6.5 Grendel ballistics come down to one trait: an efficient .264-inch bullet from a short case. A 123 gr match bullet leaves a 24-inch test barrel at about 2,580 fps with 1,818 ft-lb, keeps more than 1,000 ft-lb past 400 yards, and stays supersonic to about 1,000 yards in standard conditions. Chattahoochee Munitions manufactures the CM15 AR15 and the CM7S bolt action in 6.5 Grendel; this page shows what those numbers mean and how barrel length changes them.
6.5 Grendel Ballistics Table
Load: 123 gr match bullet, G7 ballistic coefficient .255, at Hornady’s published 2,580 fps from a 24-inch test barrel. Chattahoochee Munitions calculated the figures with a point-mass solver: 100-yard zero, 2.5-inch sight height (typical of an AR15 optic), sea-level standard atmosphere (59°F), 10 mph full-value crosswind.
| Range | Velocity | Energy | Drop | Wind drift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muzzle | 2,580 fps | 1,818 ft-lb | -2.5 in | 0 |
| 100 yd | 2,406 fps | 1,581 ft-lb | 0 | 0.8 in |
| 200 yd | 2,239 fps | 1,369 ft-lb | -3.5 in | 3.3 in |
| 300 yd | 2,079 fps | 1,180 ft-lb | -14.0 in | 7.7 in |
| 400 yd | 1,926 fps | 1,013 ft-lb | -32.5 in | 14.2 in |
| 500 yd | 1,778 fps | 863 ft-lb | -60.4 in | 23.1 in |
| 600 yd | 1,635 fps | 730 ft-lb | -99.4 in | 34.6 in |
These are calculated figures for a published load, not Chattahoochee Munitions chronograph results. Your rifle, barrel length, ammunition lot, altitude and temperature will change them. Confirm your own data at the range.
What a Shorter Barrel Does to 6.5 Grendel Ballistics
Factory velocity figures come from a 24-inch test barrel. Chattahoochee Munitions barrels are 12.5, 16, 18 and 20 inches, so expect lower muzzle velocity than the box states. To show the effect, the table repeats the same bullet at an example muzzle velocity of 2,400 fps. Measure your own rifle with a chronograph before relying on any table.
| Range | At 2,580 fps | At 2,400 fps |
|---|---|---|
| Energy at 300 yd | 1,180 ft-lb | 1,007 ft-lb |
| Energy at 400 yd | 1,013 ft-lb | 858 ft-lb |
| Drop at 300 yd | 14.0 in | 17.1 in |
| Drop at 400 yd | 32.5 in | 39.1 in |
| Wind drift at 400 yd | 14.2 in | 15.9 in |
A loss of 180 fps moves the 1,000 ft-lb point in from about 400 to about 300 yards. See 6.5 Grendel barrel length for how the 12.5, 16, 18 and 20-inch Chattahoochee Munitions configurations compare.
6.5 Grendel Effective Range
Effective range depends on the target and the shooter, not just the cartridge. Three practical limits:
- Deer-size game: many hunters use about 1,000 ft-lb of retained energy as a guideline. With the load above, that is roughly 400 yards at 2,580 fps and roughly 300 yards at 2,400 fps. Bullet construction and expansion velocity matter as much as energy.
- Coyotes and hogs: distance is set more by bullet expansion, wind reading and shot placement than by energy. See 6.5 Grendel for coyotes and hogs.
- Steel targets: the bullet in the table stays above the speed of sound to about 1,000 yards in standard conditions, so hits at 600 to 800 yards are realistic for a practiced shooter with an 18 or 20-inch rifle.
Ballistic Coefficient and Bullet Choice
6.5 Grendel ballistics depend heavily on the bullet. Long, high-BC match bullets resist drag and wind; flat-based or round-nose hunting bullets lose speed faster but may expand well at short range. Typical 6.5 Grendel bullet weights run from about 90 to 130 gr. Lighter bullets start faster and suit predators; 120 to 130 gr hunting bullets suit deer and hogs. G1 and G7 ballistic coefficients use different reference shapes, so compare like with like.
Twist Rate and Stability
A bullet must spin fast enough to fly point forward. The SAAMI drawing lists a 1:8 twist as optional. Chattahoochee Munitions uses 1:8 on every CM15 6.5 Grendel and 1:7 on the 12.5-inch CM7S, where the shorter barrel produces less velocity. See 6.5 Grendel twist rate.
6.5 Grendel Ballistics Compared
- 6.5 Grendel vs 5.56: the Grendel retains more than twice the energy of a 55 gr 5.56 at 300 yards.
- 6.5 Grendel vs 6.5 Creedmoor: close to 300 yards, then the Creedmoor pulls ahead.
- 6.5 Grendel vs 308: the 308 carries more energy; wind drift is almost the same.
- 6.5 Grendel vs 6mm ARC and 6.5 Grendel vs 6.8 SPC for other AR15 cartridges.
Chattahoochee Munitions 6.5 Grendel Firearms
- CM15 6.5 Grendel precision rifle, 20-inch
- CM15 6.5 Grendel DMR, 18-inch
- CM15 6.5 Grendel lightweight rifle, 16-inch
- CM7S 6.5 Grendel SBR, 12.5-inch
Dimensions follow the SAAMI 6.5 Grendel drawing. CM7S barrels are made by Mos-Tek. See the full lineup in Grendel’s Lair.
6.5 Grendel Ballistics FAQ
What is the muzzle velocity of 6.5 Grendel?
Hornady lists 2,580 fps for its 123 gr loads from a 24-inch test barrel. Shorter barrels produce less.
How far does 6.5 Grendel drop at 300 yards?
About 14 inches with a 100-yard zero for a 123 gr bullet at 2,580 fps, in calculated standard conditions.
What is the effective range of 6.5 Grendel for deer?
Using 1,000 ft-lb as a guideline, roughly 300 to 400 yards depending on muzzle velocity, with a bullet designed for deer.
How much energy does 6.5 Grendel have?
About 1,818 ft-lb at the muzzle with a 123 gr bullet at 2,580 fps, and about 1,180 ft-lb at 300 yards.
Is 6.5 Grendel good past 500 yards?
For targets, yes. The 123 gr bullet stays supersonic to about 1,000 yards in standard conditions. For hunting, most shots should stay much closer.
Do 6.5 Grendel ballistics tables match my rifle?
Not exactly. Published 6.5 Grendel ballistics come from 24-inch test barrels. Chronograph your rifle and run your own data.
Who makes a 6.5 Grendel rifle for long range?
Chattahoochee Munitions manufactures the CM15 6.5 Grendel with 18 and 20-inch 416R stainless barrels, including a DMR and a precision rifle.