{"id":214010,"date":"2026-06-01T15:23:49","date_gmt":"2026-06-01T20:23:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/?p=214010"},"modified":"2026-06-01T15:27:52","modified_gmt":"2026-06-01T20:27:52","slug":"hunt365-6-5-grendel-hunting-ammo-test-ar15","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/hunt365-6-5-grendel-hunting-ammo-test-ar15\/","title":{"rendered":"6.5 Grendel: Flat-Shooting Deer And Hog Hammer"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-estimated-reading-time yoast-reading-time__wrapper\"><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-icon=\"clock\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" style=\"display:inline-block;vertical-align:-0.1em\" role=\"img\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M12 8v4l3 3m6-3a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__spacer\" style=\"display:inline-block;width:1em\"><\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__descriptive-text\">Estimated reading time: <\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__reading-time\">8<\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__time-unit\"> minutes<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Built on an AR15 upper and fed a mix of Nosler, Hornady, Federal, and ACC, this 6.5 Grendel setup shoots laser-flat, hits like it should on pigs and deer, and keeps recoil tame so you can watch impacts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-6-5-grendel-keeps-winning-for-hunters\"><strong>Why 6.5 Grendel Keeps Winning For Hunters<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The 6.5 Grendel is an excellent caliber choice for deer, pig, and varmint hunting. Without sounding like too much of a ballistic nerd, the BC is slick, it retains velocity over distance, shoots flat, and its high sectional density puts the terminal in terminal ballistics. Added to caliber\u2019s performance is that the 6.5 Grendel has less recoil than comparable calibers, and it is compatible in an AR15 size platform. It makes a nice deer and pig medium to long range hunting cartridge for the AR15 platform. There are bolt-action rifles chambered in 6.5 Grendel, too, if you like to crank bolts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_6092-1-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"6.5 Grendel hunting ammo from Hornady and Nosler staged for deer and hog hunting\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Hornady and Nosler 6.5 Grendel hunting loads ready for deer and hog duty.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><h2>Table of contents<\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"#h-why-6-5-grendel-keeps-winning-for-hunters\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-6-5-grendel-hunting-ammo-test-ar15\" title=\"6.5 Grendel: Flat-Shooting Deer And Hog Hammer\" data-level=\"2\">Why 6.5 Grendel Keeps Winning For Hunters<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-6-5-grendel-origin-story-and-what-it-means-downrange\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-6-5-grendel-hunting-ammo-test-ar15\" title=\"6.5 Grendel: Flat-Shooting Deer And Hog Hammer\" data-level=\"2\">6.5 Grendel Origin Story And What It Means Downrange<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-real-world-6-5-grendel-ballistics-versus-243-win\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-6-5-grendel-hunting-ammo-test-ar15\" title=\"6.5 Grendel: Flat-Shooting Deer And Hog Hammer\" data-level=\"2\">Real-World 6.5 Grendel Ballistics Versus .243 Win<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-building-the-ar15-bear-creek-18-inch-6-5-grendel-upper\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-6-5-grendel-hunting-ammo-test-ar15\" title=\"6.5 Grendel: Flat-Shooting Deer And Hog Hammer\" data-level=\"2\">Building The AR15: Bear Creek 18 Inch 6.5 Grendel Upper<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-range-work-and-drops-zero-groups-and-real-results\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-6-5-grendel-hunting-ammo-test-ar15\" title=\"6.5 Grendel: Flat-Shooting Deer And Hog Hammer\" data-level=\"2\">Range Work And Drops: Zero, Groups, And Real Results<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-6-5-grendel-hunting-ammo-test-nosler-trophy-grade\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-6-5-grendel-hunting-ammo-test-ar15\" title=\"6.5 Grendel: Flat-Shooting Deer And Hog Hammer\" data-level=\"2\">6.5 Grendel Hunting Ammo Test: Nosler Trophy Grade<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-6-5-grendel-hunting-ammo-test-hornady-custom\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-6-5-grendel-hunting-ammo-test-ar15\" title=\"6.5 Grendel: Flat-Shooting Deer And Hog Hammer\" data-level=\"2\">6.5 Grendel Hunting Ammo Test: Hornady Custom<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-6-5-grendel-hunting-ammo-test-federal-fusion\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-6-5-grendel-hunting-ammo-test-ar15\" title=\"6.5 Grendel: Flat-Shooting Deer And Hog Hammer\" data-level=\"2\">6.5 Grendel Hunting Ammo Test: Federal Fusion<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-6-5-grendel-hunting-ammo-test-acc-sabre-blade-black-tip\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-6-5-grendel-hunting-ammo-test-ar15\" title=\"6.5 Grendel: Flat-Shooting Deer And Hog Hammer\" data-level=\"2\">6.5 Grendel Hunting Ammo Test: ACC Sabre Blade Black Tip<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-field-takeaway-deer-and-pig-performance-with-6-5-grendel\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-6-5-grendel-hunting-ammo-test-ar15\" title=\"6.5 Grendel: Flat-Shooting Deer And Hog Hammer\" data-level=\"2\">Field Takeaway: Deer And Pig Performance With 6.5 Grendel<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-test-rifle-setup-specs-6-5-grendel-ar15-upper\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-6-5-grendel-hunting-ammo-test-ar15\" title=\"6.5 Grendel: Flat-Shooting Deer And Hog Hammer\" data-level=\"2\">Test Rifle Setup Specs \u2014 6.5 Grendel AR15 Upper<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-pros-and-cons-after-the-hunt\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-6-5-grendel-hunting-ammo-test-ar15\" title=\"6.5 Grendel: Flat-Shooting Deer And Hog Hammer\" data-level=\"2\">Pros And Cons After The Hunt<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-related-reads-from-gunsamerica-digest\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-6-5-grendel-hunting-ammo-test-ar15\" title=\"6.5 Grendel: Flat-Shooting Deer And Hog Hammer\" data-level=\"2\">Related Reads From GunsAmerica Digest<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/search?keyword=6.5%20grendel\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-6-5-grendel-hunting-ammo-test-ar15\" title=\"6.5 Grendel: Flat-Shooting Deer And Hog Hammer\" style=\"text-decoration:none;font-weight:700;line-height:1;border-radius:9999px;background:#eef4ff;color:#1849a9;border:1px solid #d8e0f0;padding:10px 16px\">\n  \ud83d\uded2 Check Current Price for 6.5 Grendel on GunsAmerica\n<\/a>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-6-5-grendel-origin-story-and-what-it-means-downrange\"><strong>6.5 Grendel Origin Story And What It Means Downrange<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Bill Alexander chose an appropriate name, \u201cGrendel,\u201d for his short 6.5 round when he introduced the 6.5 Grendel in 2003 as a low-recoil, high-precision cartridge for the AR15 platform out to medium-long range or 200 to 800 yards. Alexander based the Grendel design on PPC bench rest competition calibers, so accuracy was baked into the Grendel from the start. If you are wondering about the name, Grendel is a monster in the Old English epic poem titled Beowulf. Like the monster in the poem, the 6.5 Grendel offers wicked results on tough pigs. Originally, the 6.5 Grendel cartridge was a proprietary round only produced by Alexander Arms. The 6.5 Grendel was made a caliber in 2011 when Alexander Arms and Hornady collaborated and released the round for SAAMI standardization. Now, many other companies manufacture the 6.5 Grendel cartridge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-real-world-6-5-grendel-ballistics-versus-243-win\"><strong>Real-World 6.5 Grendel Ballistics Versus .243 Win<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The 6.5 Grendel is in the same class as the .243 Winchester, having similar muzzle velocity and energy. With a 123 grain bullet and out of a 20 inch barrel, the 6.5 Grendel has muzzle velocity of 2,580 fps and 1,818 ft-lb of energy. The longer .243 Winchester with a 100 grain bullet has a muzzle velocity of 2850 fps and 1803 ft-lb of energy. At 100 yards, the .243 Win. has 1515 ft-lb of energy, and the 6.5 Grendel has 1587 ft-lb of energy at the same distance with a heavier bullet. What all this means is the 6.5 Grendel provides similar ballistics as the .243 Win. with less felt recoil. Are there better 6.5 calibers available? Sure, but you need to define &#8220;better.&#8221; The thing is with the 6.5 Grendel, you can concentrate on placing your shot rather than anticipating recoil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_6082-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Bear Creek Arsenal 6.5 Grendel stainless heavy profile barrel for AR15 varmint and deer hunting\" class=\"wp-image-214022\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_6082-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_6082-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_6082-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_6082-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_6082.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The 6.5 Grendel is a versatile caliber equally capable for varmints as well as deer and pigs.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Versatility is another trait of the 6.5 Grendel. Use light 95 grain bullets for coyotes, then switch to heavier 100, 120, or 123 grain bullets for deer season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-building-the-ar15-bear-creek-18-inch-6-5-grendel-upper\"><strong>Building The AR15: Bear Creek 18 Inch 6.5 Grendel Upper<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Last year, I planned on going on a pig hunt and wanted to try something new. I\u2019ve never been an early adopter of calibers ever since I need up with a .30 T\/C caliber rifle. That\u2019s a story for another time. Anyway, I opted to use a Bear Creek Arsenal 18 inch barrel upper. This upper has a stainless steel heavy profile barrel and mid-length gas system. It is set up with BCA\u2019s right side charging handle and BCG. At the muzzle is a BCA flash hider. The 15 inch M-LOK rail rounds out the upper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_6084-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Bear Creek Arsenal 18 inch 6.5 Grendel AR15 upper with stainless heavy barrel and mid length gas\" class=\"wp-image-214025\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_6084-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_6084-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_6084-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_6084-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_6084.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Bear Creek Arsenal 18 inch 6.5 Grendel upper uses a stainless heavy profile barrel, mid-length gas, and a right side charging handle.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>A <a href=\"https:\/\/gpo-usa.com\/shop\/tactical\/scopes-tactical\/centuri-scopes-tactical\/centuri-4-16x44-super-compact\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-6-5-grendel-hunting-ammo-test-ar15\" title=\"6.5 Grendel: Flat-Shooting Deer And Hog Hammer\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">GPO CENTURI 4-16x44i Super-Compact riflescope<\/a> was the optic I chose. This scope is compact, so it didn\u2019t add excess weight, but it does offer 3-12x magnification range. It&#8217;s like LPVO on steroids. The MIL illuminated reticle is simple to use. I dropped the upper onto an AR15 lower set up for 5.56 NATO. All I needed was a magazine. A 5.56 mag won\u2019t work with the 6.5 Grendel since the Grendel round has a larger diameter case, and a different follower is needed. I opted for an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ammosc.com\/5-rd-6-5-grendel-stainless-steel-magazine\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-6-5-grendel-hunting-ammo-test-ar15\" title=\"6.5 Grendel: Flat-Shooting Deer And Hog Hammer\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ASC 5 round steel body magazine<\/a>. I was good to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_6085-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"GPO CENTURI 4-16x44i Super-Compact riflescope on 6.5 Grendel AR15 build\" class=\"wp-image-214027\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_6085-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_6085-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_6085-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_6085-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_6085.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The GPO CENTURI 4-16x44i Super-Compact riflescope is compact and offers a 3-12x magnification range. It&#8217;s like LPVO on steroids.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-range-work-and-drops-zero-groups-and-real-results\"><strong>Range Work And Drops: Zero, Groups, And Real Results<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>I zeroed the upper at 100 yards since most of my hunting distances are around 100 yards, so I could hold dead on out to 100 yards. At farther distances like 200 yards, and depending on the bullet weight, the drop in trajectory was about 5.7 inches with a 129 grain bullet. Still relatively flat shooting. Hunting ammo tested included <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hornady.com\/ammunition\/rifle\/6-5-grendel-123-gr-sst#!\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-6-5-grendel-hunting-ammo-test-ar15\" title=\"6.5 Grendel: Flat-Shooting Deer And Hog Hammer\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hornady Custom with a 123 grain SST bullet<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nosler.com\/6-5mm-grendel-129gr-accubond-long-range-trophy-grade-ammunition.html\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-6-5-grendel-hunting-ammo-test-ar15\" title=\"6.5 Grendel: Flat-Shooting Deer And Hog Hammer\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Nosler Trophy Grade with a 129 grain AccuBond Long Range bullet<\/a>, ACC Sabre Blade Black Tip with a 123 grain and Federal Fusion MSR with a 120 grain Fusion soft point. These brands and price point show a wide range from the pricey Nosler and mid-range Hornady and Federal to the least expensive ACC. Other ammo brands are making hunting rounds for the 6.5 Grendel, but I have intimate experience with the four brands below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-6-5-grendel-hunting-ammo-test-nosler-trophy-grade\"><strong>6.5 Grendel Hunting Ammo Test: Nosler Trophy Grade<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_6089-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Nosler Trophy Grade 6.5 Grendel 129 grain AccuBond Long Range cartridge for deer and hogs\" class=\"wp-image-214029\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_6089-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_6089-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_6089-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_6089-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_6089.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Nosler 6.5 Grendel ammo is on the pricey side, but it offers one of the heavier bullets at 129 grains.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The 129 grain AccuBond Long Range bullet from Nosler produced an average velocity of 2222 fps with a muzzle energy of 1414 ft-lb. Best 3 shot group was .71 inches, and average was 0.89 inches. Nosler is on the pricey side, but it offers one of the heavier bullets. This is the round I used to kill a 250 pound hog at a little over 80 yards. The Grendel passed through the pig, which ran about 20 yards, then plowed his nose in the dirt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-6-5-grendel-hunting-ammo-test-hornady-custom\"><strong>6.5 Grendel Hunting Ammo Test: Hornady Custom<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_6090-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Hornady Custom 6.5 Grendel 123 grain SST hunting load accuracy and velocity\" class=\"wp-image-214031\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_6090-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_6090-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_6090-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_6090-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_6090.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Hornady&#8217;s Custom 6.5 Grendel load used the tried and true STT that weighs 123 grains.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Hornady bullet is a 123 grain SST bullet, one of Hornady\u2019s go to hunting bullets. I clocked the muzzle velocity at 2463 fps, and muzzle energy was calculated at 1657 ft-lb. Best 3 shot group was 0.48 inches, and average was .68 inches. The Hornady was darn accurate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-6-5-grendel-hunting-ammo-test-federal-fusion\"><strong>6.5 Grendel Hunting Ammo Test: Federal Fusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Fusion ammo has also given me good results. This bullet is not a high tech, voodoo bullet, just a 120 grain soft point that does the job right. Muzzle velocity averaged 2515 fps, and muzzle energy averaged 1685 ft-lb. The average for a 3 shot group was 0.97, and the best group measured 0.59 inches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-6-5-grendel-hunting-ammo-test-acc-sabre-blade-black-tip\"><strong>6.5 Grendel Hunting Ammo Test: ACC Sabre Blade Black Tip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>At the bargain end of the cost spectrum is Palmetto State Armory\u2019s in house ammo brand ACC, with a 123 grain Sabre Blade Black Tip bullet. At half the cost of the other ammo, it was worth giving this ammo a try. My Garmin Zero C1 Pro chronograph showed a muzzle velocity of 2409 fps and 1585 ft-lb of muzzle energy. The best group measured 0.54 inches, and on average, the groups were 0.96 inches. Results have been good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-field-takeaway-deer-and-pig-performance-with-6-5-grendel\"><strong>Field Takeaway: Deer And Pig Performance With 6.5 Grendel<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"719\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_6098-1024x719.jpg\" alt=\"Hornady and Nosler 6.5 Grendel headstamps for hunting pigs and deer\" class=\"wp-image-214033\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_6098-1024x719.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_6098-400x281.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_6098-150x105.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_6098-768x539.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_6098.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">This is an excellent caliber choice for deer, pig, and varmint hunting; BC is slick, it retains velocity over distance, shoots flat, and its high sectional density puts the terminal in terminal ballistics.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The 6.5 Grendel makes an excellent caliber for deer and pig hunting. The round maintains velocity better at longer ranges with good penetration and expansion, and generates less recoil. Plus, the 6.5 Grendel is versatile; hunt varmint to medium sized game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-test-rifle-setup-specs-6-5-grendel-ar15-upper\"><strong>Test Rifle Setup Specs \u2014 6.5 Grendel AR15 Upper<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><th>Model<\/th><td>Bear Creek Arsenal 18 inch 6.5 Grendel Upper<\/td><\/tr><tr><th>Caliber<\/th><td>6.5 Grendel<\/td><\/tr><tr><th>Barrel Length<\/th><td>18 in<\/td><\/tr><tr><th>Overall Length<\/th><td>N\/A<\/td><\/tr><tr><th>Weight<\/th><td>N\/A<\/td><\/tr><tr><th>Capacity<\/th><td>N\/A<\/td><\/tr><tr><th>MSRP<\/th><td>N\/A<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-pros-and-cons-after-the-hunt\"><strong>Pros And Cons After The Hunt<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Pros:<\/strong> Flat trajectory, mild recoil in an AR15, proven accuracy with multiple loads, real world hog performance, easy magazine and optic setup.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cons:<\/strong> Premium loads like Nosler cost more, mags are caliber specific, velocity is barrel length sensitive.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-related-reads-from-gunsamerica-digest\"><strong>Related Reads From GunsAmerica Digest<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/handgun-bullets-an-expanding-alternative\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-6-5-grendel-hunting-ammo-test-ar15\" title=\"6.5 Grendel: Flat-Shooting Deer And Hog Hammer\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hunting Handgun Bullet Alternative<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/category\/guns\/ammo\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-6-5-grendel-hunting-ammo-test-ar15\" title=\"6.5 Grendel: Flat-Shooting Deer And Hog Hammer\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">More Ammo Tests And Tips<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/category\/guns\/ar-15s\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-6-5-grendel-hunting-ammo-test-ar15\" title=\"6.5 Grendel: Flat-Shooting Deer And Hog Hammer\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">AR15 Builds And Reviews<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Built on an AR15 upper and fed a mix of Nosler, Hornady, Federal, and ACC, this 6.5 Grendel setup shoots laser-flat, hits like it should on pigs and deer, and keeps recoil tame so you can watch impacts.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":65,"featured_media":214011,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_specdata_upc":"","_specdata_placement":"manual","footnotes":""},"categories":[1258,4305,4322,1217,4320],"tags":[1689,299,553,1209,3366],"featured":[],"hunt365":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-214010","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-ammo","8":"category-expert-guides","9":"category-gear-optics","10":"category-hunt365","11":"category-hunting-hunt365","12":"tag-6-5-grendel","13":"tag-ammo-2","14":"tag-ammo-test","15":"tag-hunt365","16":"tag-hunting-ammo"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.6.1 (Yoast SEO v27.7) - 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Sadowski is an American writer and journalist. He has written about firearms and 2A issues for decades, and has trained with some of the country\u2019s finest firearm instructors in handguns, rifles\\\/carbines, shotguns and long-range shooting. He has also had the opportunity to interview numerous individuals deeply involved in protecting our 2nd Amendment. He a is a frequent contributor to numerous gun-enthusiast publications, a few of which include: \u2022 TheArmorylife.com \u2022 TheTruthAboutGuns.com \u2022 GunsAmerica.com \u2022 GunBroker.com \u2022 Gun-Tests.com \u2022 Shooting Illustrated \u2022 SHOT Business \u2022 Gun Digest Sadowski is also the author of numerous gun books, including: \\\"9MM \u2014 Guide to America\u2019s Most Popular Caliber\\\" and \\\"Book Of Glock,\\\" both of which were #1 new releases on Amazon. He also wrote the popular DIY gun book series: Shooter\u2019s Bible Guide to Firearms Assembly, Disassembly, and Cleaning Volume 1 and Volume 2. 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Sadowski is also the Treasurer\\\/Secretary of the GLOCK Collectors Association, a non-profit organization with the mission to educate and preserve: Educate the public on the models, variations, and commemoratives built by GLOCK, as well as provide members with information on GLOCK serial numbers, importation, and other facts unique to GLOCK pistols.\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/author\\\/robertsadowski\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Hunt365 - The Best 6.5 Grendel Ammo for Hunting Deer and Pigs","description":"Learn about the best 6.5 Grendel ammo and why it is an excellent choice for varmint hunting as well as hunting deer and pigs.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/hunt365-6-5-grendel-hunting-ammo-test-ar15\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"6.5 Grendel: Flat-Shooting Deer And Hog Hammer","og_description":"Built on an AR15 upper and fed a mix of Nosler, Hornady, Federal, and ACC, this 6.5 Grendel setup shoots laser-flat, hits like it should on pigs and deer, and keeps recoil tame so you can watch impacts.","og_url":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/hunt365-6-5-grendel-hunting-ammo-test-ar15\/","og_site_name":"Gun Reviews and News | GunsAmerica.com\/Digest","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/gunsamerica","article_published_time":"2026-06-01T20:23:49+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-06-01T20:27:52+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1177,"height":444,"url":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/gunsamerica-digest-og-1200x630-1-1.png","type":"image\/png"}],"author":"Robert Sadowski","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@gunsamerica","twitter_site":"@gunsamerica","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Robert Sadowski","Est. reading time":"8 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/hunt365-6-5-grendel-hunting-ammo-test-ar15\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/hunt365-6-5-grendel-hunting-ammo-test-ar15\/"},"author":{"name":"Robert Sadowski","@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#\/schema\/person\/330e444757376ce110a52194be84fe88"},"headline":"6.5 Grendel: Flat-Shooting Deer And Hog Hammer","datePublished":"2026-06-01T20:23:49+00:00","dateModified":"2026-06-01T20:27:52+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/hunt365-6-5-grendel-hunting-ammo-test-ar15\/"},"wordCount":1429,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/hunt365-6-5-grendel-hunting-ammo-test-ar15\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_6092.jpg","keywords":["6.5 Grendel","Ammo","ammo test","Hunt365","hunting ammo"],"articleSection":["Ammo","Expert Guides","Gear &amp; 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Look no further than GunsAmerica.com, America&#039;s premier destination for buying and selling firearms.","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#organization","name":"GunsAmerica","url":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image-3.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image-3.png","width":286,"height":156,"caption":"GunsAmerica"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/gunsamerica","https:\/\/x.com\/gunsamerica","https:\/\/instagram.com\/gunsamerica_official\/","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/user\/GunsAmerica"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#\/schema\/person\/330e444757376ce110a52194be84fe88","name":"Robert Sadowski","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/3c7c16b282859af3601d3d94ff51156a6a8b28004abf49a8277257d44a54b51c?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/3c7c16b282859af3601d3d94ff51156a6a8b28004abf49a8277257d44a54b51c?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/3c7c16b282859af3601d3d94ff51156a6a8b28004abf49a8277257d44a54b51c?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Robert Sadowski"},"description":"Robert A. Sadowski is an American writer and journalist. He has written about firearms and 2A issues for decades, and has trained with some of the country\u2019s finest firearm instructors in handguns, rifles\/carbines, shotguns and long-range shooting. He has also had the opportunity to interview numerous individuals deeply involved in protecting our 2nd Amendment. He a is a frequent contributor to numerous gun-enthusiast publications, a few of which include: \u2022 TheArmorylife.com \u2022 TheTruthAboutGuns.com \u2022 GunsAmerica.com \u2022 GunBroker.com \u2022 Gun-Tests.com \u2022 Shooting Illustrated \u2022 SHOT Business \u2022 Gun Digest Sadowski is also the author of numerous gun books, including: \"9MM \u2014 Guide to America\u2019s Most Popular Caliber\" and \"Book Of Glock,\" both of which were #1 new releases on Amazon. He also wrote the popular DIY gun book series: Shooter\u2019s Bible Guide to Firearms Assembly, Disassembly, and Cleaning Volume 1 and Volume 2. Other gun books authored by Sadowski include \"50 Guns That Changed the World,\" and edited \"The M16A1 Rifle: Operation and Preventive Maintenance\"originally published by the U.S. Department of the Army. He also edits the annual \"Gun Trader's Guide\" to firearm values. Sadowski is also the Treasurer\/Secretary of the GLOCK Collectors Association, a non-profit organization with the mission to educate and preserve: Educate the public on the models, variations, and commemoratives built by GLOCK, as well as provide members with information on GLOCK serial numbers, importation, and other facts unique to GLOCK pistols.","url":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/author\/robertsadowski\/"}]}},"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_6092-150x113.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/214010","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/65"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=214010"}],"version-history":[{"count":16,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/214010\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":247286,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/214010\/revisions\/247286"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/214011"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=214010"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=214010"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=214010"},{"taxonomy":"featured","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/featured?post=214010"},{"taxonomy":"hunt365","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/hunt365?post=214010"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}