Rifle · SAAMI
6.5 Grendel
Long-range AR-15 cartridge.
- Caliber
- 0.2642″ · 6.71 mm
- Introduced
- 2003
- Case
- Rimless
- Parent
- .220 Russian
- Primary use
- Target, Hunting, Competition
- Status
- Active
- Introduced
- 2003
- Type
- Rifle
- Origin
- United States
- Inventor
- Bill Alexander / Arne Brennan
- Manufacturer
- Alexander Arms
- Standard
- SAAMI
- Status
- Active
- Availability
- Common
- Case capacity
- 35 gr H₂O
- Twist (typical)
- 1:8
- Primer
- Small Rifle
- Case type
- Rimless
- Max pressure
- 52,000 psi, SAAMI transducer
- Eff. range
- 800 yd
- Max range
- 5350 yd
- Recoil
- 5–8 ft·lb
Introduced by Alexander Arms
Ballistics
Published velocity/energy data isn't available for 6.5 Grendel. Parent case: .220 Russian.
Performance
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| Measure | mm | in | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullet ⌀ | 6.71 | 0.264 | ✓ |
| Neck ⌀ | 7.44 | 0.293 | ✓ |
| Shoulder ⌀ | 10.92 | 0.430 | ✓ |
| Shoulder angle | 30° | — | ✓ |
| Base ⌀ | 11.20 | 0.441 | ✓ |
| Rim ⌀ | 11.20 | 0.441 | ✓ |
| Belt ⌀ | n/a | ||
| Rim thickness | 1.50 | 0.059 | ✓ |
| Neck length | 6.36 | 0.250 | ≈ |
| Case length | 38.61 | 1.520 | ✓ |
| Overall length | 57.40 | 2.260 | ✓ |
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
Being verified
Advertised FPS, energy, and BC are withheld until loads clear verification.
Suitable powders
12 reloading powders listed for 6.5 Grendel, fastest to slowest. Cross-reference in the finder →
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
Lineage
Connected reference
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, N530, IMR 8208 XBR, N130, among 12 suitable options.
Sources & provenance
- Standard SAAMI — ANSI/SAAMI Z299.4-2025 — Centerfire Rifle Velocity & Pressure Data · grain_ballistics, representative_gun archived
- Standard SAAMI — ANSI/SAAMI Z299 — Cartridge & Chamber Drawings archived
- Manufacturer Hornady — 6.5 Grendel 123 gr SST (Item #8152) · representative_gun, grain_ballistics archived
- Manufacturer Hornady — Hornady Ballistic Coefficient tables (ELD-VT) · grain_ballistics, representative_gun archived
- Manufacturer Federal — American Eagle Rifle 6.5 Grendel 120 Grain OTM (AE65GDL1) · representative_gun, grain_ballistics archived
- Manufacturer Hornady — 6.5 Grendel 123 gr ELD Match Hornady BLACK (Item #81528) · representative_gun, grain_ballistics
- Manufacturer Hornady — 6.5 Grendel 100 gr ELD-VT V-Match (Item #81521) · representative_gun, grain_ballistics
- Manufacturer Federal — Fusion MSR 6.5 Grendel 120 Grain (F65GDLMSR1) · representative_gun, grain_ballistics archived
- Manufacturer Federal — American Eagle Varmint & Predator 6.5 Grendel 90 Grain (AE65GDL90VP) · representative_gun, grain_ballistics archived
Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; availability counted from 74 live factory loads; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →
