The AR-15 platform has become an incredibly popular option for hunters due to the advantages it lends in various situations. For small games and varmint hunting, it simply cannot be beaten. For larger games, you need something a bit more powerful, which is where a larger bore cartridge comes in handy.
Both the 6.8 Remington Special Purpose Cartridge (SPC) and 6.5 Grendel were created to provide more energy than the 5.56 NATO and improve upon AR performance. A side-by-side comparison of the 6.8 SPC vs 6.5 Gredel shows them to be quite comparable overall, but each has its strengths, and weaknesses. Here’s our quick overview so you can determine which is best for your hunting needs.
Table of Contents
What’s The Difference Between 6.8 SPC VS 6.5 Grendel Rounds?
Although descended from different parent cartridges, they are incredibly similar in both size and performance. The major difference you might visually notice is the rim variables and bullet size since the 6.8 SPC has a .422 inch rim diameter, while the 6.8 SPC has a larger rim diameter at .438 inches.
Plus, there are no two ways about it, the 6.8 SPC is a larger bullet- allowing for the 6.5 Grendel to have a higher sectional density. And in layman’s terms, this means it is more aerodynamic. However, between these two rounds, this measurement is fairly negligible when comparing the two side by side.
Comparison Between 6.8 SPC VS 6.5 CM Rounds
As mentioned, side by side these are incredibly comparable overall. Similar in design and purpose, both were intended to up the ante, per se, and make the AR-15 more deadly. Concerning ballistics, not much is different between the two until about 400 or 500 yards, and the majority of your hunting targets are going to be much closer than that.
The length of the barrel you shoot out of, and wind drift are also considerations to take into account. But again, the differences are negligible overall less you are shooting competitively – which neither of the designers of these cartridges had in mind. If you are wondering- the Grendel drifts less due to being more aerodynamic.
Comparison Table
Specifications
6.8 SPC
6.5 Grendel
Brand
Hornady SST (120 gr)
Hornady ELD Match
(123 gr)
Bullet Size
Bullet Size: 2.260 inches
Bullet Diameter: 0.277 inches
Shell Case Length: 1.667 inches
Bullet Size: 2.26 inches
Bullet Diameter: 0.264 inches
Shell Case Length: 1.52 inches
Energy (per 200 yards)
1,120 ft-lbs
1,377 ft-lbs
Velocity (per 200 yards)
2,050 ft/s
2,246 ft/s
Muzzle Energy/Velocity
1612 / 2460
1818 / 2580
6.8 SPC
Brand
Hornady SST (120 gr)
Bullet Size
Bullet Size: 2.260 inches
Bullet Diameter: 0.277 inches
Shell Case Length: 1.667 inches
Energy (per 200 yards)
1,120 ft-lbs
Velocity (per 200 yards)
2,050 ft/s
Muzzle Energy/Velocity:
1612 / 2460
6.5 Grendel
Brand
Hornady ELD Match (123 gr)
Bullet Size
Bullet Size: 2.26 inches
Bullet Diameter: 0.264 inches
Shell Case Length: 1.52 inches
Energy (per 200 yards)
1,377 ft-lbs
Velocity (per 200 yards)
2,246 ft/s
Muzzle Energy/Velocity:
1818 / 2580
6.8 SPC
The 6.8 Remington Special Purpose Cartridge was introduced in the early 2000 when military need determined the 5.56 NATO round did not have enough stopping power in combat situations. They wanted to enhance the AR-15 platform for performance reasons, and thus was born the larger bore 6.8 SPC. Unfortunately, impatience to introduce the round led to problems and it never made a strong showing in military circles, but after a few adjustments were made- has become a popular choice for hunting.
Features
The 6.8 uses a .30 Remington parent case and is designed for versatility to shoot from both short and long barrels. It offers a 40% increase in muzzle energy compared to the 5.56 NATO and a highly efficient range up to 400 yards- although it is capable of much further targets. At 500 rounds it still offers more than 100 lbs of energy, which is why it is an excellent choice for hunting. Plus, it works with existing AR-15 platforms with some basic part changes.
Pros
The features of this cartridge speaks for itself. With a 25% lighter recoil than the 6.5 Grendel, it is a choice that is more comfortable to shoot- especially when you take advantage of the semi-auto abilities for range shooting or hog hunting. Powerful and with excellent velocity, as seen above, this is a go-to round for many hunters who want a clean, ethical kill at longer distances. Plus, there are some excellent factory ammo choices in range of weight you want for terminal trajectory reasons.
Cons
Remington’s screw-up when rushing to release the cartridge has arguably held this round back from getting the attention it deserved. If it had been as widely used for military might as it was made to do, chances are it would be manufactured more and be a more familiar size bullet.
Plus, it just doesn’t have the same overall performance factor of the 6.5 Grendel, and cannot hold a line as well in wind. As for distance, it really tapers off after 500 yards and the Grendel will be your better long-distance choice when it comes right down to it.
6.5 Grendel
The 6.5 Grendel was introduced in 2004 and was created to once again, outshoot the popular 5.56 NATO. The case is larger and shorter than the 5.56, holds more powder volume for more energy, and offers awesome accuracy with a lower recoil. Factory load ammo ranges from 90 to 130 grains to create versatile shooting experiences. Smaller than the 6.8 SPC, it does outperform it – especially at longer distances.
Features
The flat trajectory of this longer bullet makes it an extremely accurate option for longer distances and provides the stopping power you need for ethical hunting. Existing AR-15 platforms are easy to modify with a simple barrel and bolt upgrade, allowing you to convert your favorite platform into a much more efficient firearm for dropping a medium game, and taking advantage of your semi-automatic features for hogs.
Pros
This truly is a high-performance cartridge for hunting, and is top of its class against anything similar- the 6.8 SPC included. It maintains supersonic speeds for long distances and has a deep penetrating behavior for the kill shot and wound entry you need. It also is highly wind-resistant due to the kinetic energy offered and high ballistic coefficient.
Cons
Overall, the 6.8 SPC has less recoil, making it a less comfortable option in a side-by-side comparison to the 6.5 Grendel. It also isn’t a cheap choice to upgrade an AR, despite being a simple choice. The AR-15 magazines are also not interchangeable, adding to the expense. This is one reason why it isn’t as widely seen as other, less expensive modification options- such as the 300 Blackout. The 6.8 SPC isn’t cheap to convert either, and so if you end up wanting either of these rounds, you are going to need to be prepared for the overall cost.
Stand Out Features
The bottom line is: although both rounds are fairly comparable up to 400 yards, the 6.5 Grendel outperforms the 6.8 SPC in all ballistic aspects. It is more aerodynamic, resistant to wind drift, and offers better kinetic energy. It also has a better selection of factory load bullets (although the SPC selection isn’t shabby).
Both cartridges provide a lethal trajectory, however, and awesome stopping power for your hunting needs. Since most hunting targets are well within the 400-yard range and less, either option is going to get the job done.
Conclusion
The 6.5 Grendel is the better option if you want to get right down to the minute details we’ve offered above. But if you have shot either- you will probably have noticed there isn’t a huge, noticeable difference between the two, and most people will tell you they like the use of both. These are quality, powerful choices that are dependable for hunting and self-defense.
6.8 SPC
Overview
- Lethal trajectory and dependability
- Great stopping power and accuracy
- Mild recoil
- Less sectional density
6.5 Grendel
Overview
- Incredible energy and efficiency
- Excellent range of weights for various ballistic needs
- Less recoil
- Higher sectional density
If you’ve had a chance to shoot either round, we’d love to hear about your experiences below- as well as what detail you feel should be mentioned that we may have missed. And, as always, please share!
Did you find this article informative? You may also find the comparison of 6.8 SPC and 6.5 Creedmoor useful.