6.5 Grendel Ballistics Tables From Major Manufacturers

By Wes Littlefield

Last Updated: May 18, 2026

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Wes Littlefield

Guns have fascinated Wes since pulling the trigger on his BB gun as a kid. He built a private gun range over a decade ago to keep his skills sharp. He loves breaking down complex ideas into understandable pieces for readers, with expertise in hunting and all aspects of shooting.

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Wes Littlefield, "6.5 Grendel Ballistics From Top Ammo Manufacturers"
(https://ammo.com/ballistics/6.5-grendel-ballistics)

You found our in-depth look at 6.5 Grendel ballistics from the top ammo manufacturers!

Click the links below to jump to your favorite ammo company and reveal the ballistic data you need for your preferred factory 6.5 Grendel ammo. Looking to purchase any of these rounds? Browse our complete selection of 6.5 Grendel ammo in stock and ready to ship. Not sure which load to buy? See our guide to the best 6.5 Grendel ammo.

6.5 Grendel Ballistics Charts

Jump to an ammo company producing this rifle cartridge: Barnes | Federal Premium | Hornady | Nosler | PPU | Remington | Sellier & Bellot | Wolf

Barnes

Jump to a ballistics chart: Barnes VOR-TX 115 Grain TAC-TX | Barnes Precision Match 120 Grain OTM

VOR-TX 115 Grain TAC-TX

Precision Match 120 Grain OTM

Federal Premium

Jump to a ballistics chart: Federal Varmint & Predator 90 Grain JHP | Federal American Eagle 120 Grain OTM | Federal Fusion MSR 120 Grain Bonded SP

Varmint & Predator 90 Grain JHP

American Eagle 120 Grain OTM

Fusion MSR 120 Grain Bonded SP

Hornady

Jump to a ballistics chart: Hornady Custom 90 Grain CX | Hornady V-Match 100 Grain ELD-VT | Hornady Custom 123 Grain SST | Hornady Frontier 123 Grain FMJ | Hornady BLACK 123 Grain ELD Match

Custom 90 Grain CX

V-Match 100 Grain ELD-VT

Custom 123 Grain SST

Frontier 123 Grain FMJ

BLACK 123 Grain ELD Match

Nosler

Jump to a ballistics chart: Nosler Varmageddon 90 Grain FB Tipped | Nosler 120 Grain Ballistic Tip | Nosler Match Grade 123 Grain HPBT | Nosler Trophy Grade 129 Grain AccuBond Long Range

Varmageddon 90 Grain FB Tipped

120 Grain Ballistic Tip

Match Grade 123 Grain HPBT

Trophy Grade 129 Grain AccuBond Long Range

PPU

Jump to a ballistics chart: PPU 110 Grain FMJBT | PPU 120 Grain HPBT

110 Grain FMJBT

120 Grain HPBT

Remington

Jump to a ballistics chart: Remington Premier Match 130 Grain OTM

Premier Match 130 Grain OTM

Sellier & Bellot

Jump to a ballistics chart: Sellier & Bellot 124 Grain FMJ

124 Grain FMJ

Wolf

Jump to a ballistics chart: Wolf Military Classic 100 Grain FMJBT

Military Classic 100 Grain FMJBT

Administrative Note: The information above is provided by ammo manufacturers. Actual ballistics obtained with your firearm can vary considerably from advertised ballistics. Also, ballistics can vary from lot to lot with the same brand and type. When manufacturers' ballistic data were unavailable, they were calculated using a ballistic calculator.

6.5 Grendel Trajectory Chart

Trajectory measures the bullet's flight path over a given distance. Shooters measure trajectory in inches of bullet drop, milliradians (MIL), or minute of angle (MOA).

A flat-shooting cartridge is ideal for long-range shooting because it requires fewer adjustments to compensate for bullet drop. A flat trajectory also means the cartridge will be more forgiving of slight ranging mistakes.

The 6.5 Grendel is known for its relatively flat-shooting capabilities. When a 129 grain AccuBond Long Range bullet (0.530 G1 BC) is zeroed at 200 yards, it will drop -64.4" at 500 yards. When a 90 grain CX bullet (0.356 G1 BC) is zeroed at 200 yards, it will drop only -47.2" at 500 yards.

Here is a sample bullet drop chart to give you a general idea of the 6.5 Grendel's trajectory.

Note: The chart above shows the performance of one 6.5 Grendel load. Actual ballistic performance varies depending on bullet weight, lot, barrel length, and environmental conditions.

6.5 Grendel Velocity

Muzzle velocity is the rate at which a bullet exits the barrel. It is measured in feet per second (fps). Generally, longer barrels produce higher muzzle velocities, as their extra length gives exploding propellant more time to exert its energy against the base of the projectile (but other factors are significant).

Expect 6.5 Grendel muzzle velocities to vary from about 2,350 fps to 2,910 fps, depending on bullet weight and barrel length. The 6.5 Grendel does a great job of maintaining high velocities downrange. A 90 grain CX bullet leaving the barrel at 2,910 fps still moves at 1,752 fps at 500 yards. A 129 grain AccuBond Long Range bullet leaving the barrel at 2,350 fps is traveling at 1,621 fps the instant it reaches 500 yards.

6.5 Grendel Kinetic Energy

Muzzle energy is the amount of force a bullet possesses the moment it leaves the barrel. It is measured in foot-pounds (ft-lbs). Heavier bullets tend to have higher muzzle energy, but lower velocity. However, that's not always the case.

For instance, a 90 grain 6.5 Grendel bullet gains 1,692 ft-lbs muzzle energy and conserves 613 ft-lbs at 500 yards, whereas a 129 grain 6.5 Grendel bullet gains 1,582 ft-lbs muzzle energy and conserves 752 ft-lbs at 500 yards.

6.5 Grendel Maximum Effective Range

The 6.5 Grendel maxes out at about 1,000 yards for target shooting, and 400 yards for ethical deer hunting. The maximum effective range for tactical applications is typically about 800 yards.

How Do 6.5 Grendel Ballistics Compare to Other Rifle Cartridges?

As you'll see below, the 6.5 Grendel compares to several other popular rifle cartridges, including the 6mm ARC, 6.5 Creedmoor, 308 Win, and 300 Blackout.

6.5 Grendel vs. 6mm ARC

Don't miss our 6mm ARC vs. 6.5 Grendel article for a deeper understanding of these cartridges!

For a complete performance breakdown, see our 6mm ARC ballistics charts.

6.5 Grendel vs. 6.5 Creedmoor

Don't miss our 6.5 Creedmoor vs. 6.5 Grendel article for a deeper understanding of these cartridges!

For a complete performance breakdown, see our 6.5 Creedmoor ballistics charts.

6.5 Grendel vs. 308 Winchester

Don't miss our 308 Win vs. 6.5 Grendel article for a deeper understanding of these cartridges!

For a complete performance breakdown, see our 308 Winchester ballistics charts.

6.5 Grendel vs. 300 Blackout

Don't miss our 300 BLK vs. 6.5 Grendel article for a deeper understanding of these cartridges!

For a complete performance breakdown, see our 300 Blackout ballistics charts.

Written by

Wes Littlefield