Texas Hunting Forum

Help configuring a 6.5 Grendel AR 15

Posted By: BobG

Help configuring a 6.5 Grendel AR 15 - 08/10/18 03:47 AM

Hey folks,

I won a receiver set from Lone Star Armory in May 2017, and it has been collecting dust in the gun room up to this point, while I've contemplated what cartridge to use for the build. I've since decided on the 6.5 Grendel since I've already got a 6.8 SPC and a few .223 Rem's.

I plan to use it for punching paper out for 400 yards or so for the majority of the time, but may also use it for 3 gun some day, and the occasional varmint hunt.

All that said - where do I start with barrel length & twist? The 18in length and 1:8 sounds great at first, but is there that much of an advantage to move up to a longer barrel?

This will be my first 6.5, so it's all Greek to me at this point. Appreciate any advice you can throw my way!
Posted By: ImTheReasonDovesMourn

Re: Help configuring a 6.5 Grendel AR 15 - 08/10/18 03:55 AM

I've built Grendel uppers in 24", 18" and 16". The 24" was a real long range AR. I got plenty of velocity with 130 Berger Hybrids to easily shoot to 1100 yards. The shorter barrels wouldn't get the high-BC bullets fast enough to be a good long range rifle. They did great for hunting with lighter bullets, but I definitely wouldn't build one with a shorter barrel strictly for long range shooting.

Just went back and re-read your post.

Any of those barrel lengths is more than capable at 400 yards. And I personally wouldn't choose a Grendel for 3-gun, regardless of barrel length. That would get real expensive real fast. An 18" is the perfect combination for target and critter shooting. I wish I still had mine.
Posted By: Dragonuv

Re: Help configuring a 6.5 Grendel AR 15 - 08/12/18 02:05 PM

I’ve got a 24” Grendel and wouldn’t trade it for anything, I love that round. For real good technical and load workup data, there is a Facebook group with quite a few folks that would be able to help. 6.5 Grendel II is the page.
Posted By: Pig_Popper

Re: Help configuring a 6.5 Grendel AR 15 - 08/12/18 02:25 PM

Wilson Combat has a barrel , they always have shot well for me in other calibers


Grendel rocks !
Posted By: Korean Redneck

Re: Help configuring a 6.5 Grendel AR 15 - 08/12/18 03:02 PM

I'm still new to grendel's and long range shooting in general but I love mine. It's an 18" Odin works barrel and bcg combo in a home build.



Only shot out to 300yds and got a little over 2" group once. I'm new to reloading too. Hope I can repeat it regularly.
Posted By: kmon11

Re: Help configuring a 6.5 Grendel AR 15 - 08/12/18 09:24 PM

I have a couple Grendels, a 24 inch AR and a 22 inch bolt action. Bill Alexander said the 18 inch is probably the best length for hunting and moderate range targets out to 500 or better yards.

If doing another Grendel it or a second upper it will be a 16 or 18 inch barrel.
Posted By: Cleric

Re: Help configuring a 6.5 Grendel AR 15 - 08/12/18 09:55 PM

Psa has a deal on 12.5in upper right now. Think it was 300 including bcg
Posted By: boonee

Re: Help configuring a 6.5 Grendel AR 15 - 08/14/18 12:04 AM

Bill told me the same thing, so I had him build me a 20" barrel version!
I also have a new Howa, I still haven't shot yet.
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