6.5 Creedmoor vs 6.5 Grendel

So, you’re set on using a 6.5 caliber cartridge but just can’t decide between the 6.5 Grendel or the 6.5 Creedmoor. While they are the same bore size, the 6.5 Grendel and the 6.5 Creedmoor are very different cartridges overall. In this article, we will be going over these differences to help make your decision easier.

Physical Attributes

Stood beside each other, you will never confuse the 6.5 Grendel and the 6.5 Creedmoor. In fact, the 6.5 Creedmoor stands a maximum overall length of 2.820 inches, whereas the 6.5 Grendel stands a mere 2.26 inches. At over half an inch taller, you can probably guess who wins when it comes to performance. Not only is the 6.5 Creedmoor taller than the Grendel, but it is also wider. Looking at the rims of each case, we see that the 6.5 Grendel has a 0.441-inch rim diameter compared to the 0.473-inch (standard short action) of the 6.5 Creedmoor. As you’re probably already aware, this additional length and width gives the 6.5 Creedmoor a distinct advantage when it comes to case capacity. Increased capacity not only means higher velocities, but it also means that the 6.5 Creedmoor can utilize heavier bullets more effectively. On top of having a larger case capacity than the Grendel, the 6.5 Creedmoor has a much higher operating pressure. According to SAAMI, the 6.5 Grendel has a maximum operating pressure of 52,000 psi (max of the AR-15 platform) compared to the 6.5 Creedmoor’s maximum operating pressure of 62,000 psi. This 10,000 psi increase also helps drive bullets at much higher velocities. Speaking of bullets, perhaps the only real similarity shared by the cartridges (other than materials), is that both use 0.264-inch diameter bullets (6.5 mm bore size). Typically, bullets of this diameter range in weight from 85 grains all the way up to 160 grains, though some fall outside this range. While the 6.5 Creedmoor can handle this full range of bullets at respectable velocities, the 6.5 Grendel struggles with bullets over 130 grains. With its smaller case and shorter overall length, long heavy bullets take up too much of the Grendel’s case capacity to be driven at useable velocities.

Power and Range

With size, capacity, and pressure in its favor, you can probably imagine that the 6.5 Creedmoor is more powerful than the 6.5 Grendel. Still, the difference may not be as big as you would believe. When looking at the Hornady 6.5 Creedmoor 120-Grain ELD Match, we see that it produces 2,256 ft/lbs. at a muzzle velocity of 2,910 feet per second. By comparison, Hornady Black 6.5 Grendel-123 grain ELD Match produces 1,818 ft/lbs. at a muzzle velocity of 2,580 feet per second. While 330 feet per second is substantial, the 6.5 Creedmoor is not even going 13 percent faster than the Grendel with similar bullet weights. As mentioned previously, however, the Creedmoor is much more efficient with heavier bullets.

Looking at the Hornady 6.5 Creedmoor 147-grain ELD-Match, we see that it produces 2,370 ft/lbs. at 2,695 feet per second. Though these numbers may not seem all that impressive over the lighter weight offerings, they do not tell the whole story. Perhaps the biggest benefit of running a heavy bullet in the 6.5 mm bore size is ballistic coefficient. Looking again at the Grendel 123-grain ELD-Match, we see that it has a G1 ballistic coefficient of 0.506. Although this is a very high ballistic coefficient relative to its weight, adding 24 more grains makes the Creedmoor 147-grain ELD-M achieve a monstrous G1 ballistic coefficient of 0.697. To understand just how high this ballistic coefficient is relative to weight, bullets in the 30-caliber bore size typically need to be 220 grains or heavier to achieve these values. Regardless, this much higher ballistic coefficient not only gives the Creedmoor a distinct advantage when it comes to retained energy, but also when it comes to extended range shots. In fact, if we look at the supersonic range (approximately 1,135 feet per second at sea level) of each cartridge, we see the 6.5 Grendel reaches 1,100 yards, whereas the 6.5 Creedmoor reaches 1,600 yards. On top of this, the 6.5 Creedmoor is carrying 71 ft/lbs. more energy at 1,600 yards than the Grendel is at 1,100 yards (423 ft/lbs. vs 352 ft/lbs.). This is a 45 percent increase in supersonic range over the 6.5 Grendel, which also translates to much flatter trajectories as seen in the following chart:

So, if you’re looking for retained energy and long-range capabilities, the 6.5 Creedmoor is the superior choice by any definition.

Cost

Surely with the large difference in performance and size, the 6.5 Creedmoor is more expensive to shoot, right? While it would be easy to believe this to be the case, the 6.5 Creedmoor and the 6.5 Grendel are typically priced very similarly. Although the 6.5 Creedmoor uses more case material and powder, it is far more popular than the 6.5 Grendel. This popularity not only leads to larger production runs, but it also leads to more offerings which ultimately leads to more competition. We must also remember that both cartridges are loaded with the same 0.264-inch diameter projectiles, which is a large portion of the loading cost. Needless to say, if you are trying to justify the 6.5 Grendel thinking you’ll save money, this likely won’t be the case.  

Benefits of The Grendel

So, if the 6.5 Grendel is outdone by the 6.5 Creedmoor in nearly every respect, why would anyone choose it? Although the Grendel’s small size leaves a lot to be desired performance-wise, its size is also its primary benefit. While the 6.5 Creedmoor requires an AR-10 sized or true short action to function, the 6.5 Grendel can be had in mini actions or AR-15 sized platforms. This not only leads to less weight and length, but also shorter bolt throws for those using bolt actions. The 6.5 Grendel’s smaller overall size also means that you can carry more ammunition within the same weight parameters as the 6.5 Creedmoor, which could be a benefit to some. On top of this, smaller powder charges mean that reloaders can produce more rounds of Grendel when compared to the Creedmoor.

Grendel or Creedmoor?

While the Grendel and the Creedmoor are both 6.5 caliber cartridges, they are very different in nearly every respect. So, which one should you get? If you’re looking to go as light as possible with your setup, the Grendel is the clear choice. While modern advancements in manufacturing and materials allow setups in the 6.5 Creedmoor to come close in weight to setups in 6.5 Grendel, they are slightly heavier and longer (when similarly manufactured). Although the 6.5 Creedmoor may not provide weight savings over the Grendel, it outclasses the cartridge in nearly every other respect. Whether you’re wanting range, power, or more ammunition choices, the Creedmoor is an excellent choice that shows no signs of slowing down. Regardless of which 6.5 you decide to go with, hopefully this article helps make your decision a little easier.

--Banana Ballistics