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03-27-2023, 01:14 AM
(This post was last modified: 03-27-2023, 01:18 AM by Eye_guy.)
I own several grendels already, all set up for hunting. Thinking about getting a range toy, meaning weight isnt a huge issue. Id like to build a tack driver, my local range goes to 600 yards so looking to hit good groups to that distance. Started buying some odds and ends parts as they go on sale. Full disclosure, Im not 100% decided if Im going to go 6.5 Grendel or 5.56. In either event, Im thinking of getting a krieger barrel. A couple questions are:
What barrel/length/profile would you recommend for 5.56 or Grendel?
I dont see a reason to not do a matched bolt, but interested in thoughts there as well.
Who would you order from?
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Eye,
Krieger sells barrels in various states of finish direct to the public via their website. If you want the finished/assembled product then source through a reputable gunsmith. If you source through a gunsmith then there are a handful of other manufacturers that are in the same league as Krieger worth considering, for example Bartlein.
As for length/profile, what sort of gun are you shooting?
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I bought mine from precision firearms and i would not buy one from anyone else.
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Klem Wrote:Eye,
As for length/profile, what sort of gun are you shooting?
I should have noted, this is an AR-15 platform.
Ive certainly considered Bartlein, Im 60-40 Krieger vs Bartlein. If Bartlein has much better availability id probably opt that route.
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Neither Krieger or Bartlein sell Grendel drop-ins. You can however buy 6.5mm barrel blanks directly from them and find someone reputable to profile it for you. Then assemble it yourself or commission them to do the whole upper.
Another option if wanting to assemble the upper yourself. Lilja sells Grendel drop-ins and they are Olympic-quality match barrels. In an AR I'd say they are on par with Krieger.
If shooting from the bench in an AR you cannot really go longer than 24", however 18 or 20" will do fine, be reliable, and easily hit 600yds without issue.
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From reading the forums Id check out Precision Firearms, Craddock Precision, Compass Lake Engineering, White Oak Armory and Les Baer. If your going to shoot past 800 yards you might consider 6 ARC if you have a place to shoot longer range. Id expect to wait a few months for a barrel from any of these custom shops. If your wanting a barrel sooner Lilja get very good reviews.
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I bought my .223 chambered AR barrel direct from Kreiger. I got a 24" for a Hipower match rifle. In hindsight, 24" is too long, and the .223 chamber has a short throat which limits me to mag length loads. I'd recommend no longer than 20" with a Wylde chamber, HBAR profile.
It's a great barrel, but I hardly ever shoot it anymore. I need to find a smith to rechamber it to Wylde. It's a fluted barrel so cutting it down isn't an option.
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You can get a drop in grendel barrel directly from krieger, I know this because I have one. Expect a very long wait time though.
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I'd order from Compass Lake Engineering for Grendel or White Oak Precision for .223. White Oak Armament would probably be fine too. Precision is the true custom arm of White Oak. Call the shops and talk to them about lead times, etc. I abandoned my last effort at a cut-rifled barrel due to lead times for Kreiger and Bartlein blanks. They might be better now.
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