The 6.5 Grendel Cartridge | GunMagopedia

There are a lot of cartridges in the gun world, some of which enjoy more significant popularity than others. One cartridge that tends to be a bit of an unsung-yet-capable round is the 6.5 Grendel. This intermediate centerfire rifle cartridge is both versatile and niche-filling. How can that be true? Read on to learn more about the evolution of the caliber.

The Company Behind the Cartridge

6.5 Grendel was designed by Bill Alexander, then of Alexander Arms, and ballistician Janne Pohjoispaa. For the sake of brevity, let’s take a look at Alexander Arms and Bill Alexander’s years with the company.

Alexander Arms can trace its roots further back than its time in the United States. Founder Bill Alexander was a renowned armorer and designer in the United Kingdom when he decided to move to the continental United States. It didn’t take long for him to build a stellar reputation here. He got his start in the States in 2001 and was working on the cartridge by 2002. After that, he wasted no time making his presence known in the gun world.

Before designing the cartridge, Bill created the 50 Beowulf, a seriously hard-hitting, heavy round. It only takes minutes listening to him talk ballistics and guns before you realize he’s a genius as a ballistician and designer, which is relatively rare in the gun world.

Not only did Bill Alexander create excellent cartridges, but he also made the guns to go with them. To this day, Alexander Arms is located on the Radford Arsenal in Southwest Virginia. Bill has gone on to work more closely with the military, designing and producing the platforms needed for our nation’s military to win the war on terror and for our soldiers to come home another day.

6.5 Grendel Background

The entire background of the 6.5 Grendel is a little spotty, and it can be hard to pinpoint specific events. However, we know Bill Alexander, founder of Alexander Arms, designed it along with Janne Pohjoispaa, a ballistician at Lapua. The cartridge was designed as a low-recoil, intermediate, centerfire rifle cartridge capable of greater long-range performance than the 5.56x45mm NATO but still able to fit in a STANAG magazine for an AR-15.

The 6.5 Grendel Timeline

• 1940s: The 7.62x39mm is designed over years of research by Russian engineers.
• 1950s: The 220 Russian, also known as the 5.6x39mm, was created as a deer hunting cartridge in Russia.
• 1984: Drs. Louis Palmisano and William B. Davis, PhD, develop the 6.5mm PPC for the U.S. Shooting Team to use in the 1986 world championships. The U.S. Shooting Team opted to stick with 6mm PPC, which remains a popular cartridge. The 6.5mm PPC is temporarily set aside.
• 1998: Competition shooter Arne Brennan gets interested in a 6.5mm for the AR-15 platform. As a result, he orders a 6.5 PPC reamer from JGS Tool that should be compatible with STANAG magazine AR-15 length.
• 2000: Brennan, who has spent significant time researching and testing 6.5 PPC, compares notes with cartridge designer Dr. Louis Palmisano.
• 2001: Alexander Arms is founded by Bill Alexander.
• 2002: Bill Alexander, the founder of Alexander Arms and a renowned engineer who relocated to the United States from the United Kingdom, started researching the possibility of a 6.5mm cartridge for the AR-15 platform. He takes note of the 6.5mm PPC. It caught his attention because it would fit the 50 Beowulf bolt he’d already created. In the end, he opted to machine a solid brass 6.5mm PPC dummy round to use for further research. He liked the cartridge, but it wasn’t precisely what he wanted, so he knew he’d have to change it.
• July 2002: Gun writer David Fortier and Bill Alexander talk and exchange ideas for the creation of a 6.5mm cartridge. Fortier’s concept revolved around a 7.62x39mm cartridge, which would be used in the Kalashnikov platform. However, when Alexander shares what he is working on for the AR-15 platform, Fortier ceases to work on his idea, likely because he realizes Alexander’s is good.
• August 2002: Arne Brennan and Bill Alexander meet.
• January 2003: Janne Pohjoispää, a respected ballistician at Lapua, collaborated with Bill Alexander to design a 6.5mm intermediate cartridge for the AR-15 platform. Lapua is already manufacturing 220 Russian brass, and they decide not to base their new cartridge on the 6.5 PPC but use the 220 Russian as its parent case instead. The two men fine-tune their design and agree to finalize the cartridge. The resulting cartridge is significantly different than Arne Brennan’s original idea for a 6.5mm PPC-based round. Alexander and Pohjoispaa’s new creation has a relocated shoulder, greater case capacity, and a slightly thicker neck for superior case life in the AR-15 platform.
• November 2003: Alexander Arms covers the necessary cartridge tooling and places their first order for 50,000 brass cases. The 6.5 Grendel is born.
• November 2003: JGS Tool produces the first 6.5 Grendel reamer.
• January 2004: Alexander Arms officially launches their new cartridge, the 6.5 Grendel, at SHOT Show 2004. Rifles chambered in the latest round are also unveiled at SHOT.
• Feb 2007: Factory Wolf brand ammunition becomes available. The ammunition maker puts work into supporting the caliber as a viable AR-15 option and introduces a 123-grain Soft Point and a 120 grain Hollow Point Boattail (HPBT) in their Gold line (the Gold Line is the company’s brass case ammunition line).
• Nov 2009: Hornady decides to work with Alexander Arms to produce 6.5 Grendel ammunition and components. Their 123-grain AMAX load quickly becomes popular. Was this the moment the cartridge became more mainstream? Possibly.
• 2010: Due to licensing costs and requirements of the 6.5 Grendel name, Les Baer Custom decides to make their version of the cartridge. The result is the 264 LBC-AR, commonly referred to as Type I Grendel.
• 2011: The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute accepts 6.5 Grendel as an official cartridge. This agreement involves Bill Alexander releasing his licensing control over the cartridge’s name.
• 2011-Present: The 6.5 Grendel (Type II) is now a cartridge enjoyed by quite a few AR-15 fans but still remains something of an unsung hero.

Did the Military Want the Caliber?

No, the cartridge was not created for the military. Bill Alexander did a lot of work for the U.S. military, but the cartridge was designed for the public.

How is 6.5 Grendel Different than 6.5 Creedmoor?

The big difference is the Grendel was designed for the AR-15 platform and the Creedmoor for the AR-10 platform.

How Accurate is it?

The 6.5 Grendel is an accurate round. This means it will consistently and reliably hit what you’re aiming at from a wide range of distances. Keep in mind that accuracy and precision are not the same things. To better understand the difference between the two, consider this explanation of the scientific measures from the University of Hawai’i: “Precision and accuracy are two ways that scientists think about the error. Accuracy refers to how close a measurement is to the true or accepted value. Precision refers to how close measurements of the same item are to each other. Precision is independent of accuracy. That means it is possible to be very precise but not very accurate, and it is also possible to be accurate without being precise. The best quality scientific observations are both accurate and precise.”

Can You Shoot Long-Range with Grendel?

Yes, Bill Alexander created the cartridge to produce a flatter trajectory in an AR-15 platform at longer ranges. However, it remains accurate to approximately 800 yards, which is the point where it becomes more difficult to impact targets reliably. This accuracy is affected by factors such as weather, of course.

Hunting with the Caliber

The cartridge is a great hunting round for a medium-size game. On a whitetail deer, the cartridge is effective to approximately 250 to 300 yards. Overall, it’s a suitable cartridge for everything from deer to antelope to feral hogs. It’s even a solid option for coyotes and bobcats.

As with any gun and ammunition combination you select for hunting, take the time to familiarize yourself with what your rifle and ammo can and cannot do. It’s your responsibility as a hunter to make an ethical kill on your chosen game animal or predator.

Personal Defense

Yes, using your 6.5 Grendel AR-15 as a personal defense weapon is possible. With increasing frequency, A.R. platform rifles and pistols are being used for home defense. They’re portable, easy to maneuver, and accurate.

How Does 6.5 Grendel Compare to 6mm ARC?

The 6.5 Grendel is an entirely different cartridge than the 6mm ARC. The 6mm ARC can reach a little further than Grendel when shooting paper or steel long-range, but both cartridges are made for the AR-15 platform. So choosing one is a matter of personal preference.

What Should I Know About 6.5 Grendel Type I and Type II?

• Official 6.5 Grendel barrels, rifles, and bolts are commonly referred to as “Type 2”. These are the “real” Grendels, the ones initially designed by Bill Alexander.
• Copies of the cartridge and are from the Les Baer Custom 264 LBC-AR variation on the original cartridge and are known in the gun world as “Type 1” or “Type I Grendel.”
• You will gear various names for the 6.5 Grendel, including Type I, Type II, and 264 LBC-AR. They are not the same things. Type I and 264 refer to the same design, although 264 LBC-AR is the official name of Les Baer Custom’s variation, while Type II and 6.5 Grendel are the original and standard creations.
• Bill Alexander’s official Type 2 bolts use .136 inch headspace/bolt face depth.
• Type 1 bolts use .125-inch headspace/bolt face depth.
• As a general rule, standard 6.5 Grendels on the market are Type II.

What is the Difference Between Type I and Type II 6.5 Grendel?

When Bill Alexander copyrighted the cartridge, he retained the rights for years. It wasn’t until SAAMI accepted it as an official cartridge that he agreed to release his copyright on the name. As a result of the decade-long hold on the named copyright, Les Baer Custom decided to slightly change the specifications and make their version of the cartridge, the 264 LBC-AR, which resulted in many in the gun industry now referring to as 6.5 Grendel Type I. 6.5 Grendel (Type II) is the most commonly available chambering, but the 264 LBC-AR, or Type I Grendel, is still being made.

When Did 6.5 Grendel Become an Official Sporting and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI) cartridge?

The caliber became an official SAAMI cartridge in 2011. In a press release, Alexander Arms made the announcement themselves on May 31, 2011:

“The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (“SAAMI”) has adopted the cartridge as an official SAAMI cartridge. As a result of the cartridge’s official recognition, ALEXANDER ARMS will relinquish the trademark ‘6.5 Grendel.’

Bill Alexander states: ‘One of the primary purposes of trademarking the name was to protect the integrity of the design. With the adoption of the caliber cartridge standard by SAAMI, the design is now protected, and any confusion in the marketplace as to the specification of the cartridge has been eliminated.’

SAAMI’s formal adoption of the design specifications for the cartridge has led ALEXANDER ARMS to announce that it will relinquish its federally-registered trademark and that ‘6.5 Grendel’ is to be the common commercial name for a cartridge that adheres to the specifications adopted by SAAMI.

ALEXANDER ARMS is proud that a cartridge of its design has received this important designation and is pleased to take this important step in the continued market development of this breakthrough cartridge, which is perfectly matched to the AR-15 platform.”

Specifications

Available 6.5 Grendel Loads

Although the cartridge has technically been around for twenty years, factory loads from multiple manufacturers did not begin until the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers Institute (SAAMI) officially accepted it in 2011. As a result, there aren’t as many loads available as many fans wish there were, but it’s certainly become more common. These are a few of the most popular loads currently offered on the market:

• Federal Premium Gold Medal Berger 6.5 Grendel 130 grain Berger Hybrid OTM (Open Tip Match)
  • Features:
    • Open Tip Match bullets
    • According to the manufacturer, it uses the popular bullets at Precision Rifle Series events.
    • Impressively high ballistic coefficient
    • Reduced wind drift and drop compared to similar loads
    • Fantastic long-range accuracy
    • Gold Medal match primer
    • Loaded to Federal Premium’s tightest specifications with close attention paid to detail and quality control
    • Bullet dimensions were created to perform ideally under SAAMI specifications for OAL (Overall Length)
    • Ballistic coefficient .560
    • Ballistic coefficient G7 .287
    • From Federal Premium: “The most sought-after bullets among competitors on the Precision Rifle Series are now loaded into the industry’s most trusted factory rifle ammunition. Gold Medal Berger loads feature an advanced boattail bullet with a high ballistic coefficient to provide the flattest trajectories, less wind drift, and long-range surgical accuracy. The loads use Gold Medal match primers, Federal brass, and specially formulated propellant, and they adhere to Federal Premium’s strictest specifications for accuracy, pressure, and velocity.”

• Alexander Arms 6.5 Grendel 120 grain Nosler Ballistic Tip (B.T.)
  • Features:
    • Nosler Ballistic Tip bullet
    • Boxer primer
    • New, reloadable brass
    • Created by the manufacturer behind the cartridge’s invention
    • Supersonic velocity rating
    • Non-corrosive
    • Ballistic coefficient G1: 0.458
    • Sectional density: 0.246
    • From Palmetto State Armory regarding Alexander Arms load: “Alexander Arms 120 grain Nosler ballistic tip loaded into Hornady brass for light game hunting. Our gelatin is calibrated with a B.B. at 590 fps and performed at 50 yds. Impact velocity rather than muzzle velocity is recorded. The impact velocity of the 120 grain Nosler ballistic was 2355 fps and exited the gelatin at 18 inches. Tests should be considered indicative rather than definitive.”

• Hornady Custom 6.5 Grendel 123 grain Super Shock Tip (SST)
  • Features:
    • Super Shock Tip
    • Secant ogive, boattail profile
    • Exclusive Hornady Interlock Ring
    • Designed for ideal performance while hunting
    • Reliable, consistent expansion
    • Superior combination of ballistic efficiency and flatter trajectory
    • Reduced drag
    • Mid-body cannelure
    • Ballistic coefficient G1 .510
    • Sectional density 0.252
    • From Hornady: “Millions of successful hunts have proven the accuracy and deadly effect of the famous Hornady®…SST®…bullets we load into Hornady Custom™ rifle ammunition. Every round of Hornady Custom ammunition is hand inspected before packaging to ensure the highest levels of quality control. At Hornady, we manufacture Custom ammunition to give shooters and hunters the advantage of handloaded accuracy in a factory load.”

• Barnes VOR-TX 6.5 Grendel 115 grain Triple-Shock X Ballistic Tip (TTSX BT)
  • Features:
    • Triple-Shock X Ballistic Tip
    • Polymer tip
    • 100 percent lead-free
    • 99 to 100 percent weight retention
    • Reliable expansion
    • Creates deep wound cavities for ethical kills on medium-sized game
    • Designed for double-diameter expansion
    • Ballistic coefficient 0.387
    • From Barnes: “Barnes VOR-TX is precision ammunition loaded with the deadliest bullets on the planet. Barnes, the leader in bullet innovation, offers hunters the ultimate in accuracy, terminal performance, and hand-loaded precision in a factory-loaded round. Offering double-diameter expansion, maximum weight retention, and excellent accuracy, the TSX, Tipped TSX, and TSX FN provide maximum tissue and bone destruction, pass-through penetration, and devastating energy transfer. Multiple grooves in the bullet’s shank reduce pressure and improve accuracy. Barnes all-copper bullets open instantly on contact – no other bullet expands as quickly. Nose peels back into four sharp-edged copper petals destroying tissue, bone, and vital organs for a quick, humane kill.”

• Remington Premier Match 6.5 Grendel 130 grain Berger Open Tip Match (OTM)
  • Features:
    • Open Tip Match bullet
    • Match grade bullet
    • New, reloadable brass
    • Designed for superior precision
    • Careful attention to detail in design and loading
    • Strict adherence to high-quality control
    • Ballistic coefficient .560
    • From Remington: “Match-grade accuracy. Elevated. Ever hear the phrase ‘you could drive a tack with ’em?’ Well, they’re probably talking about Remington Premier Match ammunition employs special loading practices ensuring world-class performance and accuracy with every shot. Maybe someday there will be a stronger word than accurate to describe Premier Match, until then, we’ll continue to prove it on paper.”

• Hornady Black 6.5 Grendel 123 grain Extremely Low Drag (ELD) Match
  • Features:
    • High-quality cases, primers, and propellants
    • Heat Shield® Tips
    • Hornady’s “Perfect Meplat”
    • Optimal secant ogive
    • New, reloadable brass
    • Made for superior accuracy
    • Performance optimized
    • Sectional density 0.252
    • Ballistic coefficient G1 0.506
    • Ballistic coefficient G7 0.255
    • From Hornady: “Hornady BLACK® ammunition features versatile loads optimized for excellent performance from America’s favorite guns. Loaded with legendary Hornady bullets, Hornady BLACK ammunition is designed to fit, feed, and function in a variety of platforms.”
    • “ELD® Match (Extremely Low Drag Match) bullets are technologically advanced, enhanced accuracy target bullets featuring Heat Shield tips with the Perfect Meplat (tip point) combined with numerous design features that deliver the highest-in-class ballistic coefficients, superior accuracy, and extreme consistency from bullet to bullet, lot to lot. Superior accuracy and industry-leading ballistic design have been achieved with the ELD Match bullet. An optimum secant ogive and boattail design along with the Heat Shield produce a bullet with the highest possible ballistic coefficient in its class.”

Firearms Manufacturers Making 6.5 Grendel Rifles

There are options on the market for rifles chambered in the cartridge. Manufacturers currently producing firearms in this chambering include:

• Ruger
• Howa
• Alexander Arms
• Larue Tactical
• Brenton
• CZ USA
• ATI
• Legacy Sports
• Radical Firearms
• Palmetto State Armory
• CMMG
• Diamondback Firearms
• Spec Arms
• Core Firearms
• Wilson Combat
• Atheris
• Molot
• Moriarti Armaments
• ZRO
• Pro-2A Firearms
• Smith and Wesson
• Bear Creek Arsenal

Manufacturers Making Grendel Barrels

Builders have options when it comes to choosing a 6.5 Grendel barrel. Although the majority of barrels on the market today are Type II, it is important to check to be sure the barrel matches the type of Grendel you intend to build. Barrel makers producing these include:

• Wilson Combat
• Grendel Hunter
• Aero Precision
• Faxon Firearms
• Ballistic Advantage
• AR Stoner
• Proof Research
• Sons of Liberty Gunworks
• JP Enterprises
• Criterion Barrels
• Mos-tek
• Bear Creek Arsenal
• Acme Machine

Manufacturers Making 6.5 Grendel Components

In order to build your own 6.5 Grendel, you need a variety of components. Many companies put out parts for this chambering, including:

• Wilson Combat
• Odin Works
• Grendel Hunter
• Aero Precision
• J.P. Enterprises
• Grendel Hunter
• Stag Arms
• Anderson Manufacturing
• Acme Machine
• Elftmann Tactical
• Velocity
• Timney Triggers
• HyperFire
• Bear Creek Arsenal

Frequently Asked Questions

Do They Make 6.5 Grendel Bolt-Action Rifles?

Yes, there are 6.5 Grendel chambered bolt-action rifles on the market. Manufacturers producing them include Ruger, Howa, and CZ USA.

What is the 6.5 Grendel’s Parent Cartridge?

220 Russian.

Does Anyone Other Than Alexander Arms Make 6.5 Grendel?

Yes, many manufacturers make firearms and ammunition for 6.5 Grendel.

Can I Hunt With 6.5 Grendel?

Yes, you can. In fact, Nosler has their Trophy Grade Accubond, a fantastic hunting round, available in the cartridge.

What Animals can I Hunt With 6.5 Grendel?

The cartridge is great for various game animals and predators such as whitetail deer, black bears, feral hogs, and other medium-sized animals (and smaller).

Is 6.5 Grendel Good for Home Defense?

Yes, you could use an A.R. chambered in 6.5 Grendel for home defense if you so choose. Since it’s in the lighter-weight, more portable AR-15 platform, you shouldn’t have trouble maneuvering it through your home.

Is 6.5 Grendel a Good Performer for Precision Shooting?

Although it is not a commonly chosen cartridge, the 6.5 Grendel can be a legitimate choice for precision shooting.

What can the 6.5 Grendel be Used to do?

Bill Alexander designed the cartridge to outdo the popular 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge by delivering a flatter trajectory and greater range capabilities. In addition, he wanted it to fit in a standard AR-15 magazine, and it does. As a result, the cartridge is fairly versatile. It can be used for sub-1000-yard shooting, solid hunting rounds, and fun at the range.

Is 6.5 Grendel a Wildcat Round?

No, it is not. 6.5 Grendel became an official SAAMI cartridge in 2011.

Is There a Recommended Twist Rate for Rifles Chambered in 6.5 Grendel?

Yes, although there are two recommended twist rates, 1 in 8 and 1 in 9. As with any rifle, different barrels and twist rates perform in varying ways depending on the specific load being used.

What is the Best Barrel Length for 6.5 Grendel?

There is technically no agreed-upon gold standard for what barrel length to use with 6.5 Grendel. As with any rifle, it depends on what you intend to use it for. As a general rule, an 18-barrel will deliver solid ballistics and accuracy, but some shooters do prefer 20-inch barrels.

Can I Reload 6.5 Grendel?

Yes, you can. Hornady, Lee, and RCBS are a few companies making dies and components.

Is 6mm ARC Better Than 6.5 Grendel?

The cartridge is the 6mm ARC’s parent case. They each have something specific to offer, and they are purpose-driven, so it depends on what you’re using them for (as always).

Can I Build My Own 6.5 Grendel?

Yes, you can. Many gun makers are producing the components needed to build a 6.5 Grendel. Take the time to be sure you’re building the type you want. Today’s vast majority of components on the market are indeed Type II, but you might stumble across some Type I along the way.

What is the SAAMI Maximum Pressure?

The maximum pressure for 6.5 Grendel is 52,000 psi. However, Hodgdon lists their hottest load for the cartridge at 50,200, and Alexander Arms was loading it at 49,000 psi in 2011.

Can I make my own 6.5 Grendel cases?

Yes, you can make your own 6.5 Grendel cases. If you have the knowledge that allows you to fireform 7.62x39mm, it’s possible, but it isn’t necessarily cost-effective.

Is 6.5 Grendel Better than 224 Valkyrie?

From a long-range shooting perspective, 6.5 Grendel cannot reach out quite as far as 224 Valkyrie. However, it does perform as it was designed to do, and it’s a great option, especially for AR-15 fans.

I Don’t Shoot Long-Range. So Why Would I Want a 6.5 Grendel?

The 6.5 Grendel isn’t only for mid-to-long-range shooters. It’s a capable, accurate cartridge for hunting and also useful on the range. In addition, you could use it for personal defense if you wanted to use an A.R. for home defense or as a truck gun.

Do I Need New Magazines for 6.5 Grendel?

Yes, and no. Standard AR-15 magazines technically work, but you won’t be able to load them to the same capacity you could with 5.56x45mm NATO or 300 BLK. On the other hand, magazines made for Type II 6.5 Grendel work better and feed more reliably.

What’s so Special About 6.5 Grendel?

The 6.5 Grendel is one of Bill Alexander’s creations, and if anyone is a ballistic genius in the firearms industry today, it’s him. So if you’re looking for a unique chambering for the AR-15 platform capable of accuracy out to around 800 yards, it’s a great option.

What Bolt Face Depth is 6.5 Grendel?

The 6.5 Grendel Type II has a .136-inch co-bore bolt face.

Is 6.5 Grendel the Same as 6.5 Creedmoor?

No, it is not. There are countless differences, but perhaps the most noteworthy is that 6.5 Creedmoor is an AR-10 platform cartridge while 6.5 Grendel was designed specifically for the AR-15 platform.

Does the 6.5 Grendel Use a Standard AR-15 Bolt Carrier Group?

No, it does not. The cartridge requires a specific, non-standard bolt.

What Caliber is 6.5 Grendel?

.264.

What Does 220 Russian Have to do With 6mm ARC? And What Does 6mm ARC Have to Do With 6.5 Grendel?

Well, 6mm ARC’s parent case is 6.5 Grendel. The 6.5 Grendel’s parent case is—you guessed it—220 Russian. 220 Russian is also known as 5.6x39mm and was created in the 1950s as a hunting cartridge. SAKO and Lapua first produced it, and, as you may have guessed, its roots are in Russia.

How Long Has 6.5 Grendel Been Around?

6.5 Grendel was designed in 2003 by designers Bill Alexander and Janne Pohjoispaa. The cartridge was initially created because they wanted a STANAG magazine-length cartridge for the AR-15. It is now an official SAAMI cartridge.

Are 6.5 Grendel and 6.5 Creedmoor the Same Thing?

No, 6.5 Grendel and 6.5 Creedmoor are not the same cartridges. Not only are they significantly different, but the former was made for AR-15 platforms while the latter was created for AR-10 platforms.

What is the Case Capacity of 6.5 Grendel?

35 gr H20.