School Me On Grendel Barrels

[TapRackBang]

Background info: I'm not new to firearms or assembling the AR platform, but will be my first 6.5 Grendel.

I'm looking to achieve a few things. Most important to me are reliability and accuracy (1-2 MOA). Think "duty rifle." I'd like to mitigate "thermal drift" as much as I'm reasonably able. I don't want anything that needs adjusting or could fail like an adjustable gas block or low mass carrier. I've already acquired a full mass JP 6.5 Grendel bolt and carrier.

I'm leaning toward an 18" barrel and a RLGS. I'm not entirely opposed to going with 20", but 18 seems like a nice compromise of size/weight and I'd prefer the RLGS. I've looked at Odin, JP, Criterion, Faxon, Lilja, Liberty (Satern), Rainier Arms Ultra Match, and Proof. I like the idea of a fluted barrel to dissipate heat a little faster, but honestly, I don't know how much that assists with heat and/POI shift. It's something I would like to be able to lug around if the need arose so weight is a factor, but I'm not considering carbon fiber due to price and my priorities.

Could someone recommend a good 18" RLGS barrel? I don't mind spending a little money. Buy once, cry once. That said, I can't justify $1K for a barrel on this particular project. I'd appreciate any good advice. You can let me know if my thinking is flawed, too. I won't cry. Much...

[tdbru]

TRB,
i've been happy with my Faxon 20" gunner. I was trying to build a light weight but longer barreled AR. They do have 18 barrels both lighter weight profile or heavier weight profile. My rig shoots in your ballpark (1-2 MOA) depending upon load and bullet. There are better barrels, and there are worse barrels.

https://faxonfirearms.com/rifle-barrels/?_bc_fsnf=1&Barrel+Caliber=6.5+Grendel+Type+II

sixfiveoutfitters also has 18" barrels now and then. Looks like they're out of stock right now. https://www.sixfiveoutfitters.com

it appears you've looked at many of the AR Grendel barrel providers already.

regarding barrels, the better makers barrels will generally shoot smaller groups then lower cost high production barrels. and they'll be more expensive.

POI shift is mitigated with a free floating barrel setup as compared to an issue M16 kind of barrel setup. the thinner barrels will be a bit more whippier than the heavy barrels, but with a consistent load you should be able to find an accuracy node if you handload. Otherwise just shoot a box of everything you can find, which right now, may not be much.

good luck,
-tdbru

[Old Bob]

Wilson Combat makes a fluted 18" 6.5 Grendel barrel but after just checking their website, the 18" barrel is out of stock (can be back-ordered). Their 20" barrel is available.

https://shopwilsoncombat.com/65-Grendel-Barrels/products/1044/

I have the 20 incher on my rifle. It's a good shooter with Hornady factory ammo -- just under 1.00 MOA with 123gr AMAX or ELD-M. I plan on doing some hand-loading eventually with bullets specifically made for hunting. If I can get 1 MOA, I'll be happy.

[tlen]

BCA. Several options that won't break the bank.

[CJW]

[TapRackBang]

TRB,
i've been happy with my Faxon 20" gunner. I was trying to build a light weight but longer barreled AR. They do have 18 barrels both lighter weight profile or heavier weight profile. My rig shoots in your ballpark (1-2 MOA) depending upon load and bullet. There are better barrels, and there are worse barrels.

https://faxonfirearms.com/rifle-barrels/?_bc_fsnf=1&Barrel+Caliber=6.5+Grendel+Type+II

sixfiveoutfitters also has 18" barrels now and then. Looks like they're out of stock right now. https://www.sixfiveoutfitters.com

it appears you've looked at many of the AR Grendel barrel providers already.

regarding barrels, the better makers barrels will generally shoot smaller groups then lower cost high production barrels. and they'll be more expensive.

POI shift is mitigated with a free floating barrel setup as compared to an issue M16 kind of barrel setup. the thinner barrels will be a bit more whippier than the heavy barrels, but with a consistent load you should be able to find an accuracy node if you handload. Otherwise just shoot a box of everything you can find, which right now, may not be much.

good luck,
-tdbru

That's helpful, thank you. I always free float the barrel. I haven't used A2 handguards in a long time. I hate that damn clamshell anyway!



I just wanted to make sure I wasn't leaving anything off the table. I appreciate the responses!

[TapRackBang]

BCA. Several options that won't break the bank.

Thanks!

BCA and Sixfiveoutfitters make me nervous with their price point....

[VASCAR2]

[TapRackBang]

Excellent input. I really appreciate it.

[LRRPF52]

Precision FirearmsProof Research carbon-wrapped Bartlein in the $900-$1000 region.

Lilja turned and chambered by Precision Firearms for $675

JP Enterprises for $529 (included enhanced bolt)

Satern Cut-Rifled 6.5 Grendel $523

LaRue (complete uppers and riflesLilja drop-in barrels from Lilja $525-$665, or the industry sub forum here $435

Criterion cut by Precision Firearms for $345 (this is one of the best bangs for your money)

Alexander Arms $285-$330 fluted (another great deal)



Wilson Combat $250-$305

Faxon $235-$319

SixFive Outfitters

[TapRackBang]

Precision Firearms for $345 (this is one of the best bangs for your money)

Sir. I have been doing message boards for cars/guns since the 90s. This is probably the most informative, resourceful, comprehensive response I have ever received.Many, many thanks. Much obliged.

I'm thinking, given the data you've expertly disseminated, it's really difficult to not opt for the PF cut Criterion barrel. For my purposes, it'll be as accurate as my needs call for, fluting is an option, and given I won't be on a bench, it'll probably outshoot me.

As no good deed goes unpunished, I have one inquiry lingering. The PF Criterion utilizes an ILGS. While I don't plan on running it suppressed right now or even permanently in the future, it's a possibility I'd like to leave the door open for. It's a little less dwell time than a RLGS. Assuming no adjustable block, is an H2 buffer the proper choice without a suppressor? H1?

You've already been of more assistance than anyone could reasonably expect. I truly appreciate it. Most online forums have devolved into name calling and terrible opinions based on marketing.

Thank you all. Truly. This place is awesome.

[Zeneffect]

Can't go wrong with a criterion. Every one I own is a shooter.

Can't complain about the bore quality either...

https://youtu.be/fdSv0xJk1DM

After cleaning, few hundred hot rounds.

H2 is my go to for mid-length and carbine + super42 spring (run that spring on everything)

That being said, I always convert h1 to h2, I don't buy the h2 outright. I like the idea of being able to swap back if i know I'm going to use lighter loads as it won't cycle reliably (55gr hsm blue thrill .223, cold only) but I never have.

https://geissele.com/amfile/file/download/file/da1b1996a84774c4fd12769d09d6a50d/product/497/&ved=2ahUKEwiS8oK0sdb7AhVQD0QIHV2VAycQFnoECBEQAQ&usg=AOvVaw2aJtoY5zSyMcBhEFYOiW3H

With h2, I think reliability will be sub average through all weather conditions. As things get colder, the gas system will be less efficient and it might not be enough of you are running anything lighter than a 120gr pill.

[LRRPF52]

Sir. I have been doing message boards for cars/guns since the 90s. This is probably the most informative, resourceful, comprehensive response I have ever received.Many, many thanks. Much obliged.

I'm thinking, given the data you've expertly disseminated, it's really difficult to not opt for the PF cut Criterion barrel. For my purposes, it'll be as accurate as my needs call for, fluting is an option, and given I won't be on a bench, it'll probably outshoot me.

As no good deed goes unpunished, I have one inquiry lingering. The PF Criterion utilizes an ILGS. While I don't plan on running it suppressed right now or even permanently in the future, it's a possibility I'd like to leave the door open for. It's a little less dwell time than a RLGS. Assuming no adjustable block, is an H2 buffer the proper choice without a suppressor? H1?

You've already been of more assistance than anyone could reasonably expect. I truly appreciate it. Most online forums have devolved into name calling and terrible opinions based on marketing.

Thank you all. Truly. This place is awesome.

idealBarrel length and velocity
90gr TNT 2683fps
120gr Federal OTM 2384fps


123gr Scenar 2452fps
123gr A-MAX 2439fps
120gr SMK 2470fps


90gr TNT 2893fps (10 shot sample)
120gr Federal OTM 2484fps (20 shot sample)
120gr Scenar-L 2511fps
123gr SST 2457fps

[LRRPF52]

[Serenitynow]

LRRPF52
What extra power carbine springs are good ?
I see lots of manufacturers making them. Just wondering if one or 2 stand out in the price/performance category.