Starting over from the scratch. Suggestions for a new 6.5 Upper?

[Gos]

After 4 years and dozens of possible loading combinations, I've decided to start all over and get a new upper going on my AR15. I still like the ballistics of the 6.5 Grendel, so I'd like to get another upper but not the brand I just sold.

So,
Who's making respected tight grouping uppers these days that you can recommend; not from a "guy who knows a guy who read a story on line" but from your own hands on the range experience?
If it ain't sub MOA, it does not have a place in my gun safe. I've been there and done that. My only exception is for the 450 BM since it's a under 100 yard gun for brush and blacktail deer.

I want my next 6.5 to be a tack driver, not "improved cylinder".

Your suggestions please.
Gos

[Wafavre2]

Start with the best barrel you can afford from Mark at PF and build from there, 18 or 20" rifle length gas and adjustable gas block. Then a LeRue 2stage trigger with a target butt stock with a Vortex scope. Start with factory Match loads and establish your base line accuracy then go to reloading to dial in best load for your rifle. Yes, delivery will be longer and when the barrel arrives it will get you to where you want to be real soon.

[A5BLASTER]

After 4 years and dozens of possible loading combinations, I've decided to start all over and get a new upper going on my AR15. I still like the ballistics of the 6.5 Grendel, so I'd like to get another upper but not the brand I just sold.

So,
Who's making respected tight grouping uppers these days that you can recommend; not from a "guy who knows a guy who read a story on line" but from your own hands on the range experience?
If it ain't sub MOA, it does not have a place in my gun safe. I've been there and done that. My only exception is for the 450 BM since it's a under 100 yard gun for brush and blacktail deer.

I want my next 6.5 to be a tack driver, not "improved cylinder".

Your suggestions please.
Gos

First we need to know what kind of barrel did you just sell?

That way we can give suggestions for a better barrel.

[mdram]

call mark at pf
he can do a barrel or a complete upper

[Kswhitetails]

Tack driver ARs are rare. Exceedingly rare. MOA is about right, and usually means the rifle can do better than most off the rack guns.

The key to the AR is the driver, not the car. If you’re not training yourself to use an AR, or if you’re comparing it to shooting a bolt or other precision rifle, then prepare to be disappointed. If you don’t already know what I mean, some reading/class work is in order before you move on. - no offense intended here sir, this is just a common situation I have noticed over the past several years. If you don’t know how to drive an AR, then your results will be mediocre at best no matter what rifle you get.

My current skill level is average MOA, but occasionally I can break that and get 1/2 to three-quarter.

I have spent at least as much on reloading components over the last six years as two or three high end competition rifles would cost. What I have learned is that the AR of good quality will shoot roughly MOA average groups with a competent shooter. If you’re looking for an AR that will beat that on a regular basis, first, be prepared to spend lots of money; second be prepared to train yourself when you don’t get the results you’re looking for right away.

If you understand what I mean by “driving an AR“ then most of this is probably not for you that may help someone else.


Like others above have said, Mark over at PF, JP, or two I would view as starting points. A small step from those would be the rest of the high end guys LaRue, CMMG, Wilson, etc...

[Gos]

I get that the AR Series can be a finicky piece to work with. I'll put the amount of AR's I've carried in the field or on patrol around a dozen since the late 70's. With bolt guns I know how to lap in lugs, true up bolt faces, quality triggers / mounts and Leupold Glass. I admit to lacking a good understanding of what items to address in order to squeeze out the best accuracy in AR platforms, so I resort to buying accuracy more than creating accuracy out of an off the rack gun. I then work up my loads off my own bench. You suggested some reading. Do you have a title for accurizing ARs?

[rabiddawg]

https://www.precisionfirearms.com/48m8/c...endel.html

Click, order, be patient, be happy.


Be patient. It will be worth the wait. I have two of marks uppers. One with Lilja and the other Bartlien. Both are great shooters but I would give the edge to Bartlien.

[Gos]

Start with the best barrel you can afford from Mark at PF and build from there, 18 or 20" rifle length gas and adjustable gas block. Then a LeRue 2stage trigger with a target butt stock with a Vortex scope. Start with factory Match loads and establish your base line accuracy then go to reloading to dial in best load for your rifle. Yes, delivery will be longer and when the barrel arrives it will get you to where you want to be real soon.

I already have an excellent lower with trigger and better glass than the Vortex, hence a new upper. I use two different scopes to proof out my loads depending on what I'm shooting, either a 3-18 Mark 6 or an older Leupold gold ring 24x fixed. I've yet to look through a Vortex that can keep up with either of these and I did not support Communist China with my purchases.

Thanks all for the upper / barrel selection suggestions. A few overtime checks (keep on protesting, it pays us well) and I'll be placing an order.

Stay Healthy. Stay Safe.
Gos

[FLshooter]

I’ve got news for you. Leupold parts are made in China.An acquaintance at the club told me, and I thought it was pulling my leg.I called Leopold myself. Their scopes are assembled in Beaverton,Orego,USA from both foreign and domestic parts.Glass is imported from Asia.
Bothered me at first, same as it did to know that Vortex is completely made in China. But once you start using the glass you’ll get over it. Both make very good scopes.

[Gos]

I’ve got news for you. Leupold parts are made in China.An acquaintance at the club told me, and I thought it was pulling my leg.I called Leopold myself. Their scopes are assembled in Beaverton,Orego,USA from both foreign and domestic parts.Glass is imported from Asia.
Bothered me at first, same as it did to know that Vortex is completely made in China. But once you start using the glass you’ll get over it. Both make very good scopes.

Not quite, and naughty you for saying so.
Glass is made in Asia, as in Japan, not china, with the rest of the parts being made in either USA or USA friendly countries.
If that ever changes, then I'll look elsewhere. Until then, I'll not support communist china who's government is bent on destroying the economy of our country.
I'm in contact with Leupold several times a year just to chase down some of the counterfeit crap that comes out of china.
Add to that their life time warranty and they are still good to go in my book, and agency.

PS. The link below is a good little write up a Leupold Facility tour. Very interesting reading.
https://www.chuckhawks.com/leupold_tour.htm

[burnsy13]

Vortex is definitely also not completely made in China. Their lower-cost (quality) optics source mostly from China, but get into the PST lines and up and you're seeing Phillipines and Japan as source countries, not China.

[Mesa1978]

i have a PF 24" Lilja Grendel that shoots 1/2 MOA with handloads, if I do my part with a SWFA 3x-15 and Geissele trigger on it. For the price of the PF upper I have a Savage 110 factory chassis in 6.5 Creedmoor with a cheap Vortex DB Tactical 6X-24 that will shoot one hole groups with handloads consistently.

The Savage is clunky crude and has a railroad track barrel, but punches above its weight in accuracy relative to price. The PF is great functioning and accurate as an AR can be as would be expected.