6.5 Grendel Barrel/Build Ideas

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fireman 9731

fireman 9731

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I picked up a PSA stripped lower for cheap. Got to thinking on what to build and I like the idea of long barreled 6.5 Grendel.

The only hiccup I've had so far is choosing a barrel. I want a 22-24 inch barrel. Brownells sells their barrel, made by Satern for $299. With a 6.5 bolt included.

http://www.brownells.com/rifle-part.../ar-15-m16-6-5-grendel-barrels-prod69785.aspx

Does anybody know their quality? I have a budget but don't want to waste money on junk either.

The next option would be an Alexander Arms barrel. They are selling them for $260 right now, which seems like a great price. However, the bolt is not included and would be $80 more.
http://www.shopalexanderarms.com/Barrels-6_5_Grendel_24_Lite_Barrel.html
My only concern is they list it as a "lite" barrel. Has anyone used one? I read one report online of someone that had a 24 inch light contour 6.5 barrel and couldn't get it to shoot. He thought that maybe it was just bad harmonics or something. Switched to a shorter barrel and then was fine.

What barrels and lengths is everybody else using? Are there any other reasonably priced barrel options?
 
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I just finished assembling a 20" Grendel using one of Radical Firearms 20" complete uppers (around $540 before shipping). Anderson Manufacturing lower with a Stag Arms LPK, a Luth-AR stock, Redfield Battlezone 3-9x42 scope and a few other trinkets.

I chose 20" because I read few posts where 19.5" was the "sweet spot" for the 6.5mm Grendel. One post attributes that information to Bill Alexander. I figured can't go too wrong at 20". Don't take my word for it; there are a few forum threads out there. Enter "6.5 GRENDEL 20" sweet spot" (without the outer quotes) into your favorite internet search tool and you should get a lot of options.

Specifically there's the 6.5 Grendel forum at http://www.65grendel.com/. Lots of good information and people to talk to there.

I will say the Radical upper has some heft to it.

VR
 
My Radical Firearms 20" Upper I bought complete is an awesome rifle. It is very accurate and has been 100% reliable. I wouldn't call it heavy either, but its not exactly light either.

I've heard that Satern barrels are some of the best for the 6.5G so if you can get one I wouldn't hesitate to purchase it. In fact when I bought my complete upper I had the thought that if it just didn't shoot well that I'd get a Satern barrel and be done, well I haven't had to order that barrel.
 
I don't know where you are saying Satern barrels are good as they have had some serious issues in 6.5G.

Better go to the 65 forum and start reading more and posting less.

Most guys on 65grendel will not even consider touching a Satern barrel based on how Satern handled the barrel situation.

Satern in general makes awesome barrels, but not 6.5 grendel.
 
Well I just spent some time on the Grendel forum. Surely Satern would of gotten the problems worked out by now right? My concern is that AA will not have this deal very long, and I need to build up some funds before I purchase.
 
Satern changed to a Grendel II chamber to get away from the compound throat tolerance issues. It is similar to the 264LBC now but has a .300 neck diameter instead of a .297. There haven't been any chamber issues in apx 18 months. Satern makes a good Grendel barrel.
 
I've had GREAT performance out of 2 Lilja 6.5 G barrels, but they are 19.5". Still gets me MOA to a grand.....must be doing something right!
 
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