Updated on 05/06/2022 You’ve found the right cartridge if you want more downrange performance and a harder hitting option for your AR-15 than your standard 5.56 NATO. It’s easy to convert if you already own America’s favorite rifle. It was specifically designed for this platform and all you need to convert it is a 6.5 Grendel Upper (and magazines). We understand that shooting off-the-shelf can make your stomach turn, and you don’t really shoot unless you build your own build. To build the rifle of your dreams, you will need to start looking for 6.5 Grendel barrels. Here are some of the best. We won’t be recommending barrel lengths as shooters are different. Instead, we will focus on manufacturing quality, convenience (all drop in), and economics. Let’s get to it. There are many companies that match their actions with Proof Research barrels. This is because they are the best when it comes carbon-fiber wrapped tubes. There are four options for 6.5 Grendel barrels available from the company. Their selection includes 20- and 18 inch barrels with two gas journals diameters of.750 or.875. They all have a 1 to8 twist (the predominant rate), 5/8-24 muzzle string, and are extremely lightweight. Proof Researches barrels, regardless of their length, are more than 60% lighter than steel counterparts. The 20-inch 6.5 Grendel barrel weighs in at just a touch over 2 pounds, while the 18-inch option weighs in at 1 pound, 13 and a half ounces. These barrels are perfect for mountain hunters or tactical builders who need a featherweight build.
MSRP: $979, proofresearch.comLearn More About The 6.5 Grendel:Match Grade: KriegerKreiger is one of those names that inspire awe. The Wisconsin barrel-smith is trusted by some of the most skilled shooters around the globe. Their VarMatch will help you achieve supreme accuracy, it’s clear. The downside to this option for a 6.5 Grendel barrel is that it is quite expensive and you are limited with their drop-in option. All barrels are finished to be headspaced to fit JP Bolts. This means that you must have one or order one from Kreiger. This barrel is custom-made, so you can control everything from barrel length to twist rate, muzzle diameter, and more. Kreiger barrels feature single-point cut, which creates almost perfect concentricity between bore, groove, and twist rate. It doesn’t get any better than this.
MSRP: $465 (base price for a 6.5mm AR10/DPMS 20-inch barrel), kriegerbarrels.comCarbine Length: Alexander ArmsWe aren’t tying this article down to specific barrel lengths, except in this one instance. Carbine length is important when it comes to a barrel of 6.5 Grendel. This includes twist rate. Alexander Arms 16 inch Incursion Barrel is the perfect solution. The shorter pipe can stabilize heavier bullets thanks to its 1:7.5 twist. This can be a problem with carbine Grendels. The good news is that you can generally run lighter bullets in a Grendel at this speed without worrying about jacket failure. The barrel is 1.5 pounds and button-rifled, which produces uniform grooves. This is exactly what you would want for a carbine. Alexander Arms makes it easy for you to access an Incursion Barrel.
MSRP: $304.95, shopalexanderarms.comBudget: Sanderson ArmorySanders Armory provides a lot of value for the price they charge. The 6.5 Grendel barrel options are also available. The company offers five lengths of barrels, ranging from a 13-inch pistol to a 24-inch match. To ensure uniformity and to remove any imperfections, all bores are hand lapped. Each bore features 5R rifling. This style of rifling is opposed to the lands and grooves. This causes less bullet deformation and maintains your projectile’s integrity. One thing to note: every barrel has a 1/8 twist, which may not be ideal for every length.
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