The 6.5 Grendel is a highly efficient intermediate cartridge designed specifically to maximize the long-range performance of the AR-15 platform. It bridges the gap between the low recoil of the 5.56mm NATO and the hard-hitting downrange energy of the 7.62mm NATO.
By utilizing shorter, wider case geometries paired with high-ballistic-coefficient (BC) 6.5mm bullets, the 6.5 Grendel maintains supersonic velocities well past 1,000 yards while offering exceptionally manageable recoil.
Master 6.5 Grendel Ballistics Chart
(All velocities measured in FPS, Energy in Ft-Lbs, and Drop in Inches using a 24-inch barrel test length).
| Ammunition Type | Muzzle | 100 yds | 200 yds | 300 yds | 400 yds | 500 yds | Specs |
| Hornady Match 123gr ELD | V: 2580 E: 1818 D: -2.4″ | V: 2410 E: 1586 D: 1.8″ | V: 2247 E: 1379 D: 0.0″ | V: 2090 E: 1193 D: -8.7″ | V: 1940 E: 1028 D: -25.3″ | V: 1796 E: 881 D: -51.3″ | G1: 0.506 G7: 0.255 SD: 0.252 |
| Hornady Custom 123gr SST | V: 2580 E: 1818 D: -2.4″ | V: 2410 E: 1586 D: 1.8″ | V: 2247 E: 1379 D: 0.0″ | V: 2090 E: 1193 D: -8.7″ | V: 1940 E: 1028 D: -25.3″ | V: 1796 E: 881 D: -51.3″ | G1: 0.506 G7: 0.255 SD: 0.252 |
| Hornady Black 123gr ELD | V: 2580 E: 1818 D: -2.4″ | V: 2410 E: 1586 D: 1.8″ | V: 2247 E: 1379 D: 0.0″ | V: 2090 E: 1193 D: -8.7″ | V: 1940 E: 1028 D: -25.3″ | V: 1796 E: 881 D: -51.3″ | G1: 0.506 G7: 0.255 SD: 0.252 |
| Federal 90gr TNT JHP | V: 3000 E: 1798 D: -1.5″ | V: 2641 E: 1394 D: 1.8″ | V: 2309 E: 1065 D: 0.0″ | V: 2002 E: 801 D: -8.2″ | V: 1721 E: 592 D: -25.1″ | V: 1472 E: 433 D: -53.6″ | G1: 0.264 G7: 0.135 SD: 0.184 |
| Federal Am. Eagle 120gr OTM | V: 2610 E: 1815 D: -1.5″ | V: 2403 E: 1539 D: 2.3″ | V: 2206 E: 1297 D: 0.0″ | V: 2019 E: 1086 D: -9.4″ | V: 1840 E: 902 D: -27.4″ | V: 1675 E: 747 D: -55.6″ | G1: 0.421 G7: 0.212 SD: 0.246 |
| Federal Fusion 120gr SP | V: 2600 E: 1802 D: -1.5″ | V: 2351 E: 1473 D: 2.41″ | V: 2116 E: 1193 D: 0.0″ | V: 1894 E: 956 D: -10.2″ | V: 1689 E: 760 D: -30.2″ | V: 1503 E: 602 D: -62.4″ | G1: 0.346 – SD: 0.177 |
| Prvi 123gr SP | V: 2657 E: 1928 D: -1.5″ | V: 2410 E: 1587 D: 2.27″ | V: 2177 E: 1294 D: 0.02″ | V: 1957 E: 1046 D: -9.6″ | V: 1751 E: 838 D: -41.8″ | V: 1563 E: 667 D: -78.7″ | G1: 0.354 – SD: 0.179 |
| Prvi 120gr HPBT | V: 2674 E: 1905 D: -1.5″ | V: 2462 E: 1614 D: 0.0″ | V: 2259 E: 1360 D: -3.7″ | V: 2066 E: 1137 D: -14.4″ | – – – | – – – | G1: 0.415 – – |
| Hornady Frontier 123gr FMJ | V: 2580 E: 1818 D: -1.5″ | V: 2378 E: 1544 D: 2.34″ | V: 2185 E: 1304 D: 0.0″ | V: 2001 E: 1094 D: -9.63″ | V: 1827 E: 912 D: -27.9″ | V: 1664 E: 756 D: -56.8″ | G1: 0.427 – SD: 0.216 |
| Federal Gold Medal 130gr OTM | V: 2400 E: 1663 D: -1.5″ | V: 2254 E: 1466 D: 2.69″ | V: 2113 E: 1289 D: 0.01″ | V: 1977 E: 1128 D: -10.5″ | V: 1847 E: 984 D: -29.9″ | V: 1722 E: 856 D: -59.5″ | G1: 0.570 – SD: 0.287 |
| Remington HPR 120gr HPBT | V: 2590 E: 1788 D: -1.5″ | V: 2405 E: 1541 D: 2.27″ | V: 2227 E: 1322 D: 0.0″ | V: 2057 E: 1128 D: -9.3″ | V: 1895 E: 957 D: -26.8″ | V: 1742 E: 809 D: -54.1″ | G1: 0.468 – SD: 0.236 |
| Barnes VOR-TX 115gr STX | V: 2590 E: 1713 D: -1.5″ | V: 2370 E: 1435 D: 2.36″ | V: 2162 E: 1193 D: 0.0″ | V: 1964 E: 985 D: -9.82″ | V: 1777 E: 807 D: -28.7″ | V: 1605 E: 658 D: -58.6″ | G1: 0.393 – SD: 0.200 |
| Wolf 100gr FMJ | V: 2690 E: 1607 – | – – – | – – – | – – – | – – – | – – – | G1: 0.205 – – |
| Hornady Am. Gunner 123gr BTHP | V: 2590 E: 1832 – | – – – | – – – | – – – | – – – | – – – | – – SD: 0.252 |
(Note: Prvi 120gr HPBT factory data lists down to 300 yards only; Wolf 100gr and Hornady Am. Gunner only cite muzzle velocity and energy from the manufacturer without published downrange drop tracking).
Simple 6.5 Grendel Ballistics Chart
The comprehensive data below highlights the external ballistics of the standard-bearing Hornady 123-grain SST factory load. This setup utilizes a 24-inch test barrel, a G1 Ballistic Coefficient of 0.510, and a standard 200-yard zero.
| Range (Yards) | Velocity (FPS) | Kinetic Energy (Ft-Lbs) | Bullet Drop / Path (Inches) |
| Muzzle | 2,580 | 1,818 | -1.5 |
| 100 | 2,410 | 1,586 | +2.3 |
| 200 | 2,247 | 1,379 | 0.0 |
| 300 | 2,090 | 1,193 | -9.1 |
| 400 | 1,940 | 1,028 | -26.3 |
| 500 | 1,796 | 881 | -52.7 |
Technical Data and Chart Explanation
The ballistics of the 6.5 Grendel trace an impressive operational window. Evaluating the core performance vectors reveals how the cartridge achieves its legendary efficiency:
Velocity Retention
Unlike traditional intermediate rounds that lose speed rapidly, the aerodynamic 6.5mm projectiles excel at cutting through air resistance. Starting at a modest muzzle velocity of 2,580 FPS, the 123-grain bullet retains 1,796 FPS even at 500 yards. This minimizes the effect of unpredictable crosswinds over long distances.
Energy Delivery
For ethical medium-game hunting (such as whitetail deer or hogs), 1,000 ft-lbs of kinetic energy is universally considered the baseline standard. The chart shows that the 6.5 Grendel carries this critical energy threshold all the way out past 400 yards, making it an incredibly capable hunting round within a compact rifle configuration.
Trajectory and Drop
When zeroed at 200 yards, the bullet flies remarkably flat through its mid-range trajectory, rising only 2.3 inches at 100 yards. Beyond 300 yards, gravity asserts itself more clearly, resulting in a predictable drop of 52.7 inches at the 500-yard mark.
Performance Profiles Across Bullet Weights
The behavior of the 6.5 Grendel shifts dynamically based on your chosen grain weight. Ammunition choices generally fall into three distinct profiles:
Varmint & Light Loads (90gr – 100gr)
- Ammunition Examples: Speer TNT 90gr, Hornady CX 90gr.
- Ballistic Profile: Optimized for blistering muzzle speeds (ranging from 2,800 to 2,900 FPS). These lighter projectiles offer incredibly flat trajectories inside 300 yards but shed energy quicker at extreme ranges due to lower sectional density.
All-Purpose & Hunting Loads (120gr – 123gr)
- Ammunition Examples: Hornady SST 123gr, Nosler Ballistic Tip 120gr, Lapua Scenar 123gr.
- Ballistic Profile: The absolute sweet spot for the Grendel case capacity. These achieve a balanced muzzle velocity of roughly 2,400 to 2,600 FPS, maximizing downrange momentum and ensuring dependable bullet expansion on target.
Heavy Match Loads (129gr – 130gr)
- Ammunition Examples: Hornady Custom 129gr SST, Sierra MatchKing 130gr.
- Ballistic Profile: Leaving the barrel at a slower pace (2,300 to 2,450 FPS), these configurations maximize wind resistance and long-range accuracy. They are built specifically to excel in competitive tactical matches stretching out to 800–1,000 yards.
Barrel Length Impact on Performance
Because the 6.5 Grendel burns its powder charge highly efficiently, it adapts remarkably well to varying barrel lengths compared to magnum alternatives. However, shorter barrels will see a linear decrease in muzzle velocities:
- 24-inch Barrel: The benchmark standard to maximize velocity. Yields full factory-rated speeds, making it the top choice for stationary target shooters.
- 20-inch Barrel: A minimal velocity loss of roughly 30–50 FPS. It serves as an excellent compromise for long-range performance without excessive front-end weight.
- 16-inch Barrel: The most popular length for handy, mobile AR-15 hunting platforms. Expect a velocity reduction of approximately 100–150 FPS from the factory baseline chart. At this length, effective hunting ranges drop slightly, though target applications remain highly effective past 700 yards.