When it comes to selecting a hunting or long-range shooting rifle, the choice of caliber can make all the difference in accuracy and effectiveness. Two popular calibers that often come up in the discussion are the 243 Winchester and the 6.5 Grendel. Both rounds have their advantages and disadvantages, but which one is the better option? In this article, we will take a closer look at both calibers and compare them in-depth to determine which one is the better choice.
Here is the short answer:
The 243 Winchester has more energy, is more available, and has better ballistics than the 6.5 Grendel. However, the 6.5 Grendel has less recoil and is better for hunting varmints.
With the short answer out of the way, we can look closely at each cartridge, their ballistics, and how they compare in-depth.
In-depth Look at the 243 Winchester
The 243 Winchester was introduced sometime in the 1940s as a cartridge based on the 308 Winchester case but necked down to accommodate a .243 (6mm) caliber bullet. Originally it was used for hunting varmints but quickly became a useful caliber for hunting deer-sized game with the heavier bullets available in the cartridge.
The 243 Winchester has mild recoil, making it easy to shoot for people of all ages and sizes. Its flat trajectory allows for accurate shots at moderate ranges, and the wide variety of bullet weights and designs available make it suitable for hunting a wide range of game.
Here is a ballistics chart of the 243 Winchester with a 100-grain soft point bullet:
| range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 2960 | 1945 |
| 50 | -0.2 | 0.2 | 2826 | 1774 |
| 100 | 0 | 0.9 | 2697 | 1615 |
| 150 | -1 | 2 | 2571 | 1467 |
| 200 | -3.3 | 3.6 | 2448 | 1331 |
| 250 | -7 | 5.7 | 2329 | 1204 |
| 300 | -12.4 | 8.4 | 2213 | 1087 |
| 350 | -19.6 | 11.8 | 2101 | 980 |
| 400 | -28.7 | 15.8 | 1991 | 880 |
| 450 | -39.8 | 20.3 | 1885 | 789 |
| 500 | -53.6 | 25.9 | 1783 | 706 |
In-depth Look at the 6.5 Grendel
The 6.5 Grendel was introduced in 2004 by Alexander Arms as a cartridge designed for long-range shooting in an ar-15 platform. The main reason for the 6.5 Grendel being invented was to give the ballistic performance of a much larger caliber than the standard 223 Remington in an AR-15 rifle design.
Generally, the 6.5 Grendel is loaded with bullets weighing between 100-130 grains. While this is not a huge variety of grain weights, it is enough to allow you to hunt game as small as coyotes to as large as deer. Hunting-wise, this round is best used for hunting deer-sized game but has been used to take game as large as cow elk.
Here is a ballistics chart of the 6.5 Grendel with a 120-grain jacketed soft point:
| range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 2600 | 1801 |
| 50 | 0 | 0.2 | 2471 | 1627 |
| 100 | 0 | 1 | 2346 | 1467 |
| 150 | -1.6 | 2.5 | 2225 | 1319 |
| 200 | -4.9 | 4.5 | 2107 | 1183 |
| 250 | -10.2 | 7.3 | 1993 | 1058 |
| 300 | -17.5 | 10.6 | 1881 | 943 |
| 350 | -27.4 | 14.9 | 1776 | 840 |
| 400 | -40.3 | 20.2 | 1674 | 747 |
| 450 | -56.1 | 26.4 | 1578 | 663 |
| 500 | -75.3 | 33.3 | 1485 | 588 |
In-depth Comparison
When comparing the 243 Winchester to the 6.5 Grendel, there are several factors to consider.
The 243 Winchester has a flatter trajectory and higher muzzle velocity, making it better suited for hunting at moderate ranges. The 6.5 Grendel, on the other hand, has a better ballistic coefficient, allowing it to maintain its velocity and accuracy at longer ranges.
The 243 Winchester has a wider range of bullet weights and designs available, making it suitable for hunting a wider range of game due to its wider range of bullet weights. The 6.5 Grendel, while still suitable for hunting varmint-sized game, is primarily designed for long-range shooting. The 243 Winchester has a mild recoil, making it comfortable to shoot for people of all ages and sizes. The 6.5 Grendel has less recoil, but it may not be as comfortable to shoot for extended periods as the 243 Winchester.
Another factor to consider is the availability and cost of ammunition. The 243 Winchester is a widely popular and commonly available cartridge, and ammunition can be found in most gun shops and sporting goods stores. The 6.5 Grendel, on the other hand, is a newer and less common cartridge, and ammunition can be more challenging to find and more expensive.
Conclusion
Overall, the 243 Winchester is a versatile and reliable cartridge that is well-suited for hunting medium-sized game at moderate ranges. The 6.5 Grendel is a newer cartridge that has gained popularity in recent years for its long-range capabilities and accuracy.