6.5 Grendel vs 308 Winchester

For punching paper and hunting deer-size game at reasonable ranges, these two cartridges are more evenly matched than you might guess

By Richard Mann / Field & Stream

Why might a hunter be contemplating 6.5 Grendel vs 308 Winchester? The two cartridges, after all, are very different, essentially representing two separate power levels. Well, the most obvious reason for the 308 Winchester vs 6.5 Grendel debate is if a hunter cannot decide between a conventional bolt-action rifle or an AR-15. Sure, both cartridges can be had in bolt- and semi-automatic rifles, but from a hunting standpoint, both also represent a best, or near best, general-purpose option in each platform. Here’s how the 6.5 Grendel and 308 stack up head-to-head.

6.5 Grendel vs 308 Winchester: Basic Ballistic Comparison

We’ll get into the finer details of how these two cartridges compare from an external and terminal ballistics standpoint, but if you just want a snapshot, here it is. As you can see from the chart below, the cartridges have similar muzzle velocity, but the 308 carries significantly more energy from the start. Trajectory, too, is all but identical out to 400 yards. But again, if you’re looking for enough energy to do damage at that distance, the 308 has the clear edge. READ FULL STORY