223/5.56 vs 6.5 Grendel vs 7.62x39 | 100 Yard Energy/Velocity Test

Published on October 28, 2023
Duration: 12:47

This video compares the 5.56x45mm NATO, 6.5 Grendel, and 7.62x39mm calibers at 100 yards, focusing on velocity and energy retention. The presenter, identifying as a "hillbilly out here in the backyard shooting," conducts a practical test using 16-inch barreled rifles. The results highlight how bullet weight, ballistic coefficient, and caliber diameter influence downrange performance.

Quick Summary

At 100 yards, the 7.62x39mm (123gr) retained the most energy (1331 ft-lbs), followed by the 6.5 Grendel (123gr) with 1255 ft-lbs, and the 5.56x45mm (60gr) with 877 ft-lbs. The 6.5 Grendel lost the least velocity due to its superior ballistic coefficient.

Chapters

  1. 00:10Introduction & Test Setup
  2. 00:38Ammunition Selection
  3. 01:50Rifle Platforms Used
  4. 02:23Muzzle Velocity Testing
  5. 04:275.56x45mm 100 Yard Test
  6. 05:156.5 Grendel 100 Yard Test
  7. 06:337.62x39mm 100 Yard Test
  8. 07:45Data Breakdown & Analysis
  9. 09:04Interpreting Results: Diameter vs. BC
  10. 10:01Downrange Energy Comparison
  11. 10:457.62x39mm Load Discussion
  12. 11:41Conclusion & Viewer Engagement

Frequently Asked Questions

How do 5.56x45mm, 6.5 Grendel, and 7.62x39mm compare at 100 yards?

At 100 yards, the 7.62x39mm retained the most energy (1331 ft-lbs), followed by the 6.5 Grendel (1255 ft-lbs), and then the 5.56x45mm (877 ft-lbs). The 6.5 Grendel lost the least velocity due to its higher ballistic coefficient.

Which caliber loses the most velocity over 100 yards?

The 5.56x45mm NATO, with a 60-grain V-Max bullet, experienced the most significant velocity loss, dropping 151 feet per second from muzzle to 100 yards. The 6.5 Grendel lost the least velocity (119 ft/s).

Does bullet diameter affect downrange energy retention?

Yes, the presenter suggests bullet diameter is a significant factor. The wider 7.62x39mm round retained more energy and lost less velocity than the 5.56x45mm over 100 yards, even with a lower ballistic coefficient.

What are the ballistic coefficients of the tested rounds?

The 5.56x45mm 60gr V-Max had a BC of 0.265, the 6.5 Grendel 123gr SST had a BC of 0.51, and the 7.62x39mm 123gr Noler Varmageddon had a BC of 0.304.

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