This is for an AR-15 lover. What if your AR-15 could shoot in semi-automatic with sub-MOA accuracy to 1,000 yards and beyond? Now you can! But how? There are two calibers to consider.
The 6.5 Grendel and the .224 Valkyrie were designed to extend the range of the AR-15 beyond 1,000 yards. They each take a very different approach. The Grendel uses a heavier, longer, and fatter bullet that maintains supersonic flight past 1,200 yards. The Valkyrie uses a .224” diameter bullet that is longer and heavier than the .223 and stays supersonic past 1,300 yards.
.224 Valkyrie
.224 Valkyrie is the hot new caliber everyone is talking about. In 2017, Federal Premium Ammunition released the Valkyrie delivering from a 6.8 SPC casing necked down to accept .224 caliber bullets. They developed a round that is twice as more aerodynamically efficient than the 5.56 NATO round. .224 Valkyrie utilizes a smaller, lighter bullet than 6.5 Grendel, with advantage of the shape.
So which one to choose?
6.5 GRENDEL FOR THE DEER HUNTER
If you want to hunt larger animals such as deer, 6.5 Grendel is for you. At 300 yards it has more than double the kinetic energy of a .30-30 cartridge, and almost 4x the energy of a 75 grain .223 Remington hunting load. Grendel makes for a lightweight, handy hunting rifle that can be carried all day long and fired standing.
.224 Valkyrie FOR VARMINT VAPORIZERS
Due to its smaller bore shooting a lighter bullet, .224 Valkyrie rifles exhibit much less recoil than 6.5 Grendel—up to half as much, depending on the loading. Excellent for prairie dog hunters.
So which one do you choose? A larger, heavier bullet, or a smaller, faster bullet? Those who prefer a proven system, want to hunt medium to large game, or demand a short, handy rifle will find a trusty friend in 6.5 Grendel. Shooters who like to shoot at long range targets, enjoy varmint hunting with a low recoiling rifle, and plan to shoot exclusively from supported positions should give .224 Valkyrie serious consideration. Let your own priorities be your guide—we’ll see you out on the range.