A magazine is often one of the most disregarded components of a rifle where many gun owners may be a little too ignorant about the quality and maintenance of their magazines. Nonetheless, a magazine is still a very important part of the rifle, especially for an uncommon caliber like the 6.5 Grendel.
In today’s review article, we will be discussing the importance of carrying some extra magazines with your 6.5 rifle. We will also be talking about the features that differentiate a great magazine from the rest.
| Magazines | Name | Editor’s Comment | Rating | Get The Deal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Franklin Armory DFM Magazine | Most Recommended Option 1. Extremely easy to install | 10/10 | SHOP NOW |
 | E-Lander AR-15 Magazine 6.5 Black | Premium Option 1. High-capacity mag | 9.5/10 | SHOP NOW |
 | Molot Vepr Magazine 6.5 Grendel 10-rounds | 1. Exotic polymer shaped magazine 2. Made from an iconic former Soviet factory 3. Ten rounds magazine capacity | 9.0/10 | SHOP NOW |
 | Alexander Arms Alexander Magazine 6.5 Grendel | 1. Designed and branded by the company behind the 6.5 round. 2. Cutting-edge polymer anti-tilt follower 3. Unbeatable quality and tight tolerances | 8.5/10 | SHOP NOW |
 | C-Products DuraMag AR-15 6 .5 Grendel Stainless Steel Black Magazine | 1. Anti-tilt blue follower 2. Rust-proof/corrosion-proof finish 3. Durable stainless steel build | 8.0/10 | SHOP NOW |
Why You Need Spare Mags
Deciding on the need for spare mags will depend on the right balance between logic and economics. Here are a few good reasons why you should have at least a couple of extra magazines for your 6.5 rifle.
Magazines take a significant beating at the range as they’re frequently dropped, dragged, thrown, and even stomped while you change them. Mags are not made out of ‘adamantium’ and are susceptible to damage. Such 6 .5 Grendel magazines will also most likely malfunction due to the deformities. With this in mind, it is important to have separate mags for range use and for precision applications such as hunting, competitions, self-defense, and patrol.
Most gun owners carry guns for self-defense purposes. Though carrying extra mags might not seem very critical when you live in an urban area, those living in the countryside would do well with pre-loaded mags to put up a fight until help arrives.
Magazines are not expensive accessories and having some extras will not shrink your wallet too much. Hence, having extra mags will make sure you are always ready for action, serve as a backup, and also let you spend more time shooting rather than reloading.
How To Pick The Best 6.5 Grendel Magazines
The 6.5 Grendel comes with different dimensions compared to the 5.56 NATO caliber, which is a popular option among AR Platform rifles. While you can still feed the 6.5 Grendel rounds to your rifle with the 5. 56 mag, you may experience jams constantly. Hence why it is important to use high-quality magazines specially designed to handle the 6.5 Grendel to deliver proper cycling of rounds. Here are a few aspects to consider when picking out a good 6.5 Grendel magazine:
Material
Considering the fact that magazines are quite susceptible to mishandling, you need to ensure that your 6.5 Grendel magazine is made from durable material. Steel mags are always the top choice over polymer ones. While they may be heavy, they are less prone to fractures and deformations under stress.
Coating
Aside from the material, you also need to make sure your magazine is coated with a protective material that will resist corrosion, dirt, and moisture. Not only will this help your mag get through stress, but it can add aesthetics to your rifle.
Proper Feeding
The best 6 .5 Grendel magazine must have a reliable and heavy-duty magazine spring such as chrome-silicon springs to properly feed the rounds. The feed lips will also have to be in good shape since the 6.5 Grendel is a thicker round compared to the 5. 56 cartridges. The .5 Grendel will most likely be used for long-range shooting, and you cannot afford to take your eyes off the target due to improper cycling.
Anti-Tilt Follower
A good 6 .5 Grendel magazine should feature an anti-tilt follower that will prevent any jamming occurrences when ammunition is being fed into the chamber.
Window
If you use a semi-automatic AR platform for rapid shooting, then having a window on your magazine will give you an estimated number of rounds left inside.
Proper Size and Grip
The best 6 .5 Grendel magazine should automatically drop out as soon as you press the mag release without needing to apply the slightest force to pull it out. Good 6 .5 Grendel magazines are also easy to grip to make sure you don’t fumble around while changing.
The Best 6.5 Grendel Magazines For Sale in 2022
Searching for the best components for your 6.5 Grendel rifle can be tough since it’s not a common caliber. So, we understand that finding the right aftermarket parts for it can be a pain for most. To help you out with this, we have gone through the internet to find the best magazines for 6.5 Grendel caliber available on the market.
1. Franklin Armory DFM Magazine – The Best 6.5 Grendel Mags Overall
Franklin Armory is based out in Nevada and has been producing various firearms components for years, but really specializes in manufacturing products for restrictive jurisdictions such as California, Connecticut, and New York State and this 6 .5 option is a good example of that.
This tough magazine features limiting tabs that will stop the mag from getting removed unless you tilt up the receiver of your modern sporting rifle. One thing to note is that you’ll need to remove and reinstall your bolt catch with a modified bolt catch, which is also available from Franklin Armory.
Other than that, installation requires no further modifications to your rifle. The magazine is designed to also be used in conjunction with a bolt catch to ensure the proper functioning and prevent it from marking your lower receiver. The steel mag also has USGI-reminiscent aesthetics and a polymer anti-tilt follower.
Buyers love to use this stainless steel magazine for varmints and big game hunting. They reported back that the 10 round capacity was just sufficient for their application and the magazine lasted them long enough for a good hunting day. Quality-wise, this 6 .5 Grendel magazine was well-constructed and fit well with their rifles.
Overall, Franklin Armory DFM Magazine
is the right solution if you live in a restrictive state like New York, Connecticut, or California and want to exercise your Second Amendment rights. The top features include ease of installation, no permanent modifications required, and provide the ability for you to switch back to detachable mags should you move to another state.
Pros
- You want an excellent magazine that is easy to install as this will only take minutes for setup.
- You want a product that has a rugged steel construction reminiscent of a USGI mag.
- You don’t want to make any permanent alterations to your AR at all.
- You want to turn your AR into a fixed mag rifle for use in restrictive states like NY, CT, and CA.
Cons
- You need more than 10-rounds of ammo. This magazine capacity may not be enough for certain applications.
2. Alexander Arms Alexander Magazine 6.5 Grendel – The Runner-up
Founded in 2001 in Virginia, Alexander Arms may be a new company but has actually been a major force behind the development of the 6.5 Grendel. The company has already left an incredible mark on the weapons industry despite being a late entrant.
This ten-round 6 .5 Grendel magazine is a new product made by E-Lander under contract with Alexander Arms. The first thing you’ll notice is a top-notch construction quality as the magazine body is made from heat-treated steel and durable body coating with reinforced floor plate tags. The floor plate has an integral locking plate while the feed lips are completely deburred and the follower has a cutting-edge anti-tilt design.
Each component of the 6.5 magazine is precision manufactured with the sole aim of creating the highest quality 6.5 Grendel mag possible. Needless to say, the durability and longevity of these 6 .5 Grendel magazines are simply outstanding. At the side of the mag, you’ll find a sharp Alexander Arms logo that will make for an interesting conversation piece at the range. It also has a bright white follower to give the magazine a unique and easily identifiable look.
This 6.5 Grendel magazine has a chrome silicon spring which was quite a hit with hunters and competitive shooters, it also features a construction that is very hard to break. It is so hardy that dropping it on the hardwood floor will not break the mag and loading it isn’t as hard as some other high-capacity magazines.
The bottom line is that this is certainly the magazine for you if you’re looking for the best 6 .5 Grendel magazine that will last forever. The classic steel military aesthetic is even given a little extra pop by the company with a bright white follower.
Pros
- You want the best 6 .5 Grendel magazine that’s designed and branded by the company behind the 6.5 round.
- You want a cutting-edge polymer anti-tilt follower that provides smooth, reliable function.
- You want the best 6 .5 Grendel magazine that provides unbeatable quality and tight tolerances to deliver maximum reliability and durability.
Cons
- You don’t want a product with tight tolerances as it could time to break-in.
3. Molot Vepr Magazine 6.5 Grendel 10-rounds – The Best For Money
Molot Vepr was founded near Moscow in 1940 but was later evacuated to the Urals the following year. Named after the word hammer in Russian, Molot Vepr manufactured the legendary RPK, PPSh-41, and the Makarov pistol. In recent years, the manufacturer has also gone into producing a number of sporting rifles such as the popular Vepr-12.
With the 6 .5 Grendel magazine, you can own a little piece of the Russian legacy. This black polymer magazine has a completely different aesthetic to the MSR polymer mags that you’ve come to know and love. Although some gun enthusiasts may favor steel, in many cases, polymers will come back into shape in places where steel would permanently bend. The 6 .5 Grendel magazines feature some exotic Russian logos and manufacturer’s markings.
This excellent 10-round magazine capacity is perfect for knocking down invasive critters such as coyotes and varmints and offers great value. A buyer commented that he was able to load this magazine by hand quickly and found that it didn’t feel heavy despite being fully loaded. The feeding was smooth and reliable, making it free from any jams after more than 100 rounds.
All-in-all, Molot has come a long way since its establishment during the Second World War. The firearms manufacturer has made many iconic firearms from that era and has continued to keep up with its progress as proven by this great magazine. It has a moderate capacity with a unique, yet robust design.
Pros
- You want an exotic polymer shaped magazine that is lightweight, durable, and distinctive
- You want to own a piece of firearms that’s made from an iconic former Soviet factory.
- You want a ten rounds magazine capacity that gives you the perfect compromise between lightness and firepower.
Cons
- You’re shopping on a budget as this is certainly not the most affordable 6.5 Grendel magazine on the market.
4. E-Lander AR-15 Magazine 6.5 Black
No great 6 .5 Grendel magazines will ever be complete without the E-lander mags. This stainless steel mag has been heat-treated for extra durability and features a ten-round capacity. The heavy-duty steel floor plate contains a high-strength spring for smooth and reliable feeding.
The magazine also has a self-lubricating, anti-tilt follower made from a strong polymer that will not malfunction even under the harshest tactical conditions. The magazine is made with a tough anti-corrosion coating that makes it resistant to moisture and water. This coating also gives it a sheen appearance for better aesthetics.
Available in 4, 10, 17 rounds, and 24 round capacities, this magazine ranges from low to high-capacity to suit different applications. However, be careful about your local laws before choosing a capacity. This high-capacity mag is custom-designed for the 6.5 round. They are heavy, made from stainless steel, making them durable. The magazine feeds properly and reliably while the anti-tilt follower also aids in flawless operation, perfect for hunting and precision shooting.
Pros
- You want a high-capacity mag that is easy to disassemble.
- You want a magazine with an anti-corrosion coating and an anti-tilt self-lubricating polymer.
- You want 6 .5 Grendel magazines made from durable heat-treated steel.
Cons
- You don’t want a magazine that’s heavy.
5. C-Products DuraMag AR-15 6 .5 Grendel Stainless Steel Black Magazine
Next is a stainless steel mag that has an easy-to-see follower that proves useful when you need to load it. At 28 rounds, this high capacity magazine is more than enough to handle all your shooting applications, be it at the range or staring down a deer through your scope at 300 yards away.
This magazine from C-Products has a stainless steel construction, making it durable and resistant to damage on top of providing plenty of firing power. The anti-tilt blue follower of the magazine also stays aligned for proper cycling of the 6 .5 Grendel rounds. A top-grade, stainless steel spring aids the operation of the mag and it is offered in 5, 10, 20, and 28-round capacity variants for you to choose from. Despite the large capacity, the magazine itself is very lightweight and cycles rounds perfectly.
Featuring a corrosion-resistant matte back finish, this magazine will certainly not rust, chip, or corrode with time. Plus, the matte black finish is also glare-free to suit tactical purposes. Another catch is that the five and ten-round variants are even of the same size.
Overall, the C-Products magazines are a durable aftermarket accessory for your firearm that feeds properly and is easy to disassemble and clean. The magazines can even be loaded easily either by hand or with a speedloader, making it perfect for hunting or target shooting purposes.
Pros
- You want magazines that are easy to feed with an anti-tilt blue follower.
- You want matte black finish magazines that feature rust-proof/corrosion-proof finish and a durable stainless steel build.
Cons
- You don’t want magazines that may be difficult to adjust sometimes.
Conclusion
A magazine is definitely a very important part of a semi-automatic rifle such as the AR. Considering the fact that 6.5 ammunition has different dimensions, you can’t pair it with a regular 5. 56 NATO AR mag.
Having extra 6.5 mags will also be a great decision to keep you prepared for self-defense. We hope that today’s article guide has proven helpful in your search for the best magazines available for your 6.5 round to make a better-informed decision.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can 6.5 ammo use 5.56 mags?
Yes, of course, you can use 5.56 mags for the 6.5 ammo. Although you will be using the 5.56 lower receiver for your 6.5 AR-15, you should know that not all 5.56 magazines will work properly with the 6.5 ammo.
What is the 6.5 ammo good for?
The 6.5 ammo works as medium-range ammo for bolt-action rifles. However, it’s still best suited to semi-automatic rifles. Basically, this ammo is designed for those who want an ammo that has a longer useful range than the 5.56mm but that isn’t as heavy as a .308 or as specialized as the 6.5 Creedmoor.
Are PMags compatible with 6.5 Grendel?
Is 6.5 Grendel the same as 7.62 x39?
Hello there, it’s Michael here. A gun lover since young, served the country for the last 20 years. I started the blog to share my experience and gun-related knowledge accumulated throughout the years. Hopefully, you will find something useful over here or just have fun! You can learn more about me here.