For all-around optimal performance, the projectile weight needs to be in the 140gr+ range. You get excellent Long Range performance, with recoil slightly less than the .308 Winchester. Recoil Condition: Very similar to the .243 Winchester. caliber cartridges in 2018 when Hornady introduced it after working with George Gardner of GA Precision on the concept. was shown to have a higher trans sonic range than the .30-06. Cross-Platform Use: We all know that AR-10s of the past could never keep up in accuracy with a bolt gun. Still less than the classic .308 Winchester. Barrel Life: A big selling point to the Grendel is its ease on barrels. You can readily find these rounds online. The top-end stuff certainly has its gatekeepers. Initial Thoughts: This round is a hammer and a scalpel. rounds to their specs. Its an excellent choice for shooting groundhogs out to 500 yards. In 2008, the cartridge was introduced not to expand upon the capabilities of the .338, but the possibilities. When we think of benchrest, our minds instantly go to the 6 PPC, which has been a dominant cartridge in benchrest since the 1980s. 500m: 1,866 ft-lbs. and .458 Win. Created in 2007 by a ballistics team from Hornady, the 6.5 Creedmoor was designed as an improved Long Range target cartridge, based on the .308 Winchester .30 TC (Thompson Center). To find the ideal caliber youll have to ask yourself a few questions. Easy and fun to shoot. by Tactical-Life. rifle, you can find a factory load that shoots well in it. That still is a general rule of thumb today, but they have come a long way. Handloading ammunition can reap the reward of selecting the exact projectile with the exact desired BC. However, most off-the-shelf Long Range rifle manufacturers are chambering their flagship rifles in 6.5 Creedmoor (and for less than $1,200). 6.5CM cases will fit an AR-10 magazine. We often hear about the average self-defense scenario, but the truth is every encounter is unique. Barrel Life: These magnum rounds love to kill barrels. The overall intended target range for the 6.5 Grendel was between 200-800 yards. I find it so interesting to see how this compares to the Lapua Magnum. This cartridge as it stands is perfect for a PRS shooter. With care and discipline, a 6.5 Grendel barrel will outlive a .308. Initial Thoughts. Ammo Availability: The 6.5 Grendel can be found on almost all online ammo retailers. However, for less bullet size, you can get a much better performing Long Range caliberand for a lot less money too. The final result was a flat shooting 6.5 projectile that flew like a .300 Winchester Magnum but with less recoil than a .308.