6.5 Grendel (6.5×39)

6.5 Grendel (6.5×39)

This cartridge was developed in around 2002 to provide Ar-15 type rifles with long-range capabilities and terminal effectiveness that are generally not possible with standard 5.56 mm / .223 ammunition. The 6.5 Grendel is based on .220 PPC cartridge, developed for shooting matches, which in turn is based on Soviet 7.62×39 catridge case. The 6.5 Grendel provides longer range and better terminal effectiveness over the 5.56×45, thanks to heavier bullets with better balistics. The price for this improvement is somewhat stronger recoil (although it’s still noticeably less than that of 7.62×51 / .308), and decreased magazine capacity (due to a larger diameter case). The 6.5 Grendel is viewed by many as an ‘ideal compromise’ assault rifle round, although today its practical use is limited mostly to civilian applications (hunting, target shooting, home defense).