224 Valkyrie or 6.5 Creedmoor Build

[Glassaholic]

A few years ago I put out a thread on "Journey to my lightweight AR-10" but sadly all that information got lost in the ether after the transition from Scout to the NEW (better) Hide. I was all set and prepared to build a new large frame AR in 6.5 Creedmoor; however, after listening to some of the podcasts where Frank and Mike talk about how much they love the new 224 Valkyrie it has got me thinking. I already have 80% of the parts for another large frame build, but the idea of a smaller/lighter Valkyrie build is very enticing.

What I like most about the 6.5 Creedmoor and 224 Valkyrie is the available of great quality match ammo at affordable prices (under $25/20). I used to reload a lot, but with 3 teens (and 4 in two years) I just don't have much time for that, so being able to buy great quality ammo at good prices is a huge plus right now (and I'll stock up on the brass for when the kids have left home and I have a lot more time on my hands to reload again).

One thing that concerns me is with the Valkyrie I'd have to buy new magazines, and with the wonderful state of Kolorado with its 15 round magazine limit that's not very exciting whereas I already have mags for 308/6.5CM. For the Valkyrie, outside of new mags, new barrel and a .420/6.8 SPC bolt am I missing anything different from any other AR-15 build?

 

[lennyo3034]

The correct answer is both. I've got everything except the barrels for both now.

 

[Glassaholic]

^^^ Nice! Is it safe to assume they will be 224 Valkyrie and 6.5 Creedmoor?

 

[lennyo3034]

Yes, both Mega MML receiver sets. The 6.5 barrel is being turned by PVA. The .224 Valkyrie from JP.

I thought I'd be a little different and send the receivers to cerakote.

 

[Glassaholic]

Yes, both Mega MML receiver sets. The 6.5 barrel is being turned by PVA. The .224 Valkyrie from JP.

I thought I'd be a little different and send the receivers to cerakote.

I didn't know PVA did AR barrels, I better get with the program. I have a note into PROOF to see if they have plans for 224 Valkyrie anytime soon. Always love paint jobs, nice worn look on those, who did the work?

 

[rwatson708]

Do you want an ar10 or ar15 that would probably answer your question right there.

 

[Glassaholic]

Do you want an ar10 or ar15 that would probably answer your question right there.

Like I mentioned I already have about 80% of the parts for a large frame build, so I already have that going for me, but the thought of 1000 yard ballistics in a small frame AR has definitely got my attention. I'm a light weight freak, but realize that lighter weight isn't always better. I will probably build the 6.5 CM just because of having most of it, but I may give serious thought to the Valkyrie down the road, especially if it gains in popularity.

 

[lennyo3034]

I didn't know PVA did AR barrels, I better get with the program. I have a note into PROOF to see if they have plans for 224 Valkyrie anytime soon. Always love paint jobs, nice worn look on those, who did the work?

Little Creek Outfitters. Local to me but does work from all around country.

Here's a view with a little better light.

 

[Glassaholic]

Reminiscent of a titanium battle worn style?

 

[cjgemm]

I'd say it depends on how far you are shooting and if seeing/hearing impacts are important to you.

 

[steve123]

Your lightweight 6.5 build was cursed so you better try the 224V, JK.

 

[hlee]

I'd say it depends on how far you are shooting and if seeing/hearing impacts are important to you.

I was shooting my 6.5 creedmoor yesterday at 600. While I could see the splash on the steel, between the wind (stiff 6o'clock) and my ear pro (even with max amplification) I could not hear impacts.

 

[5RWill]

I say 224v. Maybe wait for barrels to become plentiful so they aren't so overpriced. Without doubt the 224v offers similar ballistics in an a much lighter platform. Also cheaper to shoot. I'm pretty sure in the 224v thread @redneckbmxer24 mentioned that if you had a barrel throated long we could actually run the new 95gr SMKs through it. That with a 20-22" barrel at 2600ish would be one hell of an SPR.

 

[cjgemm]

I was shooting my 6.5 creedmoor yesterday at 600. While I could see the splash on the steel, between the wind (stiff 6o'clock) and my ear pro (even with max amplification) I could not hear impacts.

Now imagine being blind too...

 

[hlee]

Now imagine being blind too...

Can't hear it and can't see it? Every shot is a hit! WINNING!!!

 

[padom]

I was shooting my 6.5 creedmoor yesterday at 600. While I could see the splash on the steel, between the wind (stiff 6o'clock) and my ear pro (even with max amplification) I could not hear impacts.

You were shooting a 6.5cm at 600 and couldnt hear impacts on steel? Thats the first Ive ever heard that before. I shoot both 6.5cm bolt guns and my 22" Bartlein 6.5cm semi at 700yds pretty regularly. I was shooting it in 25-30 mph winds last month with 2 buddies. Could hear the hits on steel at 700 no problem. Wasnt a question. Shooting 140 ELD-M at 2730

We then pulled out my 26" custom 223 bolt gun and were shooting 80 Amax at 2910. Hit after hit on the steel at 700 as you could see the mark on the steel appear each shot but really had to listen good and when the wind gusted to 30mph you could barely hear it.

I was shooting at 700 this past Sunday morning and it was a bit windy. 15-20mph. Was testing out my new 220 Thunderbolt which is an AR15 shooting Hornady 75 BTHP at 3200fps with 29g RE15. Very very mild load. Was hard to hear them hit as well at 700 in the wind.

If your worried about clearly hearing hits on steel at distance, 6.5cm is the way to go.

 

[hlee]

Yeah, I was really surprised too. But, we had a tail wind at 15-20, gusting to 25 or better. I was also wearing surefire earplugs and peltor muffs. It might be a function of how the steel is hung too. The 2 guys next to me were switching back and forth between 400 and 600 yard targets. I don't remember hearing their hits at 400 either. Maybe there weren't any? Either way, it was really windy- like noticeably shaking the rifle windy.

 

[Glassaholic]

Your lightweight 6.5 build was cursed so you better try the 224V, JK.

Ah Steve, you remember my crazy journey on Scout Yes, it did seem like it was cursed in 308 form, but once we went to 6.5 it came under control...

 

[Glassaholic]

Heard back from PROOF Research and they do have a 224 Valkyrie AR barrel coming soon

 

[5RWill]

Heard back from PROOF Research and they do have a 224 Valkyrie AR barrel coming soon

If the MK5 18x is solid that's right inline with my plans for an SPR 224v with an 18" proof and that scope should really cut down on the weight.

 

[.30kal]

If Zev/Mega ever offers the G2 shortframe receiver, then that petty much removes the weight advantage of 6.5G and .224 Valkyrie for a long-range set-up beyond varminting. It's pretty tough to spot misses and hits with a 123 gr 6.5 round going past 800-900 yrds, I imagine it will be tough with the Valkyrie as well.

 

[bobke]

Padom
Any more to offer on 220 Thunderbolt? Parent brass, who is making dies, etc?

 

[padom]

oh yeah. I have a whole review/testing thread about to post in the next few days. uses Hornady 6mm Hagar brass. just run in sizing die to neck to 22. no turning, no fireforming, no trimming.

I shot 50rds to test the gun the other day. just put 29g RE15 in the case with a Hornady 75BTHP. very very mild load was 3200 and sub 0.5moa. stay tuned....it's a Kreiger 1:7.

 

[bkw1911]

I like mine so far. Not super impressed with factory accuracy or speed, but its got potential. Gonna play around with 75eld's for fun and 50-55gr for coyotes. I think I can get a lot better speeds reloading. Just waiting on dies to come in stock. Barrel is X-Caliber and length is 20".

Not the final configuration.

90s

60s

60s upper left 90s lower right. Shot several groups of both and pretty much the same story everytime. 90s sometimes slightly better, but usually the same or worse. 60s really consistent .75-8. Not horrible, just slower than I want.

 

[Squibbler]

Been debating the same question myself. The answer always ends up being--both if you can afford it?. Otherwise depends on your objectives. Light and less recoil are #1 in your book.... then .224V. For me I know I want to ethically kill game at distance, thats why I'm most likely going Creed or .260.

 

[el_cazador713]

If your sole purpose is shooting steel and paper, the 224 is what I'd do in an AR platform. For hunting and all around use, the 6.5 gets the advantage.

 

[Glassaholic]

If your sole purpose is shooting steel and paper, the 224 is what I'd do in an AR platform. For hunting and all around use, the 6.5 gets the advantage.

Due to having to buy all new magazines and the fact I already have most of the parts for a large frame build I think I'll stick with the 6.5CM for now, plus you make a good point about hunting and all around use and the fact I already have 6.5CM in my bolt rifle it just makes more sense for now.

 

[Red_SC]

I built a 6.5 Creedmoor gas gun a couple years ago. It shoots well, but I liked it better as a 6mm SuperLR. So, I just sold the barrel out of it and am going to rebarrel it to 6mm Creedmoor. It was nice being able to show up at a match with reasonably priced factory Creedmoor ammo and not be at a disadvantage.

I just finished chambering a batch of Valkyrie barrels, and I’m building an upper for myself with one of them. I’m looking forward to seeing how that works out. I’m thinking it should rule within its envelope. I’m planning on using the Valkyrie for matches that mostly have shorter ranges and are more speed oriented. The large frame will rule farther out and when more terminal velocity is needed.

 

[R700LR]

@Red_SC What barrel, gas length and twist rate did you use for the Valkryie?

 

[Red_SC]

Mine, along with most in the batch, is 22”, +2 gas, 1-7 twist. A couple of customers got 24”.

 

[Spartan67]

wjm308, Have you forgot where you are? Your at the Hide.. Build both!!!

 

[RickyRodney]

I'm going to do both! So should you! Craddock Precision is making barrels. What do you guys think, go rock creek or criterion due to reduced barrel life?

 

[padom]

make sure they put a proper feed cone on that chamber. numerous members had feeding issues with Craddock 6.5cm barrels due to the lack of a proper feed cone. bullets jamming into the back of the barrel.

 

[RickyRodney]

by "feed cone" do you mean feed ramps as in the same thing?

 

[padom]

no I mean feed cone. this assists guiding the bullet into the chamber and is milled by the Smith on the chamber.

 

[RickyRodney]

well shit....any recommendations for who to buy a barrel from then?

 

[padom]

Yes, call John at www.keystoneaccuracy.com

He has both button and Kreiger cut rifled barrels and his prices are better than anyone. John has done 5 or so barrels for me. Hes done 2 cut rifled 22" 6.5cm semi barrels that were both tack drivers. I just picked up 2 Kreigers and a button barrel from him in the past week. You wont be disappointed.

 

[isaacspoon]

i talked with paul from craddock precision for about 2 hours on the valkyrie. he is very informative and I loved the service they provide. I had a LOT of questions... and but a lot i mean a LOT. He never seemed irritated and gladly talked through everything with me. I highly recommend you at least call him and give them a chance to earn your business.