The 6.5 Grendel has earned its reputation as one of the best all-around hunting cartridges for the AR-15 platform. With its flat trajectory, strong energy retention, and mild recoil, it excels for deer and medium game at extended ranges. But hunters and precision shooters often face one big question: what’s the ideal barrel length—20 inches or 24 inches?
In this post, we’ll break down the real-world advantages of each option, compare ballistic performance side by side, and explain why Moriarti Arms offers superior 6.5 Grendel upper.
6.5 Grendel 20″ vs. 24″ Upper Assemblies for Hunting | Moriarti Arms
Barrel length influences velocity, energy, and handling. While 6.5 Grendel is optimized for mid-length barrels, stretching to 20 or 24 inches can unlock its long-range potential. Longer barrels allow propellants to fully burn, squeezing out extra velocity. But there’s always a trade-off in weight and maneuverability.
For deer hunting, the goal is simple: deliver an accurate, ethical shot with enough retained energy for a quick harvest. Both 20″ and 24″ barrels deliver, but in slightly different ways.
6.5 Grendel 20″ vs. 24″ Upper Assemblies for Hunting | Moriarti Arms
Sweet Spot for Deer Hunting: The 20-inch barrel offers an ideal mix of velocity, accuracy, and portability.
Field Friendly: Easier to carry on long hikes, faster to maneuver in blinds, treestands, or dense woods.
Proven Accuracy: A 20″ barrel still pushes 123gr bullets past 2,500 fps, maintaining more than enough velocity for clean kills at 400–500 yards.
For hunters who want one rifle that does it all, the Moriarti AR-15 6.5 Grendel 20″ Stainless Fluted Competition Upper Assembly is the most versatile choice.
6.5 Grendel 20″ vs. 24″ Upper Assemblies for Hunting | Moriarti Arms
Extended Range: The 24-inch barrel adds ~50–100 fps compared to a 20″. That extra speed translates into slightly flatter trajectories and more energy downrange.
Best for Open Country: Ideal for spot-and-stalk in wide fields or shooting from fixed blinds where weight and maneuverability are less important.
Heavier Build: The trade-off is obvious—more bulk, slower to swing, and more cumbersome in tight cover.
For hunters chasing maximum reach or those who split time between hunting and benchrest shooting, the Moriarti AR-15 6.5 Grendel 24″ Competition Upper Assembly Nitride M-LOK Tanker is a powerhouse.
6.5 Grendel 20″ vs. 24″ Upper Assemblies for Hunting | Moriarti Arms
| Barrel Length | Muzzle Velocity (fps) | Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs) | Velocity @ 500 yds | Energy @ 500 yds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20″ | ~2520 fps | ~1735 ft-lbs | ~1850 fps | ~935 ft-lbs |
| 24″ | ~2620 fps | ~1875 ft-lbs | ~1920 fps | ~1005 ft-lbs |
Takeaway: While the 24″ upper provides a modest bump in velocity and energy, the 20″ performs nearly the same in real hunting conditions.
6.5 Grendel 20″ vs. 24″ Upper Assemblies for Hunting | Moriarti Arms
The 6.5 Grendel shines because it stabilizes a wide range of bullets. For deer, the most popular and effective loads include:
Hornady 123gr SST – explosive expansion with excellent terminal performance inside 400 yards.
Hornady 123gr ELD-X – higher BC for extended-range precision.
Federal Fusion 120gr – bonded bullet for deep penetration.
Both 20″ and 24″ barrels stabilize these loads beautifully, ensuring ethical kills at long range.
6.5 Grendel 20″ vs. 24″ Upper Assemblies for Hunting | Moriarti Arms
Thick Woods & Treestands: The 20″ barrel is easier to handle in tight quarters without giving up performance.
Open Fields & Long Shots: The 24″ barrel edges ahead with slightly flatter trajectories and better retained energy beyond 500 yards.
Mixed Terrain: Most hunters benefit more from the 20″ option, balancing portability with ballistic performance.
6.5 Grendel 20″ vs. 24″ Upper Assemblies for Hunting | Moriarti Arms
Why should serious hunters choose Moriarti Arms over competitors like Bear Creek Arsenal?
Precision Barrels: Moriarti uses 416R stainless steel and competition fluted options for true sub-MOA accuracy. Bear Creek often uses budget barrels with looser tolerances.
Better Components: From properly headspaced bolts to free-float M-LOK handguards, Moriarti ensures reliability. Cheaper alternatives often cut corners.
Hunter-Focused Designs: Every Moriarti upper is built with hunters in mind—reliable cycling, durable finishes, and accuracy you can trust.
Customization Options: Choose between sleek 20″ fluted uppers or heavy-duty 24″ nitride tanker builds, all with premium parts.
When it comes to hunting, Moriarti Arms prioritizes craftsmanship over cutting costs, making it the clear alternative to Bear Creek.
6.5 Grendel 20″ vs. 24″ Upper Assemblies for Hunting | Moriarti Arms
For most deer hunters, the 20-inch 6.5 Grendel upper from Moriarti Arms is the best choice—offering accuracy, handling, and energy retention for ethical kills out to 500 yards and beyond. Hunters dedicated to long-range open-field shooting will benefit from the 24-inch competition upper, which squeezes out every bit of ballistic performance.
Either way, Moriarti delivers the quality and precision hunters demand—leaving mass-market brands like Bear Creek Arsenal in the dust.
