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+--- Thread: Barrel choices (/showthread.php?tid=20848)
Barrel choices - Twiztids4 - 03-18-2020
Hey guys Ive had 2 Grendel uppers in the past but wanted to build one myself this time. Going on a spikes billet build, Im torn with what barrel to get. Looking for 18, nothing too heavy but definitely not a pencil barrel either. Medium contour or maybe slightly heavier if its fluted. It looks like decent brands for the build I have seen are Sandors, Ballistic Advantage, Black Hole, Faxon and Odin. I like that Odin had a drop in kit (gas block, BCG, etc) It also seems like most ppl are swapping out the Odin adjustable block it comes with. There is so much between the type 1, type 2, SAAMI, etc that I would like to keep the bolt and barrel the same. Definitely want sub MOA. Looking to spend up to 500-550 for the barrel, bolt and gas block. Please let me know what you guys would pick and why. It seems like the 5R you get better velocity for the same length barrel. Id also prefer nitride and if it isnt then a matte finish instead of shiny stainless.
Barrel choices - rabiddawg - 03-18-2020
Call Mark at Precision Firearms. The Criterion barrels may be in your price range.
If you go that route, be aware his lead times are often longer than projected. Worth it though.
Barrel choices - biodsl - 03-18-2020
It sounds like you already recognized that Black Hole Weaponry barrels are head spaced for a .125 bolt and have a .264LBC chamber. I have a BHW 22" bought when they still did Type II head spacing. It shoots lights out but I don't think I'd have done it with a .125. It's a shame; exceeding accurate for the money.
Barrel choices - Twiztids4 - 03-18-2020
Thanks for the quick response. Since Ill have some time off with these current events Im mostly looking for something I can buy tomorrow and build in the next week or two. The wife likes puzzles, I prefer tinkering on things. Out of the brands Ive listed Ive found them all in stock. Even the Criterion you mentioned. Is that a better choice over the other brands? I also want it to be able to shoot steel cased ok. I was reading the compound throat is better than a parallel one and the 6.5 chamber is better than the .264. There is so much bad info and retailers not even properly describing items that its near impossible to navigate this without some knowledge from someone here.
Barrel choices - rebby - 03-18-2020
Would a 16" work? If so, the current Lilja group buy barrel might be exactly what you're looking for (can bead blast matte or refinish in cerakote even). At this time we're not doing an 18" barrel and a Lilja closer to that length would slide just outside of your budget.
ETA - Just saw your latest post, Lilja GB might not work for you after all.
Barrel choices - Twiztids4 - 03-18-2020
Can you send me a link? If people are having good ballistics with the 16 maybe Ill buy one for a future build and something else in the meantime.
Barrel choices - rebby - 03-18-2020
Twiztids4 Wrote:Can you send me a link? If people are having good ballistics with the 16 maybe Ill buy one for a future build and something else in the meantime.
http://www.65grendel.com/forum/showthread.php?21629-Lilja-10-5-quot-12-5-quot-16-quot-Barrels-(option-for-complete-upper-round-2)
Barrel choices - mdram - 03-18-2020
criterion also has a hybrid 18" on thier website
https://criterionbarrels.com/products/ar-15/6-5-grendel-ar-15/criterion-stock-model-6-5-grendel-ar-15-barrels/
Barrel choices - biodsl - 03-18-2020
mdram Wrote:criterion also has a hybrid 18" on thier website
https://criterionbarrels.com/products/ar-15/6-5-grendel-ar-15/criterion-stock-model-6-5-grendel-ar-15-barrels/
So here you go. Available today only on Optics Planet for an additional 10% off using the code PADDY. A 18" Criterion with rifle length gas system for $270.
https://www.opticsplanet.com/criterion-barrels-ar-15-hybrid-contour-6-5-grendel-barrel.html?_iv_code=2RR-BRI-65GSHY-65G18S-HY12
Barrel choices - mdram - 03-18-2020
biodsl Wrote:So here you go. Available today only on Optics Planet for an additional 10% off using the code PADDY. A 18" Criterion with rifle length gas system for $270.
https://www.opticsplanet.com/criterion-barrels-ar-15-hybrid-contour-6-5-grendel-barrel.html?_iv_code=2RR-BRI-65GSHY-65G18S-HY12
given optics planets history and lack of inventory reality, it says 5 left, i dont know if they actually have it
Barrel choices - Twiztids4 - 03-18-2020
Thanks for all the links gentlemen. So the criterion would be your best choice for the name brand barrels that are ready to ship (Odin, criterion, ballistic advantage, etc)? Do the shoot sub Moa? Ive had good luck with Optics Planet the last few months. Although I do have an order pending from December that everything was in stock and Im still missing half of it. I was told Id get weekly updates and that hasnt happened either. As far as Lija barrels, what is the barrel life on them? It seems everyone loves them but I read the 3 groove is very hard on bullets and was giving barrels shorter life.
Barrel choices - Twiztids4 - 03-18-2020
Also does anyone know if any of these companies use the original compound Grendel throat? Id prefer that if possible.
Barrel choices - hill37 - 03-18-2020
Wilson Combat has this in stock.https://shopwilsoncombat.com/Match-Grade-Barrel-65-Grendel-Recon-Tactical-18-1-8-Twist-Stainless-Fluted/productinfo/TR-65GRCRG18FT8/ Meets most of your requests but out of stock.
Barrel choices - A5BLASTER - 03-18-2020
Twiztids4 Wrote:Thanks for the quick response. Since Ill have some time off with these current events Im mostly looking for something I can buy tomorrow and build in the next week or two. The wife likes puzzles, I prefer tinkering on things. Out of the brands Ive listed Ive found them all in stock. Even the Criterion you mentioned. Is that a better choice over the other brands? I also want it to be able to shoot steel cased ok. I was reading the compound throat is better than a parallel one and the 6.5 chamber is better than the .264. There is so much bad info and retailers not even properly describing items that its near impossible to navigate this without some knowledge from someone here.
If you want it to shoot steel case wolf to a ok group size. You better get a barrel from AA. All the 3r and 5r rifled barrels won't shoot it as good as AA's 6 groove Enfield rifled barrels.
Barrel choices - Twiztids4 - 03-19-2020
Thanks for all the info gentlemen. Has anyone ever used an Adam Arms piston conversion kit on their Grendel? I used to have a complete AA upper and loved how clean it ran. Didnt know if it would run good for a grendel. Also what gas. Also what gas black do you guys prefer? Ive always been a non adjustable guy but lately Ive picked up a few bullpups that required them (RDB and RFB) and they are pretty sweet. Superlative seems to have a new Bleed off style that is very similar to Keltecs and it seems like that would be the way to go if you were going adjustable.
Barrel choices - lazyengineer - 03-19-2020
I went through 2 barrels without satisfaction for accuracy. For my 3rd, I went with Alexander Arms, and am happy. I would have gotten the criterion, but for that project it needed to be a 20", which Criterion I guess doesn't make, since all I see from them are 18 and 22. If your project is more general, and 18" will do - then I'd get that Criterion deal.
I will say, I found some quotes from Bill Alexander here, that I found very helpful:
http://www.65grendel.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-1854.html
Quote:When we were first working on the Grendel we followed what everyone said about 6.5 calibers and made the barrels with 8 twist rifling. Some barrels would shoot but more often than not the groups were open and the guns were tempremental. One of the very early test rigs had run a 9 twist and it actually shot well despite a less than optimum chamber so out of frustration we ignored conventional wisdom and build some 9 twist units at 24" and 20" barrel lengths. The change in accuracy for the group as a whole was unquestionable. Subsequent production of 9 twist barrels has proven that this is optimum for the caliber.
One of the contributors to the 9 twist is actually the Grendel itself. Pressure limits the ability to slug the bullet to the grooves and the case capacity holds the round to lighter bullets. The 168 grain roundnose nickel steel projectiles are simply not a consideration any more than the 142 and 155 grain SMKs
We have tested barrels as short as 14.5" in 9 twist (not recommended use 1:7.5 this short) with projectiles up to 152 grains and both accuracy and stability are maintained. Equally we have run 9 twist barrels out to 1600 yards (12" group) and the round remains stable and it would appear accurate through the transition velocity. Longer 8 twist barrels often demand velocity reduction for best accuracy
It is our conclusion that the 9 twist offers the best solution for the Grendel for barrels of 20" and longer while the 18" and shorter barrels thrive on 7.5 twist.
I will say, my 20" Alexander Arms with 1/9, shoots well; and I too found my 1/8 barrels temperamental (but then, mine weren't exactly Ljija BBL's either).