12-29-2013, 05:48 AM
I'm looking for some expert metallurgical and barrel-making advice. Here is some background:
I've built two successful MLGS Grendels and while both function flawlessly, my biggest gripe is the barrel weight. I’m envious of the ultra-lightweight CLGS 5.56 ARs I built for my boys using Daniel Defense LW (pencil-contour) barrels (https://danieldefense.com/16-5-56mm-1-7-lw-profile.html). The 5.56 weighs 1.5 lbs lighter than my Grendel.
Since nobody makes a pencil-contour Grendel barrel, my gunsmith has offered to trim down a Grendel AR barrel for me. He’s competent and started his own business after working at Lilja, but I don’t want to get myself into trouble by trimming too much strength off a barrel. If memory serves, Grendel SAAMI pressures are equal to or slightly lower than 5.56.
I’ve had my eye on the Black Hole Weaponry polygonal-rifled barrels for a while and thought I might give them a try for this project. Using the cold hammer forged chrome moly vanadium Daniel Defense LW barrel as a guide, am I safe to trim a 416R stainless steel barrel to the same dimensions (adding .040” for the difference between .224” and .264” bores)?
I've built two successful MLGS Grendels and while both function flawlessly, my biggest gripe is the barrel weight. I’m envious of the ultra-lightweight CLGS 5.56 ARs I built for my boys using Daniel Defense LW (pencil-contour) barrels (https://danieldefense.com/16-5-56mm-1-7-lw-profile.html). The 5.56 weighs 1.5 lbs lighter than my Grendel.
Since nobody makes a pencil-contour Grendel barrel, my gunsmith has offered to trim down a Grendel AR barrel for me. He’s competent and started his own business after working at Lilja, but I don’t want to get myself into trouble by trimming too much strength off a barrel. If memory serves, Grendel SAAMI pressures are equal to or slightly lower than 5.56.
I’ve had my eye on the Black Hole Weaponry polygonal-rifled barrels for a while and thought I might give them a try for this project. Using the cold hammer forged chrome moly vanadium Daniel Defense LW barrel as a guide, am I safe to trim a 416R stainless steel barrel to the same dimensions (adding .040” for the difference between .224” and .264” bores)?