First 6.5 Grendel Build

[itsmeken]

Just finished my first 6.5 G AR-15 build. Build goals: Durable long range precision shooter.



Barrel

• Shilen 20" Match Barrel HBAR 1 to 9" Twist Stainless Steel
  
• Shilen Barrel Matched Bolt
  

Upper

• Surplus Ammo Forged Upper Receiver
  
• Surplus Ammo Nickel Boron BCG
  
• Nitromet Rifle Length Gas tube
  
• SLR Rifleworks Sentry 7 Adjustable Gas Block - Clamp On Type
  
• Rainer Arms Raptor Ambi Charging Handle
  
• Midwest Ind Gen2 SS 15" Handguard
  

Lower

• Palmetto State Armory Forged Lower
  
• Geissele SSA-E Trigger
  
• Magpul Trigger Guard MIAD Enhanced
  
• Battle Arms Ambi Saftey Selector
  
• Troy Ambi Mag Release
  
• Ultimate Arms A1/A2 Buffer Kit
  
• Magpul PRS FDE Stock
  
• MagPul MOE Pistol Grip
  
• Stoner 10 Round 6.5 magazine
  
• MagPul MOE Pistol Grip
  

Scope

• Nightforce NXS 5.5-22x56 .250 MOA NP-R1 Scope
  
• TPS 30mm TSR Picatinny Scope Rings
  

Ammo
So far I have only been able to score Hornady 6.5 Grendel 123 grain SST ammo. Still waiting for some good brass and bullets to become available. I'll make hand loads with the Hornady dies.

Up Next
After break-in and once the Shilen barrel is verified accurate, I will be sending it off to be threaded and a muzzle brake installed.

[Michael]

Pictures?

Also, you may be surprised at how well the Hornady factory ammo shoots...many on the forum are getting consistent sub MOA groups.

[LRRPF52]

Welcome. Make sure you have a square receiver face and it should shoot nicely for you.

[itsmeken]

@Michael...I'll work on getting a photo up. Yes, I've heard good things about the Hornady ammo. I have some A-Max on backordered and I read good things about it as well.

@LRRPF52...Thanks for the welcome. Yes, receiver is square. Thanks for the advice.

[itsmeken]

Here's a photo of the build so far.

[Slappy]

Heck of a purdy rig there. Nice going. BANG BANG!!

[itsmeken]

Just to follow up on how it shoots. After swapping the scope rings to LaRue Tactical SPR-E LT139 scope mount, I got the scope dialed in and the barrel broken in and took it out this weekend for some long range shooting. Prior to Saturday I had never shot more 100 yards out. First, attempt was at 460 yards. The wind was variable at 5-15 mph. Target was 12"x12" AR500 steel plate. It took two shots to get on target and was able to repeat several times. Then moved the same target out to 760 yards. Hit twice out of five attempts. The wind was definitely a factor as it was changing directions and velocity. I was using Hornady 123gr. SST ammo. I will be loading my own with the A-max 123gr. bullets and Hornady brass. Right now I have not been able to find the powder I want. So, until then I have a good store of SST I'll continue to use.

I'm new to shooting so I was very happy with these results and I'm hoping as my skills improve I will be able to consistently hit 1,000 yards with this rifle and my reloads.

[LRRPF52]

Get some formal instruction in a course that offers wind reading, trajectory compensation, and other critical long range skills. Your ability to make hits in changing wind conditions will improve dramatically.

You should also consider a scope level for a consistent rifle orientation for windage at distance. Nice range report.

[Kohoki]

Nice setup!

[Butterbean]

Very nice build.

[Jakal]

How do you like the Scope? I have been looking at this one myself for a new build. Any shortcomings or any "not sure about this" items?

i.e. I have a Millet that is a decent scope but I would have liked a 20x magnification instead of the 16 @ 300 meters is about all it will go and it is a little unforgiving with reference to cheek weld and reticle/eye alignment.