School Me On Grendel Barrels

[Turpentine]

I have done several 20 and 18 inch Grendel’s. For a 20, I like a rifle length gas system and a 1in9 twist. I don’t care for 1in8 with a 20 and the ones I’ve dealt with seem to be more finicky. Bill Alexander talked about this in his testing with 20” barrels. Mine will shoot. But it likes heavies or prefers that I back off of the charge a little on 123s.
For the 18” barrels, RLGS has done fine with 123s but I like the Intermediate Gas better for all around use.
The last three barrels I have used have been AA barrels. 2 Fluted 20s and a Fluted 18. The fluted 18 is very light and with Aero parts predominantly the one I did last week came in at 7 pounds empty. Too light for me but I didn’t build this one for myself. The gas ports on each of these was sized perfectly. All three have shot well. I hand load and am still in development but accuracy hasn’t been an Issue. I went with a AA bolt in all 3 and would recommend if you go this route to use the AA gas block as it covers the stainless steel journal completely and the detents match.
It’s just me and my preference but I prefer a naked 20 with a thread protector. It may not look as cool but it’s easier on my ears.