The 6.5 Grendel cartridge underwent three years of development before Bill Alexander (Alexander Arms) released it in 2003 as a long-range cartridge specifically intended for the AR-15 family of rifles and carbines. The 6.5 Grendel transforms the military 7.62×39 parent case by necking it down to 6.5mm, blowing out the shoulder, and changing to a Small Rifle primer and flash hole. As a close relative of the benchrest-proven 6.5mm PPC, the 6.5 Grendel is the ideal length to seat long-ogive 120-grain and 130-grain bullets within the AR-15 magazine length constrictions. Accuracy in the 6.5 Grendel, in suitably barreled AR-15 rifles, readily attains sub-MOA, making it a great choice for long-range deer and varmint hunting. Seventeen 6.5 Grendel cartridges will fit into an Alexander Arms-supplied magazine dimensioned to fit into the magazine well of an AR-15’s lower receiver. Factory loads do not exceed 50,000 psi. Alexander Arms (AlexanderArms.com) supplies rifles, magazines, ammunition, reloading dies, and brass.
Alexander Arms relinquished its trademark claim on the 6.5 Grendel as the 13th edition of this book went to print, which led to SAAMI standardization. Hornady and Wolf are now factory loading this round.
Editor's Note: This brief is an excerpt from Cartridges of the World 14th Edition.
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