Thoughts/advice on a new build

[Txdiver]

Hello,

I have few .223 guns and would like to try put together a 6.5 Grendel build. I am looking for something that is accurate for paper targets <800 yards and could also be used to hunt deer/hogs at shorter distances. I will mainly be shooting the gun suppressed. I am slowly buying stuff as it becomes available but I don’t want to buy a component that isn’t a good fit.

So far I have: Aero lower & upper, Aero 15” handguard, cmmg lower parts kit, aero upper parts kit, bravo b5 stock, Harris bipod with ADM qd.

Parts I still need:

Barrel - 18-20 inches, budget is about $400
Gas tube & gas block - should I go adjustable?
BCG - I was thinking of just an Aero type II but I don’t know if I should worry about head spacing
Trigger - thinking MBT 2-stage
Buffer system - any thoughts on what type of buffer?
Charging handle - was thinking PRI gas buster
Muzzle device - I may skip this and direct thread or use a YHM QD muzzle brake since my suppressors already have the YHM adaptors

Does anyone have any thoughts/advice about my prospective build so far?

Thanks!

[BVickery1974]

When I looked for information, I was told of these 3 critical parts to the Grendel - Barrel, Bolt, Trigger.

That being said:

Barrel - PF 6.5mm Grendel 20" Polished $50 more, but well worth it from all I have read on the internet. This is the instock option, and I would ask them if they can match a bolt for you. \

Barrel Option 2 - Let them make you the barrel (looking at long wait time) and also fit the bolt for you and includes their carrier - $605

BCG - see above.

Trigger - I have the MBT-2 but availability may be an issue. If you can hold off til November, may be able to score a Geissele SSA-E for about $160

Buffer system - VLTOR A5 no questions. It is in essence taking a rifle length spring and using a bit longer tube. Really tones down recoil.

Charging Handle - I love my Radian Raptors or BCM Gunfighter.

I know Klem, A5Blaster will come in and pretty much echo what I said about Barrel, Bolt and Trigger. I followed them and I am in LOVE with my build.

[Lastrites]

Barrel I would chose would come from Lilja, rebby on this site may be able to set up for one as he does "group buys pretty often".

[VASCAR2]

If your using a suppressor I’d recommend an adjustable gas block. If I was using a suppressor I’d use an 18” barrel with rifle length gas system. Lilja, Precision Firearms, JP, Criterion, Rock Creek, Bartlein, Satern cut rifled and Shilen get good reviews.

[Txdiver]

Thanks for the all advice! I have what may be a stupid question. I have only assembled one AR in the past. Should I be worried about having a less accurate gun if I do the assembly myself? I guess I don’t know if there are any nuisances in the build process that are needed to have a high quality barrel shoot as well as it should.

[Mesa1978]

Just make sure of your torques and alignments and you will be fine, every bit as accurate as a factory gun, if not better.

[VASCAR2]

The fit between the barrel and upper receiver needs to be snug or tight. BCM upper receivers usually need the barrel frozen and the upper warm to get the barrel seated for a thermal fit. Using shimming material or Loctite can be used where the fit is not optimal. I have a Friend who will lap the face of the receiver to ensure it is square. With a quality barrel, good ammo and a properly installed barrel normally provide good results.

There have been forum members who have seen improved accuracy after ensuring the barrel was bedded and the barrel nut torqued properly. Every barrel is unique but generally quality barrels produce good accuracy with a wider variety of ammo. The proper, barrel chamber, gas port size, gas block, gas tube alignment, buffer and spring account for the reliability in cycling.