{"id":7484,"date":"2021-06-17T13:13:45","date_gmt":"2021-06-17T13:13:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/?p=7484"},"modified":"2025-10-02T18:04:17","modified_gmt":"2025-10-02T18:04:17","slug":"6mm-arc-vs-65-grendel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/6mm-arc-vs-65-grendel\/","title":{"rendered":"6mm ARC vs 6.5 Grendel"},"content":{"rendered":"

The AR-15 platform is quickly becoming the rifle of choice for a large portion of gun owners. Versatile, effective, and convenient, AR-style sporting rifles allows you to use your firearm for virtually everything, including casual range shooting, competition, hunting, and even home defense.<\/p>\n

For many, selecting the AR-15 platform is an easy choice. Selecting a cartridge, however, can be more difficult.<\/p>\n

For years, 223 Remington (5.56) dominated the platform. While the 223\/5.56 cartridge still reigns supreme, there are options that offer more power and a longer range for AR-15 users. Enter the 6.5 Grendel and 6mm ARC into the debate!<\/p>\n

The 6.5 Grendel has been gaining attention since its release in 2003, but a recent product, the 6mm ARC, may change the AR landscape. Similar in size and functionality, these two cartridges are sure to compete for the attention, and the dollars, of American gun owners.<\/p>\n

Quick Look: 6mm ARC vs. 6.5 Grendel<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t
<\/td>6.5 Grendel<\/th>6mm ARC<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Released<\/td>2003<\/td>2020<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bullet Diameter<\/td>.264 inches<\/td>.243 inches<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Rim Diameter<\/td>.44 inches<\/td>.441 inches<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Case Length<\/td>1.52 inches<\/td>1.49 inches<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Total Length<\/td>2.26 inches<\/td>2.26 inches<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bullet Weight<\/td>90 to 130 grains<\/td>103 to 108 grains<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n

At initial glance, there really isn\u2019t a lot of difference between the two. In fact, even experienced shooters will have a hard time telling the difference. (Without looking at the stamping, of course.) However, there are a few differences in cartridge characteristics and round availability.<\/p>\n

In a nutshell, 6mm ARC gives you slightly better range. Of course, with a caliber like ARC that’s still in its infancy, you’re likely going to pay more for ammo than you would with Grendel so it may not be the right pick for you.<\/p>\n

Bullet Diameter<\/h3>\n

\"Bullet<\/p>\n

Although minimal (about .02 inches), there is a difference in bullet diameter. The designers of the 6mm ARC intentionally narrowed the bullet, allowing for lighter bullets and (in theory, at least) better aerodynamics.<\/p>\n

Cartridge Variety<\/h3>\n

A more drastic and noticeable difference, at least to consumers, is product availability. The 6mm ARC is extremely new, having only been released in 2020. As such, only the designer Hornady<\/a> currently makes 6mm ARC ammunition, and they only load three different options.<\/p>\n

The 6.5 Grendel, while not as prevalent as, say, the .223 Remington, has far more options from a variety of manufacturers. The ARC may get there someday, but as we write this, we’re limited to a trio of major manufacturer ammo options.<\/p>\n

This has implications for affordability. Due to product variety, 6.5 Grendel ammo<\/a> can likely be found in more budget-friendly packages.<\/p>\n

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\n \"product\"\n <\/div>\n
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\n $34.95 <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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\n 20rds - 6.5 Grendel Hornady Custom 123gr. SST Ammo <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n
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\n \"product\"\n <\/div>\n
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\n $319.95 <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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\n 200rds - 6.5 Grendel Hornady Custom 123gr. SST Ammo <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n