Posts: 4
Threads: 2
Joined: Nov 2018
My first AR. I have shot bolt/lever guns and reloaded for many, many years but new to the AR.
My son encouraged me to build an AR and we worked on it together using the following components.
Barnes Precision lower
Ballistic Advantage premium 18" fluted barrel
Ballistic Advantage bolt group
Alexander Arms 6.5 Grendel Marked stripped upper receiver
BCM Gunfighter Ambidextrous operating handle
STNG 15" VYPR handguard
Vortex Diamondback Scope 4x12 mounted in an Aero ultra light mount
Magpul Stock/Grip
I plan on upgrading the trigger but otherwise I am pretty happy. The rifle shoots better than I do... I plan on reloading for it so look forward to reading through the forum's collected wisdom on reloading for 6.5 Grendel.
I don't hunt anymore so this is primarily a range gun.
Posts: 4,287
Threads: 156
Joined: Jan 2017
Welcome aboard CC!
I think you'll like the BA fluted, I have one in 20", another 20" fluted in 223 wylde, and both of them shoot really well.
The fluting makes for a nice weight.
Eventually you will want to get a better trigger, there are several options available.
Be forewarned, these Grendels tend to multiply when you're not looking!
There's a "more vertical" magpul grip, the K2+ which I like on these frames.
There are lots of bullets to choose from, from an 85gr sierra to 130-class that all reload well.
I recommend the 2-set Grendel handbooks from AR15 buildbox (section in this forum has details). They are a wealth of info in one spot, great load data and lots of history and stuff for both you and your son.
"Down the floor, out the door, Go Brandon Go!!!!!"
Posts: 4
Threads: 2
Joined: Nov 2018
Thanks grayfox.
The BPM lower seems pretty nice but the trigger is stiff and doesn't break very cleanly to my taste. VASCAR2 recommended LaRue and my son is recommending to go with Geissele. Geissele may be a bit too pricey for me right now (unless Santa wants to bring me one...). The LaRue looks interesting, has good reviews and a reasonable price.
I will look for the Grendel Handbooks. I picked up Hornady Custom 6.5 Grendel dies and they shipped me a 100 129 grain Interlock SPs. Was looking at the bulk package Nosler bullets that Midsouth has.
Looking forward to loading and range time with this rifle.
"Be forewarned, these Grendels tend to multiply when you're not looking!"
You're right. I am already wanting a bolt gun in 6.5 Grendel too...
Posts: 4,287
Threads: 156
Joined: Jan 2017
The Larue MBT-2S gets a lot of good press on here. I went with some timney and CMC, and A velocity-something triggers... all about 2.5-3# crisp single stage. So you have some economical choices, or go high $$ with the geissele's....
Bolt actions, look at the Howa, it's great overall, you might want to spruce up to a better stock, etc etc, but overall it is the best little bolt-action IMO on here... a few barrel profiles to choose from, and the 20" HB comes threaded. Ruger's Grendel predator is also talked about on here.... I've got the howa HB and it's a good one.
"Down the floor, out the door, Go Brandon Go!!!!!"
