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Rifle · SAAMI

6.5 Grendel

6.5mm Grendel

Long-range AR-15 cartridge.

Caliber
0.2642″ · 6.71 mm
Introduced
2003
Case
Rebated
Parent
.220 Russian
Primary use
Target, Hunting, Competition
Status
Active
Velocity2,400–2,700 fps
Energy1,200–1,600 ft·lb
Typical grains120 · 123 · 130 gr
Identity
Introduced
2003
Type
Rifle
Origin
United States
Inventor
Bill Alexander / Arne Brennan
Manufacturer
Alexander Arms
Standard
SAAMI
Status
Active
Availability
Common
Build
Case capacity
35 gr H₂O
Twist (typical)
1:8
Primer
Small Rifle
Case type
Rebated
Pressure & range
Max pressure
52,000 psi
Eff. range
800 yd
Recoil
5–8 ft·lb

Ballistics

Real trajectory computed from a representative load — Federal Gold Medal Match Sierra 130 gr, 2,350 fps, BC 0.530 G1 · 100 yd zero.

overlay up to 2
RangeVelocityEnergyDrop (in)Drop (MOA)
0 yd23501593-1.5″—
100 yd226214770.0″0.0
200 yd21761367-5.3″-2.5
300 yd20911262-17.9″-5.7
400 yd20081164-38.5″-9.2
500 yd19261071-67.7″-12.9
600 yd1845983-106.4″-16.9

Point-mass G7/G1 drag model, standard atmosphere — within ~2% of reference solvers to 1000 yd; real barrels and conditions vary. Open in Ballistic Compare →

Performance

Best for HuntingHornady Precision Hunter ELD-X123 gr · ELD-X · 2,580 fps · BC 0.263 G7Buy now →
Best for TargetSierra MatchKing130 gr · HPBT · 2,500 fps · BC 0.530 G1Buy now →

Buy links open 6.5 Grendel ammunition at Rivertown Munitions.

Dimensionscase measurements · scale drawing · size vs familiar rounds

Case dimensions — the scale drawing at the top of the page is built from these.

SAAMI · verified
Measuremmin✓
Bullet ⌀6.710.264✓
Neck ⌀7.440.293✓
Shoulder ⌀10.920.430✓
Shoulder angle30°—✓
Base ⌀11.200.441✓
Rim ⌀11.200.441✓
Belt ⌀n/a
Rim thickness1.500.059✓
Neck length6.360.250≈
Case length38.611.520✓
Overall length57.402.260✓

Size vs familiar rounds

Drawn at true 1:1 — every case is accurate relative to the others. Absolute size depends on your screen's pixel density, so measuring one against a real ruler may be off. 6.5 Grendel is highlighted below.

Factory loads

In production — 77 active loads across 26 brands. Top 15 shown · see all 77 →.

BrandLoadGrainBulletFPSft·lbBC
HornadyBlack100ELD-M2,8181,7630.247 G7
Black HillsGold130OTM2,7502,1830.271 G7
HornadyBlack A-MAX123A-MAX2,5801,8180.243 G7
HornadySST123SST2,5801,8180.262 G7
Underwood AmmoELD-M123ELD-M2,5801,8180.262 G7
HornadyBlack ELD-M123ELD-M2,5801,8180.262 G7
HornadyBLACK 123gr ELD-M123ELD-M2,5801,8180.262 G7
FiocchiExtrema123SST2,5801,8180.262 G7
HornadyELD Match123ELD-M2,5801,8180.262 G7
HornadyPrecision Hunter ELD-X123ELD-X2,5801,8180.263 G7
LapuaScenar 123gr OTM123Scenar OTM2,5801,8180.263 G7
LapuaOTM123OTM2,5801,8180.263 G7
LapuaScenar-L123HPBT2,5801,8180.263 G7
FederalGold Medal130OTM2,5001,8040.271 G7
SierraMatchKing130HPBT2,5001,8040.530 G1

Velocities are manufacturer-stated (test-barrel). Discontinued loads dimmed.

Suitable powders

5 reloading powders listed for 6.5 Grendel, fastest to slowest. Cross-reference in the finder →

Power Pro VarmintIMR 8208 XBRH322H335LT-32
Reloading costestimate cost per round vs factory

Estimate your cost per round and how it compares to factory. Inputs are yours — nothing is stored.

Cost estimate only — not load data. Charge weight is your input; follow published manuals for safe charges.

Firearms chambered in 6.5 Grendel

12 models in the database chamber 6.5 Grendel. Browse all →

Bravo Company Manufacturing RECCE-16 MCMR 6.5 GrendelHowa 1500 Mini 7.62x39Accuracy International AXSR 6.5 Grendel 24-inchHowa Howa Mini Action HS Precision 6mm CreedmoorAero Precision M4E1 Enhanced 6.5 Grendel 18-inchHowa 1500 Mini .223 RemHowa 1500 Mini 6.5 GrendelAnderson Manufacturing AM-15 6.5 Grendel 18-inchHowa 1500 Mini Action 6.5 Grendel 20-inchAdams Arms P3 6.5 Grendel 18-inchHowa Howa 1500 Mini 6.5 Grendel 20-inchChristensen Arms CA-15 G2 6.5 Grendel 18-inch

Lineage

Immediate parent
.220 Russian
Direct descendants (1 · 3 total)
6mm ARC.22 ARC
Family TreeOpen 6.5 Grendel in the interactive cartridge family tree↗

Connected reference

Loads77 factory loads for 6.5 Grendel↗Reloading5 suitable powders — cross-reference↗FirearmsFirearms in 6.5 Grendel↗ToolCompare ballistics↗

History

Developed 2003 by Bill Alexander and Arne Brennan as long-range AR-15 option. Uses 7.62x39mm bolt face. Inspired later developments like 6mm ARC.

FAQs

What twist rate does 6.5 Grendel use?
6.5 Grendel typically uses a 1:8 twist rate.
What bullet diameter is 6.5 Grendel?
6.5 Grendel uses a 0.2642″ (6.71 mm) diameter bullet.
Is 6.5 Grendel still in production?
6.5 Grendel is active; typical availability is common.
What is 6.5 Grendel used for?
6.5 Grendel is primarily used for target, hunting, competition.
What is 6.5 Grendel based on?
6.5 Grendel is derived from the .220 Russian case.
What are the best powders for 6.5 Grendel?
Reloading powders commonly listed for 6.5 Grendel include Power Pro Varmint, IMR 8208 XBR, H322, H335, among 5 suitable options.

Sources & provenance

Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; availability counted from 77 live factory loads; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →