The 6.5 Grendel is a centerfire rifle cartridge standardised by SAAMI in ANSI/SAAMI Z299.4. SAAMI sets its maximum average pressure at 52,000 psi, and measures its reference velocities in a 24.000 in standard test barrel rifled 1 turn in 8.00 in. This guide sets out SAAMI’s published reference velocity for each bullet weight, computes the muzzle energy each one carries, and compares the 6.5 Grendel with the 6.5 Creedmoor on the same basis.
6.5 Grendel ballistics chart: SAAMI reference data
SAAMI publishes one nominal mean instrumental velocity for each reference bullet weight, measured at 15 feet from the standard test barrel. It does not publish energy, so the ft-lb column is computed. Where SAAMI lists more than one velocity for a weight, both ends of the span are shown.
Scroll the table sideways for the remaining columns.
| Bullet weight | Reference velocity | Computed muzzle energy |
|---|---|---|
| 115 gr | 2,580 fps | 1,699 ft-lb |
| 123 gr | 2,580 fps | 1,818 ft-lb |
Manufacturer-published loads
SAAMI’s figures above are the shared reference. The tables below are different data: what each manufacturer publishes for a specific load we stock, taken from that maker’s own page for the item number shown. Each maker chooses its own test barrel, so its figures can differ from SAAMI’s reference velocity for the same bullet weight and should not be laid directly beside another brand’s.
Scroll the table sideways for the remaining columns.
| Load | Item no. | Bullet weight | Bullet | Muzzle velocity | Muzzle energy | Ballistic coefficient | Test barrel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hornady ELD® Match | 81528 | 123 gr | ELD® Match | 2,580 fps | 1,818 ft-lb | .506 G1 | 24″ |
| Hornady ELD‑VT® | 81521 | 100 gr | ELD‑VT® | 2,730 fps | 1,655 ft-lb | .448 G1 | 24″ |
| Hornady CX® | 81513 | 90 gr | CX® | 2,910 fps | 1,692 ft-lb | .356 G1 | 24″ |
| Nosler Ballistic Tip | 61023 | 120 gr | Ballistic Tip | 2,400 fps | 1,534 ft-lb | Not published | 24″ |
| Nosler AccuBond Long Range | 60146 | 129 gr | AccuBond Long Range | 2,350 fps | 1,582 ft-lb | Not published | 24″ |
| Nosler Custom Competition | 44501 | 123 gr | Custom Competition | 2,400 fps | 1,573 ft-lb | Not published | 24″ |
| Federal Open Tip Match | AE65GDL1 | 120 gr | Open Tip Match | 2,610 fps | 1,815 ft-lb | .421, drag model not stated | Not published |
| Federal Speer TNT Jacketed Hollow Point | AE65GDL90VP | 90 gr | Speer TNT Jacketed Hollow Point | 3,000 fps | 1,798 ft-lb | .260, drag model not stated | Not published |
Scroll the table sideways for the remaining columns.
| Load (test barrel) | Muzzle | 100 yd | 200 yd | 300 yd | 400 yd | 500 yd | 600 yd | 700 yd | 800 yd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hornady 123 gr (24″) | 2,580 fps / 1,818 ft-lb | 2,409 fps / 1,585 ft-lb | 2,244 fps / 1,376 ft-lb | 2,086 fps / 1,189 ft-lb | 1,935 fps / 1,023 ft-lb | 1,791 fps / 876 ft-lb | Not published | Not published | Not published |
| Hornady 100 gr (24″) | 2,730 fps / 1,655 ft-lb | 2,531 fps / 1,422 ft-lb | 2,340 fps / 1,216 ft-lb | 2,158 fps / 1,034 ft-lb | 1,984 fps / 874 ft-lb | 1,819 fps / 735 ft-lb | Not published | Not published | Not published |
| Hornady 90 gr (24″) | 2,910 fps / 1,692 ft-lb | 2,651 fps / 1,404 ft-lb | 2,406 fps / 1,157 ft-lb | 2,174 fps / 945 ft-lb | 1,956 fps / 765 ft-lb | 1,752 fps / 613 ft-lb | Not published | Not published | Not published |
| Nosler 120 gr (24″) | 2,400 fps / 1,534 ft-lb | 2,216 fps / 1,308 ft-lb | 2,040 fps / 1,108 ft-lb | 1,872 fps / 934 ft-lb | 1,714 fps / 782 ft-lb | 1,566 fps / 653 ft-lb | 1,431 fps / 546 ft-lb | 1,311 fps / 458 ft-lb | 1,207 fps / 388 ft-lb |
| Nosler 129 gr (24″) | 2,350 fps / 1,582 ft-lb | 2,193 fps / 1,377 ft-lb | 2,042 fps / 1,194 ft-lb | 1,896 fps / 1,030 ft-lb | 1,756 fps / 883 ft-lb | 1,621 fps / 752 ft-lb | 1,490 fps / 636 ft-lb | 1,364 fps / 533 ft-lb | 1,244 fps / 443 ft-lb |
| Nosler 123 gr (24″) | 2,400 fps / 1,573 ft-lb | 2,234 fps / 1,363 ft-lb | 2,075 fps / 1,176 ft-lb | 1,922 fps / 1,009 ft-lb | 1,777 fps / 862 ft-lb | 1,640 fps / 735 ft-lb | 1,512 fps / 625 ft-lb | 1,395 fps / 532 ft-lb | 1,290 fps / 455 ft-lb |
| Federal 120 gr (barrel not published) | 2,610 fps / 1,815 ft-lb | 2,403 fps / 1,539 ft-lb | 2,206 fps / 1,297 ft-lb | 2,019 fps / 1,086 ft-lb | 1,840 fps / 902 ft-lb | 1,675 fps / 747 ft-lb | Not published | Not published | Not published |
| Federal 90 gr (barrel not published) | 3,000 fps / 1,798 ft-lb | 2,641 fps / 1,394 ft-lb | 2,309 fps / 1,065 ft-lb | 2,002 fps / 801 ft-lb | 1,721 fps / 592 ft-lb | 1,472 fps / 433 ft-lb | Not published | Not published | Not published |
Scroll the table sideways for the remaining columns.
| Load (zero) | 0 yd | 100 yd | 200 yd | 300 yd | 400 yd | 500 yd | 600 yd | 700 yd | 800 yd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hornady 123 gr (200 yd zero) | −1.5 in | +2.3 in | 0 in | −9.2 in | −26.4 in | −52.8 in | Not published | Not published | Not published |
| Hornady 100 gr (200 yd zero) | −1.5 in | +2 in | 0 in | −8.3 in | −24.2 in | −48.9 in | Not published | Not published | Not published |
| Hornady 90 gr (200 yd zero) | −1.5 in | +1.7 in | 0 in | −7.7 in | −22.9 in | −47.2 in | Not published | Not published | Not published |
| Nosler 120 gr (100 yd zero) | −1.5 in | 0 in | −5.6 in | −19.6 in | −43.5 in | −79.3 in | −129.3 in | −196.3 in | −283.5 in |
| Nosler 129 gr (100 yd zero) | −1.5 in | 0 in | −5.7 in | −19.8 in | −43.6 in | −78.7 in | −127.1 in | −191.1 in | −273.9 in |
| Nosler 123 gr (100 yd zero) | −1.5 in | 0 in | −5.5 in | −19 in | −42 in | −76.1 in | −123 in | −185.2 in | −265.3 in |
What the numbers mean for a shot
SAAMI lists two reference bullet weights for the 6.5 Grendel, 115 and 123 grains. The lighter, 115 grains, is listed at 2,580 fps, which computes to 1,699 ft-lb. The heavier, 123 grains, is listed at 2,580 fps, which computes to 1,818 ft-lb.
None of this is a downrange figure. SAAMI measures at 15 feet, so retained velocity, energy and drop depend on the bullet’s ballistic coefficient, which SAAMI does not publish. Each product in our 6.5 Grendel ammo range lists whatever its maker publishes for that item.
Twist rate, chamber and pressure
SAAMI’s standard test barrel for the 6.5 Grendel is 24.000 in long and rifled 1 turn in 8.00 in, with a .264 in groove diameter. That is the barrel every reference velocity above was measured in, not a statement about your rifle: a shorter production barrel will usually give lower velocity, and a twist slower than a bullet needs will not stabilise it. The maximum average pressure is 52,000 psi. Fire 6.5 Grendel ammunition only in a firearm chambered for it. Several unrelated cartridges share a number, so match the full designation on the box to the marking on your barrel.
6.5 Grendel vs 6.5 Creedmoor: the SAAMI comparison
A figure from one maker’s catalogue cannot be laid beside a figure from another’s: each picks its own test barrel, zero and bullet, and many publish no test barrel at all. SAAMI is the shared basis, because it fixes one standard test barrel and one way of measuring velocity for every cartridge it lists.
Scroll the table sideways for the remaining columns.
| SAAMI specification | 6.5 Grendel | 6.5 Creedmoor |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum average pressure | 52,000 psi | 62,000 psi |
| Standard test barrel length | 24.000 in | 24.000 in |
| Test barrel twist rate | 1 turn in 8.00 in | 1 turn in 8.00 in |
| Test barrel groove diameter | .264 in | .264 in |
| Lightest reference load | 115 gr — 2,580 fps / 1,699 ft-lb | 95 gr — 3,300 fps / 2,297 ft-lb |
| Heaviest reference load | 123 gr — 2,580 fps / 1,818 ft-lb | 140 gr — 2,690 fps / 2,249 ft-lb |
SAAMI standardises the 6.5 Grendel at 52,000 psi and the 6.5 Creedmoor at 62,000 psi, so the 6.5 Grendel runs 10,000 psi lower. SAAMI lists no bullet weight in common for the two, so there is no like-for-like velocity row to compare.
What SAAMI cannot settle is anything past the muzzle. It publishes no ballistic coefficients and no downrange data, so it cannot say which cartridge shoots flatter at distance; that depends on the bullet. We stock the other side of this comparison too: 6.5 Creedmoor ammo.
6.5 Grendel ballistics questions
What is the maximum pressure of the 6.5 Grendel?
ANSI/SAAMI Z299.4 sets the maximum average pressure for the 6.5 Grendel at 52,000 psi.
What twist rate and barrel length does SAAMI use for the 6.5 Grendel?
SAAMI’s standard test barrel for the 6.5 Grendel is 24.000 in long and rifled 1 turn in 8.00 in. Your own rifle may differ.
What muzzle velocity do manufacturers publish for the 6.5 Grendel?
For the 8 loads we stock from Hornady, Nosler and Federal, the makers publish muzzle velocities from 2,350 to 3,000 fps, for bullet weights from 90 to 129 grains. Each maker measured its own load in its own test barrel, so these are not SAAMI reference figures and are not directly comparable between brands.
What bullet weights does SAAMI list for the 6.5 Grendel?
SAAMI lists 2 reference weights, from 115 to 123 grains: 115 and 123.
Is the 6.5 Grendel more powerful than the 6.5 Creedmoor?
SAAMI lists no bullet weight in common for the two, so there is no like-for-like row. Its highest computed reference energy is 1,818 ft-lb for the 6.5 Grendel (123 grains) and 2,475 ft-lb for the 6.5 Creedmoor.
What is the effective range of the 6.5 Grendel?
Effective range is not a SAAMI specification and it is not a measured figure. SAAMI measures velocity at 15 feet, so it says nothing about performance at distance; that depends on the bullet and the shooter.
How much does the 6.5 Grendel drop at 300 yards?
SAAMI publishes muzzle velocity only, so it cannot give a drop figure. Drop depends on the bullet’s ballistic coefficient and on the zero range. A drop figure is unusable without its zero, so use the figure a maker prints for the specific load.
Where to buy these loads
Hilltop Armory carries 6.5 Grendel ammunition from Hornady, Nosler, Barnes, Federal, Underwood and Fort Scott Munitions. Browse the full 6.5 Grendel ammo range.
