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+--- Thread: Barrel advice (/showthread.php?tid=18763)
Barrel advice - Jeepster18_88 - 04-15-2019
I've decided to go ahead and swap out my BCA barrel myself but I don't have a couple of months to wait for a Krieger or similar quality barrel. I've been reading reviews all over and it honestly seems like the Grendel is abnormally difficult to build a barrel for and I don't understand why. Reviews are either extremely great or exceptionally horrible and it doesn't seem to matter what manufacturer it is. That brings me to back to this forum and the wisdom that y'all have collected.
I want a 18-20" barrel and since I'm already set up for RLGS, I don't see a reason to change that but I will if needed. I prefer a lighter weight barrel as I do a lot of walking and this is a hunting rifle. I have many rifles so I would really like this to be a shooter with at least one factory load and especially with handloads, preferably with the SST, but that seems to be asking a lot from the Grendel.
I've found a Faxon Gunner 18" MLGS, Odin Works 20" with free adjustable gas block, Ballistic Advantage 18" fluted, 18" Satern MLGS, Faxon Heavy fluted 18" MLGS, and a Criterion 18". The weight from lightest to heaviest here is the Gunner, BA Fluted, Faxon Heavy fluted, then the 3 non fluted. There's also the Group Buy but it's pretty heavy too.
Do any of these options stand out as a better choice over the others as far as consistently being more accurate in the Grendel chambering? Do any of these choices have a history of liking the SST load?
I'm leaning towards the Faxon Gunner simply due to the weight, but it's not a lot lighter than the next two fluted options. I do like the black color better in the woods also. Thanks for any advice.
Barrel advice - ricsmall - 04-15-2019
If you don’t have time to wait on PF, go with the 18” JP rifles barrel. I’ve built three and they all shoot the SST factory loads into less than moa. It’s RLGS as well, and you can get an optional black finish which is extremely durable.
Barrel advice - A5BLASTER - 04-15-2019
ricsmall Wrote:If you don’t have time to wait on PF, go with the 18” JP rifles barrel. I’ve built three and they all shoot the SST factory loads into less than moa. It’s RLGS as well, and you can get an optional black finish which is extremely durable.
X2 on this. Had one myself great barrel, my best friend and his son have it now and it's still smoking critters.
Had the 20 inch group buy as well and didn't feel it was heavy at all. BFT did a hell of a job setting this barrels up to be stiff and lighter in weight then most, they shoot good too.
Barrel advice - ricsmall - 04-15-2019
A5 reminded me, those group buy barrels from GM are shooters from what I’ve read. I do have a 12” group buy I bought off a member here and in pistol configuration I’m easily ringing steel at 300 off truck mirror. I do like the contour BFT specified on these as well.
Barrel advice - rabiddawg - 04-15-2019
Here is one
http://www.65grendel.com/forum/showthread.php?19594-Wts-larue-grendel-18
Barrel advice - Jeepster18_88 - 04-15-2019
Thanks for the help. JP doesn't state the weight of their barrel but it's a light contour. The GB says that it weighs 36.2 oz where the Faxon Gunner is 25.28 and the fluted heavy is 28.96. That's almost 3/4 lb and 1/2 lb heavier respectively. Sounds like a great deal but I carry it walking for several miles so any weight savings is appreciated. JP will take an extra 2 weeks to get it coated black from them so it might be a future build. I might be building several uppers as a family gift soon so the cheaper option does sound good, but since I'm the only reloader, they have to shoot factory ammo well. Decisions decisions.
Barrel advice - Bigs28 - 04-15-2019
I would call precision firearms as well. He sometimes has barrels ready to ship.
Barrel advice - Popeye212 - 04-15-2019
Bigs28 Wrote:I would call precision firearms as well. He sometimes has barrels ready to ship.
What Bigs28 said, saw a review on a JP last night wasn't impressed. Course it was up against a Krieger.
Barrel advice - hill37 - 04-15-2019
Since Wilson combat is local to me ,Ill suggest their 18" Recon Tactical $285 meets most of your requirements. Weighs about 2lbs though and I don't know how it shoots SST's. Multiple colors available says black in stock for $40 extra.https://shopwilsoncombat.com/6-5-Grendel/products/1044/
Barrel advice - centerfire - 04-15-2019
Popeye212 Wrote:What Bigs28 said, saw a review on a JP last night wasn't impressed. Course it was up against a Krieger.
If you look around you'll find quite a few mediocre reviews of JP barrels.
I'm a fan of Proof Research and Rainier Arms Ultra barrels.
I wish WOA made a Grendel barrel.
Barrel advice - Lightning8 - 04-15-2019
I have good luck with ARP barrels in 6.8 and 6.5G. He is closing out his remaining 18" 6.5G barrels (he is biased toward 6.8) https://www.ar15performance.com/inc/sdetail/38016/45465
Barrel advice - A5BLASTER - 04-15-2019
Lightning8 Wrote:I have good luck with ARP barrels in 6.8 and 6.5G. He is closing out his remaining 18" 6.5G barrels (he is biased toward 6.8) https://www.ar15performance.com/inc/sdetail/38016/45465
Biased is putting it lightly. Very very lightly lmao.
Barrel advice - Jakal - 04-16-2019
Lilja,
http://riflebarrels.com/product-category/drop-in-barrels/ar/ar15/65-grendel/
Barrel advice - Mesa1978 - 04-16-2019
Lilja is good, my 24" PF upper shoots very well, as does my 20" Shilen. I assembled the Shilen from a Midway barrel. The Lilja shoots all bullet weights very well, 130's are too much for my Shilen, 2 MOA at best. I also got lucky with a 5R Stoner barrel, it shoots well.
Barrel advice - Jakal - 04-16-2019
I forgot about Eabco.com selling Ballistic Advantage barrels.
BA was bought by AeroPrecision.
Here is a link to their Grendel barrel. They have a matched bolt also.
https://www.eabco.net/65-Grendel-AR15-Barrel-18-Sporter-SPR-Premium-Series-18_p_15720.html
Barrel advice - Popeye212 - 04-16-2019
Jeepster Might want to check here. I am about to get a BA .223 Wylde barrel for the M&P Sport and these guys continually have the best prices I have bought from them before and get brass from them.
https://www.armorally.com/product-category/ar-parts/ar-barrels/?filter_caliber=6-5-grendel&v=7516fd43adaa
Here's another one
https://www.graniteridgeoutfitters.com/65-Grendel_c123.htm
Barrel advice - Msalm - 04-17-2019
"I have good luck with ARP barrels in 6.8 and 6.5G. He is closing out his remaining 18" 6.5G barrels (he is biased toward 6.8) https://www.ar15performance.com/inc/sdetail/38016/45465 "
A5BLASTER Wrote:Biased is putting it lightly. Very very lightly lmao.
I agree with both of the above, and I'll also give a thumbs up for the quality of the product. The two 20" Grendel barrels I bought from him were hand lapped Criterion barrels with exceptional finish on the interior and shot 1/2 MOA...maybe one of the best values out there. He favors the 6.8 iterations no doubt, but his Grendel barrels do shoot incredibly well.
Barrel advice - Jeepster18_88 - 04-17-2019
Thank you all for your input. The ARP barrel sounds to fit the bill but it's MLGS is my only reservation. I have an 18" Diamondback MLGS that operates fine but the Hornady ELD-M factory load is getting ejector swipes. I'm not sure if a heavier buffer or adjustable gas block will correct this. Any thoughts regarding that?
Barrel advice - Popeye212 - 04-17-2019
That ejector swipe is a common issue in the Hornady Black mine had them when I got some of the Black for brass. I think in that particular ammo it is a non issue. YMMV
Barrel advice - drewthebrave - 04-19-2019
Lots of good info in this thread. Like the OP, I'm looking to upgrade from my 16" Anderson barrel to something a little better suited for precision shooting. I'll only be shooting factory ammo for the foreseeable future and was leaning towards a GB Monster barrel in 18" or 20".
However, that deal on the ARP barrel seems like a no-brainer. From what I've read, their barrels are shooters. Is there any reason NOT to go with that option for under $200? I'm dang near ready to place the order!