02-28-2016, 11:10 PM
The patent does not actually appear to have any bearing on Beowulf/Grendel bolts, rather it relates to a bolt and extension with dimensions extended from that of a regular AR15 but still dimensioned to fit within the existing AR15 receiver. It seems pretty specific to a 0.475" rim on such a bolt but with a short cartridge of 2.250" length.
As such it does not overlap the work by Remington or any of the AR10 types.
One wonders if as much effort was extended in developing the weapon and ammunition as writing the patents. While such a bolt/extension is feasible the constraints of the small frame gun does not allow a double stack magazine. Changing the receiver to suit allows a quick sidestep of the patent. Equally the chamber wall thickness of such a design is marginal with an efficient operating pressure and the barrel tennon will be at a limit under the head thrust.
It is relatively easy to significantly increase the strength of the Grendel bolt. In doing so it would be possible to move to a near optimum 58K psi. Albeit we would have to adjust the cases. The constraint is the barrel itself and the threaded connection. Unless correctly redesigned it stretches over time and the barrel is found to be loose. Even as we are now the extension has design changes to limit this effect.
As such it does not overlap the work by Remington or any of the AR10 types.
One wonders if as much effort was extended in developing the weapon and ammunition as writing the patents. While such a bolt/extension is feasible the constraints of the small frame gun does not allow a double stack magazine. Changing the receiver to suit allows a quick sidestep of the patent. Equally the chamber wall thickness of such a design is marginal with an efficient operating pressure and the barrel tennon will be at a limit under the head thrust.
It is relatively easy to significantly increase the strength of the Grendel bolt. In doing so it would be possible to move to a near optimum 58K psi. Albeit we would have to adjust the cases. The constraint is the barrel itself and the threaded connection. Unless correctly redesigned it stretches over time and the barrel is found to be loose. Even as we are now the extension has design changes to limit this effect.