Your choice for a Grendel barrel

[Rockdoc173]

I'm building my first Grendel and am conflicted on which barrel to go with. Since I lack experience in this area I'm hoping y'all can weigh in with helpful advice. I've considered every 6.5G barrel ever made it seems but right now I'm leaning toward either the Brownells (Satern) or Odin. I almost went Shilen but I'm not willing to pay $500+ for an AR barrel, this being a casual range toy. I'd like to top out at about $400, better still is $350 for the barrel only. Opinions need not be restricted to these barrels, however I really would like some input on them since, at the moment, they are the top choices. Here is my selection criteria:
•18" (20" possible if I really like it)
•1:8 twist
•SS
•Medium to heavy contour
•Preferrably headspaced bolt included, even if I have to pay extra
•Preferrably black in color but I can alway Cerakote it if necessary
•Preferrably fluted but, again, it's not totally necessary because my interest is simply cosmetic. I don't plan on subjecting this rifle to long spans of hodge-killin' sustained fire.

This is going to be a range toy, built for punching paper between 500 and 1K yards as my expertise builds. It doesn't have to be the toughest, meanest, fastest, battle rifle ever to come to fruition.

Thanks for the help

http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/bar...x5+Grendel

https://www.odinworks.com/product_p/b-6.5-18-int.htm

[Fredman]

You don't think you'll shoot it much now, but it's addicting. I have a Les Baer tactical 223 that just sits in my safe. I always grab the Grendel. I like 20" barrels. Good compromise. Your budget is already at $400, the better the barrel the happier you'll be. Especially shooting long range. These are not barrel burners, so you may never need to replace it.

[bwaites]

You want accuracy, then go with a SAAMI barrel, (just so you know what the chamber actually is!) and spend a little more than you plan on, because, as Fredman mentions, you won't have to replace it for 5-10,000 rounds.

Under those constraints, I'd actually buy a cut rifled barrel, probably a Bartlein, or a button rifled Shilen or Lilja. They are worth the extra money when it comes right down to accuracy. Many rifles will shoot well at 100 yards, but will show their weakness out past 400. If you want to go to 1000, save a little longer and buy better. 80-90% of AR accuracy is in the barrel.

You MAY get a good Brownells barrel, (they are not Saterns, which are hand made cut rifled barrels) They are made by a company owned by Steve and Deb Satern, but are machine made button rifled barrels, sold otherwise under the Liberty banner. Some of them shoot very well, others are basically rack grade barrels. As with all budget barrels, sometimes you get a great one, other times, not so much.

I have talked with the folks from Odinworks, but I have not shot one of their rifles, nor have I talked to anyone who has, so you may be one of the test cases!

[A5BLASTER]

I belive Bwaites is correct about the brownell barrel, even though brownells list it as a satarn it is exactly the same barrel midway sells under their ARSTONER name and that barrel is made by liberty and only diffrence between the two is the arstoner barrel is offered in diffrent legnths and flutting where the brownells barrel is not.

I have the brownells barrel and it shoots very well for what I use it for, but I would not try target groups with it more then 400 yards.

My next barrell will most diffently be a saami specd barrel from PF.

[rball]

I bought a 20" Shilen (w/bolt) and so far have had pretty good luck from it. I have approximately 300 rounds though it, and am working up loads for it. Meanwhile, 20 factory Hornady 123 AMAX and and 20 fatory 123 SSX came in at .75-1.00 groups (5 shots/100 meters). Right now, the 107 Sierra Matchkings with TAC powder are "very impressive". 0.5", 5 shots, 100 meters. After about 300 rounds of various powders/primers/bullets, I am looking at different combinations, and once the weather warms up (~40 degrees F and higher), I will be getting serious try to develop a couple different loads.

[Rockdoc173]

Thanks for fixing me on the Brownells barrels guys. I remember reading just what you said somewhere, guess I had a bit of a brain toot.

Considering your advice, I'm now looking closely at the PF Criterion barrel. Opinions? With some options like Cerakote, bolt, etc. it comes in just over $500 which I can swallow, albeit uncomfortably. I've always considered myself an AR barrel snob but I've never spent that much on one barrel. LOL I agree though, I'd rather put more money on a great barrel than anything else. The only real downside is that it takes SOOOOO long to get it. 6-8 weeks!

[Rockdoc173]

Also, as far as muzzle brakes go, can I use a standard .30cal brake or should go with one dedicated for the 6.5G?

[COTNTOP]

Rainier has an 18in. Shilen in the contour you are looking for. I read where factory ammo was shooting 3/4in. The ultramatch barrels shoot really good.

[Rockdoc173]

I really like that Rainier. I was actually thinking of using one of their .223 Wylde barr lbs on my next build. It says it utilizes a "Shilen blanks and contoured to our specifications." Forgive my ignorance, but do I assume correctly that the blank's rifling is cut by Shilen and then shipped to Rainier who then contours it?

[COTNTOP]

My best guess is that Rainier only chambers, all blanks I ever ordered came with the contour from manufacturer. I called and asked about guarantee, they said satisfaction guaranteed. Bought a couple of the lightweight AA 16in. fluted barrels. They function great, easy on brass but cannot give accuracy report as of yet. Tried 123 Amax and 123 Scenar and only getting 1 MOA.

[Maddvaper]

I broke down and called Saturn/Liberty barrels last week nd purchased a 20" SS 1-8 twist med contour 6.5 grendel (ll) barrel and bolt for $315 shipped. They don't have them on the website but they do have them in stock.Didn't receive yesterday because of snow but am excited to see how it does.....

[Vasux86]

I would recommend calling PF and seeing what they have on hand. Several people have gotten barrels much faster than the lead time listed on the website. You may get lucky and find that they have something you are interested in on hand.

[Vasux86]

Thanks for fixing me on the Brownells barrels guys. I remember reading just what you said somewhere, guess I had a bit of a brain toot.

Considering your advice, I'm now looking closely at the PF Criterion barrel. Opinions? With some options like Cerakote, bolt, etc. it comes in just over $500 which I can swallow, albeit uncomfortably. I've always considered myself an AR barrel snob but I've never spent that much on one barrel. LOL I agree though, I'd rather put more money on a great barrel than anything else. The only real downside is that it takes SOOOOO long to get it. 6-8 weeks!

I would recommend calling PF and seeing what they have on hand. Several people have gotten barrels much faster than the lead time listed on the website. You may get lucky and find that they have something you are interested in on hand.

[dammitman]

when you look at the PF website its no wonder the possible lead times are what they are. look at the schedule for shows. i dont know how many folks Mark has working for him but it looks like a show every weekend all year and some like shot show during the week. if you figure drive time and loading/unloading that leaves maybe 2-3 days a week for building. tough schedule. if i lived close to him i would apply to work!

[dfp23]

Rocdoc- I would agree with comments about getting a barrel from PF. Superb craftsmanship and attention to detail. It is well worth the wait. I have 24" Bartlein from PF and it is an absolute tack driver. Hitting steel out to 1200 all day long and grouping less moa at a 1000- pretty dam good for a gas gun. I would have never thought- I just ordered 16" Lothar Walter barrel from PF for a light weight build... Should be here any day now...

[Rockdoc173]

I have to say, I'm really excited about this build. I've always believed that an AR15 platform is a <700-800yd gun. This will stretch my capabilities and thats what its all about to me.

[Optiskate]

I just snagged an Odin Works 20" SS rifle gas 1:8 twist barrel with a matched odin works complete bcg and low pro gas block for $313 from primary arms. While my project rifle isn't complete yet, the quality appears to be good. I've heard nothing but good things about their barrels as well. Seems to be a pretty good deal for the money too. They have an 18" too.

[Keep The Change]

Rockdoc, I 2nd the other comments about Precision Firearms (PF). He may have what you want in stock and have a couple of diff brands to consider. Also, PR muzzle brakes are good from what I've read and seen in muzzle brake competitions.

If you get a SS barrel somewhere else or from PF, he can get it melonited for you and increase the life further. I sent a 24" SS barrel to him with interrupted fluting and I think he charged $50. It came out looking really nice satin finish. Looks great.

I also purchased their muzzle brake. Mark is a good guy and they have supported the Grendel round and been active in this forum and supporting us 6.5 Grendel heads.