Recommended barrels for new build

[gregor]

Hello guys. This is my first post other than the new member intro. I am wanting to build a 6.5 Grendel upper and was wanting to know what barrels you guys are using. Also, what barrels do you recommend or don't recommend. Thanks for the help in advance.

[Fredman]

Well, first off, Welcome! What do you want to build? A light weight hunting rig? Something to shoot steel out to 500yds? Heavy bench gun?
I have owned a Luthor Walther, Shilen, and now a Lilja. Buy the best barrel you can afford, and get a profile and length that fits your use.

[BjornF16]

SAAMI Grendel chamber only (I'd personally stay away from poor imitators).

Several good barrel providers available: Alexander Arms, Precision Firearms, Lilja, Shilen (just to name a few really quality makers).

[gregor]

I went ahead last night and ordered a PF 20" Lothar Walther barrel with a target crown. I didn't think I would need a brake of any kind on it. I am mating it to a Vltor MUR upper to get a thicker, stiffer upper for it. I already have a Bushmaster lower it will attach to. I am also planning on getting a 15" Diamond head free float handguard. I have one on my 300 BO and love the they feel. I already have an AR Gold trigger in my 223 that I might pull out and use, but haven't decided for sure. I know you are thinking to just the grendel upper on it but the lower is a cheap Delton lower, plus I think the Bushmaster lower would be better. I went ahead and got the BCG from PF also in a rifle length gas system. I will eventually build a dedicated lower for it. What are your thoughts on the 20" LW barrel? The reason I awent with the 20" barrel is for hunting and bench work. Might even change it to a 22". Any thoughts on that?

[ricsmall]

I think the 20" will serve you well as a dual purpose gun. To me it's the optimum length for balance, velocity, and mobility.

Richard

[gregor]

I think the 20" will serve you well as a dual purpose gun. To me it's the optimum length for balance, velocity, and mobility.

Richard

That was kind of my thoughts on it as well. Thanks

[am4966]

In Horde fashion lap your upper and bed the barrel extentions. You made a fine choice my friend.

[Fredman]

Congrats! My first one was a LW! I shot 7-8 deer with it, and many fantastic groups too. My barrel had a sweet spot where it shot well. Clean the barrel, it would shoot 1-1 1/4 MOA. After 40-50 rounds it would drop to 1/2 MOA or better.

Hope yours shoots well.

[gregor]

Thanks guys. That gives me a boost of confidence because you have no idea how long it took me to decide on a barrel and upper. I was driving myself crazy trying to find the best deal possible. I am really looking forward to putting some rds downrange.

[gregor]

In Horde fashion lap your upper and bed the barrel extentions. You made a fine choice my friend.

am, tell me more about lapping the upper and bedding the the extension. How do you accomplish this?

[82HALO]

I would like to hear about this process also!

[Drillboss]

There are more knowledgeable folks than me on this, but I'll give you what I can. This tool will lap down the face of your upper receiver to give more solid contact between the receiver and the barrel extension:

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/821295/...tool-ar-15

Coating the outside of the barrel extension with blue loctite will fill up any gaps between the receiver and the extentsion.

[1075 tech]

There are more knowledgeable folks than me on this, but I'll give you what I can. This tool will lap down the face of your upper receiver to give more solid contact between the receiver and the barrel extension:

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/821295/...tool-ar-15

Coating the outside of the barrel extension with blue loctite will fill up any gaps between the receiver and the extentsion.

+1
This tool is very easy to use. Took me only a few minutes to square mine up before installing the barrel. I have a 556 build I need to do that to. The rear site is all the way to one side to get it to zero.

[jkingrph]

am, tell me more about lapping the upper and bedding the the extension. How do you accomplish this?

It's been a few years, but Brownell's had a receiver lapping tool, that squared the receiver face that mates to the barrel to the bolt carrier raceway so the bolt should be square to the barrel extension and barrel You insert it , apply a little lapping or automotive valve grinding compound and turn it. check frequently until all the high spots are removed and you have a uniform polished receiver face.

[454bore]

I use mega uppers and they are square and the fit to barrel is tight.
I would imagine a vltor would be the same.

[am4966]

I use mega uppers and they are square and the fit to barrel is tight.
I would imagine a vltor would be the same.

You would think, but is there a way to apply anodizing square to a upper? Nothing wrong to check and if it's square lap it. Your only squaring and take very little off. Bedding the ext is the same but if you're getting a tight fit no need. Freeze n heat is the best.

FYI I've heard the MUR needs to be checked.