my first AR build - 6.5 Grendel

[RX-178]

And since Alexander Arms has their own 18" barrel piston upper now, I think I'll just use that rather than doing a custom build. Just need to pick out a lower (and might end up using an Alexander lower too... just haven't given that too much thought yet).

If I were going with a 24" free floating heavy barrel, I'd probably nix the gas piston, but I was always planning on a carbine length weapon.

 

[Maverick223]

Thanks for the info, didn't realize that AA had a piston upper, do you know who designed it? I was considering POF, but I like options, and I will also be going shorter (probably 18"), but plan to use a mid-length system.

 

[shibby]

OP, mighty fine rifle you've got there. I like the OD green (right?), not over done, and tasteful. I've been considering a longer range AR build in a 6.8 SPC that would look similar, but not as nice, to be honest. How long did it take to get it all in, and then assembled?

 

[JohnMc]

I've been spending a bit too much time looking at Grendel info, and I found this:
HYDRO FORMING 7.62x39 IN TO 6.5MM GRENDEL.wmv
Pretty simple looking.

 

[jkingrph]

I've been spending a bit too much time looking at Grendel info, and I found this:
HYDRO FORMING 7.62x39 IN TO 6.5MM GRENDEL.wmv
Pretty simple looking

I thought about that but decided not to, For one thing I will be too time consuming, plus messy.

I did get a bunch of 129 gr blemished 6.5 bullets from Midway a while back and have been loading them for fireforming. Actually for fun shooting they are plenty accurate during the fireforming process. I lucked up when Weidners had 7.62x39 IMI brass cheap and got 2000 cases, so I am set for a long time.

 

[shibby]

After looking into the 6.5 a bit more, i think I would like to build one in this caliber as well. How much more expensive are the mags, parts and ammo?

 

[Maverick223]

How much more expensive are the mags, parts and ammo?

That depends upon what you want it to do, and how you will use it. For a match grade rig (which it was designed to be) with a medium length barrel you will likely pay an extra 25-50% more than a comparable .223. The mags are more difficult to acquire and also garner a slight premium from my research. The ammunition is pretty steep for factory loads, but can be reloaded for little more than a .223. For the price I believe it is a great value for a nice compact, lightweight, accurate package.

 

[longdayjake]

How much more expensive are the mags, parts and ammo?

As far as parts go, it matters who you buy them from. It can be a pretty big range. Mags are made by CProducts and they are relatively cheap. ($13-$15)

For me ammo was a "reload only" option as factory ammo can be as high as $1 or more a round.