The 6.5 Grendel is a low recoil long range cartridge designed specifically for the AR-15 platform noted for impressive ballistics using .264 caliber bullets to make accurate shots out to 1,000 yards. The 6.5 Grendel uses a unique bolt and caliber specific magazine to convert any standard AR. With a wide variety of available factory ammunition, the 6.5 Grendel is a top choice for hunting medium game or extended range target shooting. Wilson Combat barrels are chambered according to SAAMI specifications and use the industry standard “Type-2″ Grendel bolt with .136” bolt face counterbore.
The 6.5 Grendel was developed in 2003 as an intermediate cartridge to fill the gap between the 5.56 Nato and 7.62 NATO cartridges. It is designed for use in the AR15 platform, although the barrel and bolt assembly will need to be changed from the 5.56 NATO configuration. In 2010, Bill Alexander collaborated with Hornady to release the cartridge publicly with SAAMI standardization.
6.5 Grendel History
6.5 Grendel Usage
6.5 Grendel Usage
The 6.5 Grendel has found a place with some military units for use by Designated Marksmen. Using the same AR15 platform, allows the Designated Marksman to remain anonymous among other soldiers they are deployed with. It has also started finding some use in civilian sporting arenas with hunting and competition shooters.
6.5 Grendel Trivia
While being designed for use in the AR15 platform, the 6.5 Grendel is now being chambered in bolt action rifles and AK platforms. The 6.5 Grendel is still supersonic at 1200 yards and has better penetration of body armor at 1000 yards with the 123 grain bullet than the 7.62x51mm NATO loaded with 147 grain bullet.
6.5 Grendel Trivia
6.5 Grendel Design
6.5 Grendel Design
The 6.5 Grendel is a rimless, bottleneck cartridge with an overall length of 2.26” and a case capacity of 35 grains (H2O). It fires a .264” diameter bullet using small rifle primers with a maximum pressure of 52,000 PSI. Standard rifling twist rates are 1:8” or 1:9”.
6.5 Grendel Types
The 6.5 Grendel ammunition options include full metal jacket, open tip match, hollow point, and polymer tipped in weights from 90 grains to 144 grains depending on intended use or mission requirements.
