New Army "Caliber Configuration Study"

[BluntForceTrauma]

Here are my charts for a 6.5 Grendel carbine with commercial off-the-shelf lead-free projectile versus a Russian 7.62x54R PKM machine gun, based on the following assumptions:

6.5 Grendel: 112gr GS Custom copper monolithic (0.523 BC) @ 2550 fps from 16" barrel.

PKM: 148gr 57-N-323S mild steel core (0.381 BC) @ 2725 fps from 25.4" barrel.

As with models for the global warming debate, one's models depend on one's assumptions and initial inputs, but I think mine are defensible. Data was generated using the online JBM Ballistics Calculator and charts were made after inputting the data into an Excel spreadsheet.

The news here is how well a 6.5 Grendel CARBINE stacks up against the threat medium machine gun.

While starting out slower, the 6.5 Grendel velocity starts beating the PKM after 300 yards. 6.5 Grendel hits harder at range, aiding penetration.

The 6.5 Grendel's trajectory drop is neck-and-neck with the PKM until it pulls ahead after 650 yards.

The 6.5 Grendel drifts less at all ranges in crosswinds; this is key for getting on target faster.

As is to be expected, 6.5 Grendel doesn't match or exceed the energy of the bigger cartridge until after 800 yards.

John