Which chamber for a custom bolt gun?
#1
So I've had a CZ 527 Grendel conversion on the back burner for a while now, and I'm ready to "pull-the-trigger" and get the build going. The problem is, nobody is making a pre-fit (or as "pre-fit" as a CZ barrel can be) 6.5 Grendel barrel. There are 6.5 GREN MATCH, 6.5 SAOD, 6.5 CSS and .264 LBC barrels out there, but no actual 6.5 Grendel barrels.

I suppose I could get a barrel blank and reamer, but that's beyond the scope of this project and, to the best of my knowledge, nobody is making an off-the-shelf 6.5 Grendel (licensed) reamer anyway.

Now, I (think I) understand the slight differences betwen the chambers, but I'm not sure which one I should go with. So... Which one would you suggest for a bolt-gun build?
Reply
#2
Hooz,

There have been some Grendels built on the bolt platform. The guy here with the most knowledge went by the handle of stokesrj on the old board.

He is very willing to help out, and if you hang on I'm sure he'll show back up in the near future. I've actually been trying to send him an email, but the email I had for him bounces.
Reply
#3
I'm getting ready to also pull the trigger on bolt rifle in a savage build for the grendel. I'll probably use the CSS barrel, only thing I think I will have an issue with is getting a bolt head for it, I think the closet one that will fit is the 7.62x39 bolt head that savage sells.
Reply
#4
Gents,
Does anyone know who manufactures reamers for the Grendel?
Thanks.
Reply
#5
For a reamer give Dave a call at http://www.pacifictoolandgauge.com/

Don't expect a reply to e-mail or to find it advertised on their web site.

The Savage bolt head for the 7.62x39 is not close, it is the proper size.
Reply
#6
Doug are you saying that the 7.62x39 bolt head is "the one"?
Reply
#7
hawkinpup Wrote:Doug are you saying that the 7.62x39 bolt head is "the one"?

Yes, it is "The One".
Reply
#8
Welcome back, Kitsap!!!
Reply
#9
bwaites Wrote:Welcome back, Kitsap!!!

Bill,

Thanks. Glad to see this place back up and running!!!!
Reply
#10
I thouht I had read the CZ 527 in 762x39 can be reamed to the 65 grendel with a pacific tool reamer. Wasn't it in an article somewhere?

Check out 6mmbr.com for barrels.
Reply
#11
Quote:I thouht I had read the CZ 527 in 762x39 can be reamed to the 65 grendel with a pacific tool reamer.

You could probably ream the chamber out but good luck shrinking the bore down to 6.5mm
Reply
#12
Don't quote me on that, just something I came across somewhere.
Reply
#13
Hooz Wrote:So I've had a CZ 527 Grendel conversion on the back burner for a while now, and I'm ready to "pull-the-trigger" and get the build going. The problem is, nobody is making a pre-fit (or as "pre-fit" as a CZ barrel can be) 6.5 Grendel barrel.

CSS offers prefit 6.5 barrels for the CZ 527:

http://www.competitionshooting.com/catal...ry33/p1619
Reply
#14
But that's not an actual 6.5 Grendel chamber. That's why I asked the original question... Which "non-Grendel" chamber is best for a bolt gun?

There are a ton of people out there building barrels that will work with 6.5 Grendel ammo, but I'm looking for the best, most accurate one.
Reply
#15
Hooz Wrote:But that's not an actual 6.5 Grendel chamber. That's why I asked the original question... Which "non-Grendel" chamber is best for a bolt gun?

There are a ton of people out there building barrels that will work with 6.5 Grendel ammo, but I'm looking for the best, most accurate one.

All other barrel aspects being equal, the CSS chamber should be equal to or better than the Grendel in terms of accuracy. I think the primary difference between the two is the tighter neck of the CSS. I believe both have compound-angle throats.

As for pre-fit options, the CSS might be the only one. Obviously, a custom job expands the options, but also the cost and time frame.
Reply
#16
Drifter Wrote:All other barrel aspects being equal, the CSS chamber should be equal to or better than the Grendel in terms of accuracy. I think the primary difference between the two is the tighter neck of the CSS. I believe both have compound-angle throats.

As for pre-fit options, the CSS might be the only one. Obviously, a custom job expands the options, but also the cost and time frame.

Please explain your basis for this quote! I am interested in hearing why this should be the case.

Bill Alexander
Reply
#17
Bill Alexander Wrote:Please explain your basis for this quote! I am interested in hearing why this should be the case.

Bill Alexander

Just a general speculation due to supposed tighter neck design.

Perhaps you can share the differences in design and performance of the chambers so that we'll know (rather than speculate) going forward. Please set us (especially me) straight. -Thanks
Reply
#18
Drifter Wrote:Just a general speculation due to supposed tighter neck design.

Perhaps you can share the differences in design and performance of the chambers so that we'll know (rather than speculate) going forward. Please set us (especially me) straight. -Thanks

Do you mean other than the fact that he spent a ton of money and time on researching the best design and actaully evaluated the other design before ditching it?
Reply
#19
Play nice boys!

Please don't create a fight where there is none! From what Drifter says, he is making a supposition based upon years of bench rest and long range competition with bolt guns, that doesn't necessarily apply to gas guns.

As one of our members signatures reads: "In Theory there is no difference between Theory and Practice, in Practice, there is."

Every decision in firearm design is a compromise of some sort.

Bill Alexander does a wonderful job explaining why he made that decision, lets give him a chance to do so if he desires, without creating a big issue over it.
Reply
#20
I suppose Bill Waites is right (again!).

Sorry rather abrupt on this and I will take the time to explain how the chambers work and why we went the way we did.

Give me a little time to draft something and I will get it posted.

Regarding a bolt action, quite honestly the Grendel chamber is not the place to start if you are chasing the Benchrest bug. It is too much of a compromise and does not get the best from the cartridge if the requirement to run in full auto is removed.

Bill Alexander
Reply


Forum Jump:


Users browsing this thread: 1 Guest(s)