady V-Match | SP | — | 100 gr | 2730 fps | 1655 ft·lb |
Ammunition data from the catalog source. Listing is informational, not a recommendation for any use.