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6.5mm Grendel

April 07, 2024

The 6.5mm Grendel is an intermediate cartridge jointly designed by British-American armorer Bill Alexander, competitive shooter Arne Brennan (of Houston, Texas) and Lapua ballistician Janne Pohjoispää, as a low-recoil, high-precision rifle cartridge specifically for the AR-15 platform at medium/long range (200–800 yard). It is an improved variation of the 6.5mm PPC.[4]

6.5mm Grendel
6.5mm Grendel showing variety of bullets—144 gr (9.3 g) to 90 gr (5.8 g)
TypeRifle
Place of originUnited States
Production history
DesignerBill Alexander and Janne Pohjoispää
Designed2003[1]
Specifications
Parent case.220 Russian (5.6×39mm)[2]
Case typeRimless, bottleneck
Bullet diameter6.71 mm (0.264 in)
Land diameter6.50 mm (0.256 in)
Neck diameter7.44 mm (0.293 in)
Shoulder diameter10.87 mm (0.428 in)
Base diameter11.15 mm (0.439 in)
Rim diameter11.2 mm (0.44 in)
Rim thickness1.5 mm (0.059 in)
Case length38.7 mm (1.52 in)
Overall length57.5 mm (2.26 in)
Case capacity2.3 cm3 (35 gr H2O)
Rifling twist1 in 200 mm (8 in) or 1 in 230 mm (9 in)
Primer typeSmall rifle
Maximum pressure360 MPa (52,000 psi)
Ballistic performance
Bullet mass/type Velocity Energy
90 gr (6 g) Speer TNT 2,880 ft/s (880 m/s) 1,658 ft⋅lbf (2,248 J)
108 gr (7 g) Scenar (moly)[3] 2,790 ft/s (850 m/s) 1,866 ft⋅lbf (2,530 J)
120 gr (8 g) Norma FMJBT 2,700 ft/s (820 m/s) 1,942 ft⋅lbf (2,633 J)
123 gr (8 g) Sierra Matchking 2,650 ft/s (810 m/s) 1,917 ft⋅lbf (2,599 J)
130 gr (8 g) Norma 2,510 ft/s (770 m/s) 1,818 ft⋅lbf (2,465 J)
Test barrel length: 24 inches (610 mm)
Source(s):

The 6.5mm Grendel cartridge was first unveiled in May 2003 at the Blackwater Training Facility in North Carolina, where it remained supersonic at 1,200 yd (1,100 m) range and out-shot the 7.62mm NATO with only half the recoil.[5] Since its introduction, it has proven to be a versatile cartridge and is now expanding into other firearm design platforms including bolt-action rifles and the Kalashnikov system.[6]

The name "Grendel" is inspired by the mythical monster antagonist from the Old English epic poem Beowulf.[7] It was a trademark owned by Alexander Arms (Bill Alexander's company in Radford, Virginia) and manufactured at Radford Arsenal,[8] until legally released in 2010 for SAAMI standardization with collaboration from Hornady.[7][9][10]

Development and history edit

The goal of the 6.5mm Grendel design was to create an effective STANAG magazine-length cartridge for the AR-15 platform that could reach 200–800 yd (180–730 m) and surpass the performance of the native 5.56mm NATO/.223 Remington cartridge. Constrained by the dimension of the STANAG magazines, the Grendel's designers decided to use a shorter, larger-diameter case for higher powder volume while allowing space for the long, streamlined, high ballistic coefficient 6.5mm (.264 cal.) bullets. Firing factory-loaded ammunition with bullets ranging from 90 to 129 grains (5.8 to 8.4 g), its muzzle velocity varies from 2,500 ft/s (760 m/s) with 129- and 130-grain (8.4 g) bullets to 2,900 ft/s (880 m/s) with 90 gr (5.8 g) bullets (similar in velocity to a 77-grain (5.0 g) 5.56 mm round). Depending on their case material and bullet weight, 6.5mm Grendel cartridges weigh 14.7 to 17.8 grams (227 to 275 gr).

The case head diameter of the Grendel is the same as that of the 5.6×39mm (.220 Russian), 7.62×39mm and 6.5mm PPC cases. This diameter is larger than the 5.56×45mm NATO, thereby necessitating the use of a non-standard AR-15 bolt. The increased case diameter results in a small reduction in the magazine ammo capacities. A 6.5mm Grendel magazine with the same dimensions as a 30-round STANAG magazine will hold 26 rounds of Grendel ammunition.

Performance edit

 
C-Products 26-round Grendel Magazine

Proponents assert that the Grendel is a good "middle ground" between the 5.56×45mm NATO and the 7.62×51mm NATO. It retains greater terminal energy at extended ranges than either of these cartridges due to its higher ballistic coefficient (BC).[2] For example, the 123 gr (8.0 g) 6.5 mm Grendel bullet has more kinetic energy and better body armor penetration at 1,000 m (1,100 yd) than the larger and heavier 147 gr (9.5 g) bullet of the M80 7.62mm NATO round.[11][12][13][14]

In order to obtain ballistics that are superior to the 7.62×51mm cartridge, a weapon with a longer barrel and firing a heavier bullet is necessary. To achieve the same results from shorter-length barrels, even heavier bullets are needed.[15]

External ballistics edit

 
Muzzle Velocity Change with Bullet Weight
Bullet velocity: 24 inch (609.6 mm) barrel
Bullet mass Muzzle velocity 1,000 meter velocity
gr g ft/s m/s ft/s m/s
Lapua Scenar 108 7.0 2,700 820 1,166 355
Lapua Scenar 123 8.0 2,620 800 1,222 372
Lapua FMJBT 144 9.3 2,450 750 1,213 370

As noted above, the Grendel case is very closely related to the .220 Russian case. In general, each additional grain of bullet weight will reduce muzzle velocity by 10.8 ft/s (50.8 m/s for each gram) and each additional inch of barrel length will increase muzzle velocity by 20 ft/s (2.4 m/s for each centimeter). Specific details are available as graphs derived from Alexander Arms' public domain load table linked below.

LE and Military usage edit

Serbia is in process of adopting a rifle made by Zastava Arms[16][better source needed] in 6.5 mm Grendel caliber as main armament for its armed forces. The rifle, designated Zastava M19, is a derivative of the previous-issue M70 rifle.[17] An American-manufactured rifle in 6.5mm Grendel caliber may also be adopted in armament for special forces units after it passes testing in Technical Testing Center. [citation needed] Three types of 6.5mm Grendel ammunition produced by Prvi Partizan, Užice, Serbia will be tested for use with these rifles.[18][19][20][21][22]

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ . Alexander Arms. Archived from the original on January 9, 2012. Retrieved 2015-10-22.
  2. ^ a b Guthrie, J (November 16, 2012). "6.5mm Grendel: The Round the Military Ought to Have". Shooting Times. Retrieved March 8, 2013.
  3. ^ . Archived from the original on 2016-01-08. Retrieved 2016-01-04.
  4. ^ Lewis, Jack (2007). The Gun Digest Book of Assault Weapons. Gun Digest Books. p. 77. ISBN 978-0-89689-498-3.
  5. ^ "6.5 Grendel". Alexander Arms. Retrieved 2021-06-04.
  6. ^ Outdoor Hub, Prototype 6.5 Grendel AK Rifle from Definitive Arms, 13 October 2015
  7. ^ a b Gash, Steve (2015-07-01). "Alexander Arms 6.5 Grendel Hunter Review". Gun Digest. Retrieved 2021-06-04.
  8. ^ "Company History". Alexander Arms. Retrieved 2021-06-04.
  9. ^ . Archived from the original on 2019-08-13. Retrieved 2012-02-18.
  10. ^ "6.5 Grendel is Approved as SAMMI Cartridge — Alexander Arms Gives up "6.5 Grendel" Trademark « Daily Bulletin".
  11. ^ The Case for a General-Purpose Rifle and Machine Gun Cartridge (GPC) by Anthony G Williams 2014-11-09 at the Wayback Machine
  12. ^ Ehrhart, Thomas P. Increasing Small Arms Lethality in Afghanistan: Taking Back the Infantry Half Kilometer. pg 37-38
  13. ^ Infantry Weapons Conference Report – SAdefensejournal.com, 9 January 2012
  14. ^ Another 7.62mm Bullet For M-16s – Strategypage.com, 8 January 2012
  15. ^ The Army’s Individual Carbine Competition: What’s Next? – SAdefensejournal.com, 24 October 2013
  16. ^ . Archived from the original on 2016-08-27. Retrieved 2016-07-26.
  17. ^ "FIRST Military 6.5 Grendel Rifle? – 6.5mm Zastava M17 AK DMR in Testing by Serbian Army -". 22 November 2017.
  18. ^ "Prvi Partizan Ammunition".
  19. ^ "Prvi Partizan Ammunition".
  20. ^ "Prvi Partizan Ammunition".
  21. ^ . Archived from the original on 2016-07-24. Retrieved 2016-07-26.
  22. ^ . 6 October 2016. Archived from the original on 27 June 2018. Retrieved 14 May 2017.
  23. ^ The 6.5 MPC cartridge by SSK developed by J.D. Jones at SSK Industries | Article on DefenseReview.com

Bibliography edit

  • Guns 'n' Ammo: Book of the AR-15, 2004, "The 6.5mm Grendel", David Fortier, p. 66.
  • Special Weapons for Military & Police, Annual #27 2004, "Beyond the 5.56mm NATO", Stan Crist, pp. 62–67.
  • Guns 'n' Ammo: Book of the AR-15, 2005, "6.5mm Grendel and 6.8 SPC", David Fortier, pp. 32–44.
  • Shooting Times, February 2005, "Cooking up Loads for the 6.5mm Grendel", David Fortier, pp. 52–56.
  • Shooting Illustrated, September 2005, "6.5mm Grendel and Alexander Arms", J. Guthrie, pp. 34–37, 67–69.
  • Petersen's: Rifle Shooter, March/April 2006, "Cartridge Efficiency—Why case shape matters", M. L. McPherson, pp. 22–24.
  • Shooting Times, January 2007, "Other AR Chamberings", Sidebar Article, David Fortier, p. 56.
  • Special Weapons, Semi-Annual #50 2007, "The Super Versatile AR", Charlie Cutshaw, pp. 44–45, 80–83.
  • Special Weapons, Semi-Annual #50 2007, "5.56mm NATO Alternatives", Stan Crist, pp. 52–59.
  • Shooting Times, March 2007, "Les Baer's 6.5mm Grendel AR Sets a New Standard", David Fortier, pp. 26–32.
  • Special Weapons for Military & Police #52, Spring 2007, "BETTER-IDEA 6.5mm GRENDEL", Stan Crist
  • Special Weapons for Military & Police #52, Spring 2007, "New Battlefield Requirements—New Rifles and Ammo Needed", Charlie Cutshaw

External links edit

 
Wikimedia Commons has media related to 6.5 mm Grendel.

April 07, 2024
grendel, intermediate, cartridge, jointly, designed, british, american, armorer, bill, alexander, competitive, shooter, arne, brennan, houston, texas, lapua, ballistician, janne, pohjoispää, recoil, high, precision, rifle, cartridge, specifically, platform, me. The 6 5mm Grendel is an intermediate cartridge jointly designed by British American armorer Bill Alexander competitive shooter Arne Brennan of Houston Texas and Lapua ballistician Janne Pohjoispaa as a low recoil high precision rifle cartridge specifically for the AR 15 platform at medium long range 200 800 yard It is an improved variation of the 6 5mm PPC 4 6 5mm Grendel6 5mm Grendel showing variety of bullets 144 gr 9 3 g to 90 gr 5 8 g TypeRiflePlace of originUnited StatesProduction historyDesignerBill Alexander and Janne PohjoispaaDesigned2003 1 SpecificationsParent case 220 Russian 5 6 39mm 2 Case typeRimless bottleneckBullet diameter6 71 mm 0 264 in Land diameter6 50 mm 0 256 in Neck diameter7 44 mm 0 293 in Shoulder diameter10 87 mm 0 428 in Base diameter11 15 mm 0 439 in Rim diameter11 2 mm 0 44 in Rim thickness1 5 mm 0 059 in Case length38 7 mm 1 52 in Overall length57 5 mm 2 26 in Case capacity2 3 cm3 35 gr H2O Rifling twist1 in 200 mm 8 in or 1 in 230 mm 9 in Primer typeSmall rifleMaximum pressure360 MPa 52 000 psi Ballistic performanceBullet mass type Velocity Energy90 gr 6 g Speer TNT 2 880 ft s 880 m s 1 658 ft lbf 2 248 J 108 gr 7 g Scenar moly 3 2 790 ft s 850 m s 1 866 ft lbf 2 530 J 120 gr 8 g Norma FMJBT 2 700 ft s 820 m s 1 942 ft lbf 2 633 J 123 gr 8 g Sierra Matchking 2 650 ft s 810 m s 1 917 ft lbf 2 599 J 130 gr 8 g Norma 2 510 ft s 770 m s 1 818 ft lbf 2 465 J Test barrel length 24 inches 610 mm Source s Alexander Arms Pressure safe Load DataThe 6 5mm Grendel cartridge was first unveiled in May 2003 at the Blackwater Training Facility in North Carolina where it remained supersonic at 1 200 yd 1 100 m range and out shot the 7 62mm NATO with only half the recoil 5 Since its introduction it has proven to be a versatile cartridge and is now expanding into other firearm design platforms including bolt action rifles and the Kalashnikov system 6 The name Grendel is inspired by the mythical monster antagonist from the Old English epic poem Beowulf 7 It was a trademark owned by Alexander Arms Bill Alexander s company in Radford Virginia and manufactured at Radford Arsenal 8 until legally released in 2010 for SAAMI standardization with collaboration from Hornady 7 9 10 Contents 1 Development and history 2 Performance 2 1 External ballistics 3 LE and Military usage 4 See also 5 References 6 Bibliography 7 External linksDevelopment and history editThe goal of the 6 5mm Grendel design was to create an effective STANAG magazine length cartridge for the AR 15 platform that could reach 200 800 yd 180 730 m and surpass the performance of the native 5 56mm NATO 223 Remington cartridge Constrained by the dimension of the STANAG magazines the Grendel s designers decided to use a shorter larger diameter case for higher powder volume while allowing space for the long streamlined high ballistic coefficient 6 5mm 264 cal bullets Firing factory loaded ammunition with bullets ranging from 90 to 129 grains 5 8 to 8 4 g its muzzle velocity varies from 2 500 ft s 760 m s with 129 and 130 grain 8 4 g bullets to 2 900 ft s 880 m s with 90 gr 5 8 g bullets similar in velocity to a 77 grain 5 0 g 5 56 mm round Depending on their case material and bullet weight 6 5mm Grendel cartridges weigh 14 7 to 17 8 grams 227 to 275 gr The case head diameter of the Grendel is the same as that of the 5 6 39mm 220 Russian 7 62 39mm and 6 5mm PPC cases This diameter is larger than the 5 56 45mm NATO thereby necessitating the use of a non standard AR 15 bolt The increased case diameter results in a small reduction in the magazine ammo capacities A 6 5mm Grendel magazine with the same dimensions as a 30 round STANAG magazine will hold 26 rounds of Grendel ammunition Performance edit nbsp C Products 26 round Grendel MagazineProponents assert that the Grendel is a good middle ground between the 5 56 45mm NATO and the 7 62 51mm NATO It retains greater terminal energy at extended ranges than either of these cartridges due to its higher ballistic coefficient BC 2 For example the 123 gr 8 0 g 6 5 mm Grendel bullet has more kinetic energy and better body armor penetration at 1 000 m 1 100 yd than the larger and heavier 147 gr 9 5 g bullet of the M80 7 62mm NATO round 11 12 13 14 In order to obtain ballistics that are superior to the 7 62 51mm cartridge a weapon with a longer barrel and firing a heavier bullet is necessary To achieve the same results from shorter length barrels even heavier bullets are needed 15 External ballistics edit nbsp Muzzle Velocity Change with Bullet WeightBullet velocity 24 inch 609 6 mm barrelBullet mass Muzzle velocity 1 000 meter velocitygr g ft s m s ft s m sLapua Scenar 108 7 0 2 700 820 1 166 355Lapua Scenar 123 8 0 2 620 800 1 222 372Lapua FMJBT 144 9 3 2 450 750 1 213 370As noted above the Grendel case is very closely related to the 220 Russian case In general each additional grain of bullet weight will reduce muzzle velocity by 10 8 ft s 50 8 m s for each gram and each additional inch of barrel length will increase muzzle velocity by 20 ft s 2 4 m s for each centimeter Specific details are available as graphs derived from Alexander Arms public domain load table linked below LE and Military usage editSerbia is in process of adopting a rifle made by Zastava Arms 16 better source needed in 6 5 mm Grendel caliber as main armament for its armed forces The rifle designated Zastava M19 is a derivative of the previous issue M70 rifle 17 An American manufactured rifle in 6 5mm Grendel caliber may also be adopted in armament for special forces units after it passes testing in Technical Testing Center citation needed Three types of 6 5mm Grendel ammunition produced by Prvi Partizan Uzice Serbia will be tested for use with these rifles 18 19 20 21 22 See also edit 220 Russian 5 6 39 mm 224 Valkyrie 5 6 41 mm 6mm PPC 6mm AR a 6 mm wildcat version which shares 6 5 Grendel s casing but sends a usually lighter projectile up to 1 000 yards 900 m 6mm ARC a factory cartridge with many similarities to the 6mm AR 6 5 55mm Swedish 6 5mm Creedmoor 6 5 42mm also known as 6 5 MPC Multi Purpose Cartridge based on a necked up 223 Remington case 23 6 8mm Remington SPC 7 62 37mm Musang 7 62 39mm List of AR platform cartridges List of rifle cartridges Table of handgun and rifle cartridgesReferences edit 6 5mm Grendel internet archive copy Alexander Arms Archived from the original on January 9 2012 Retrieved 2015 10 22 a b Guthrie J November 16 2012 6 5mm Grendel The Round the Military Ought to Have Shooting Times Retrieved March 8 2013 Products Lapua Archived from the original on 2016 01 08 Retrieved 2016 01 04 Lewis Jack 2007 The Gun Digest Book of Assault Weapons Gun Digest Books p 77 ISBN 978 0 89689 498 3 6 5 Grendel Alexander Arms Retrieved 2021 06 04 Outdoor Hub Prototype 6 5 Grendel AK Rifle from Definitive Arms 13 October 2015 a b Gash Steve 2015 07 01 Alexander Arms 6 5 Grendel Hunter Review Gun Digest Retrieved 2021 06 04 Company History Alexander Arms Retrieved 2021 06 04 Alexander Arms Announces The 6 5 Grendel Is An Official SAAMI Cartridge Archived from the original on 2019 08 13 Retrieved 2012 02 18 6 5 Grendel is Approved as SAMMI Cartridge Alexander Arms Gives up 6 5 Grendel Trademark Daily Bulletin The Case for a General Purpose Rifle and Machine Gun Cartridge GPC by Anthony G Williams Archived 2014 11 09 at the Wayback Machine Ehrhart Thomas P Increasing Small Arms Lethality in Afghanistan Taking Back the Infantry Half Kilometer pg 37 38 Infantry Weapons Conference Report SAdefensejournal com 9 January 2012 Another 7 62mm Bullet For M 16s Strategypage com 8 January 2012 The Army s Individual Carbine Competition What s Next SAdefensejournal com 24 October 2013 Untitled photograph of multiple guns Archived from the original on 2016 08 27 Retrieved 2016 07 26 FIRST Military 6 5 Grendel Rifle 6 5mm Zastava M17 AK DMR in Testing by Serbian Army 22 November 2017 Prvi Partizan Ammunition Prvi Partizan Ammunition Prvi Partizan Ammunition Voјska Srbiјe Archived from the original on 2016 07 24 Retrieved 2016 07 26 Why Universal Service Cartridges Will Never Happen 6 October 2016 Archived from the original on 27 June 2018 Retrieved 14 May 2017 The 6 5 MPC cartridge by SSK developed by J D Jones at SSK Industries Article on DefenseReview comBibliography editGuns n Ammo Book of the AR 15 2004 The 6 5mm Grendel David Fortier p 66 Special Weapons for Military amp Police Annual 27 2004 Beyond the 5 56mm NATO Stan Crist pp 62 67 Guns n Ammo Book of the AR 15 2005 6 5mm Grendel and 6 8 SPC David Fortier pp 32 44 Shooting Times February 2005 Cooking up Loads for the 6 5mm Grendel David Fortier pp 52 56 Shooting Illustrated September 2005 6 5mm Grendel and Alexander Arms J Guthrie pp 34 37 67 69 Petersen s Rifle Shooter March April 2006 Cartridge Efficiency Why case shape matters M L McPherson pp 22 24 Shooting Times January 2007 Other AR Chamberings Sidebar Article David Fortier p 56 Special Weapons Semi Annual 50 2007 The Super Versatile AR Charlie Cutshaw pp 44 45 80 83 Special Weapons Semi Annual 50 2007 5 56mm NATO Alternatives Stan Crist pp 52 59 Shooting Times March 2007 Les Baer s 6 5mm Grendel AR Sets a New Standard David Fortier pp 26 32 Special Weapons for Military amp Police 52 Spring 2007 BETTER IDEA 6 5mm GRENDEL Stan Crist Special Weapons for Military amp Police 52 Spring 2007 New Battlefield Requirements New Rifles and Ammo Needed Charlie CutshawExternal links edit nbsp Wikimedia Commons has media related to 6 5 mm Grendel http www alexanderarms com Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title 6 5mm Grendel amp oldid 1180828153, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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