6.5 Grendel Availability

[JMATHERS470]

I want to hear everyone’s opinion on if they feel that 6.5 Grendel will be around for years to come or not. I was in BassPro Shops the other day looking for rifle scopes and a guy asked what I was putting it on and I explained, he then asked me to research and see if I really thought it’d be around in a few years because they don’t have it very often.

 

[TonyTheTiger]

BassPro, lol.

 

[Cheyenne Bodie]

It's a tie, he had a stupid answer and you had a kind of stupid question. They don't make many 6.5G scopes at the moment, but the cartridge has been around and has a commercial following just like anything else non-PRC. It's not a wildcat, worst case scenario you have to roll your own as folks do with MANY calibers which aren't susceptible to the popularity discount of 556 or 308.

Saying X cartridge won't be around in the future is stupid, imo. Half the shit we have is just a redesigned previous cartridge with a different throat or bullet, it's not rocket science to make— only to engineer. 6.5G is a fantastic round for the ar-15 platform, but that performance doesn't come cheap. For most folks, 556 is cheap and good enough. If 6.5G were to die out, it will be because the ar-15 bolts aren't that great for it, but in a bolt action, the 6.5G outshines the 556 and 6.8 all day.

 

[ballistic1]

Grendel isnt going anywhere, it is well entrenched

 

[AK4900PA]

Not alot of different loads available, but I haven't had any issue finding Hornady Grendel ammo on the shelves at Able's.

 

[JMATHERS470]

It's a tie, he had a stupid answer and you had a kind of stupid question. They don't make many 6.5G scopes at the moment, but the cartridge has been around and has a commercial following just like anything else non-PRC. It's not a wildcat, worst case scenario you have to roll your own as folks do with MANY calibers which aren't susceptible to the popularity discount of 556 or 308.

Saying X cartridge won't be around in the future is stupid, imo. Half the shit we have is just a redesigned previous cartridge with a different throat or bullet, it's not rocket science to make— only to engineer. 6.5G is a fantastic round for the ar-15 platform, but that performance doesn't come cheap. For most folks, 556 is cheap and good enough. If 6.5G were to die out, it will be because the ar-15 bolts aren't that great for it, but in a bolt action, the 6.5G outshines the 556 and 6.8 all day.

Thanks for the answer but at the same time there’s no need to really be a dick about it, it was just a simple question I had in my head and figured I’d ask

 

[Cheyenne Bodie]

No dickness intended.

 

[JMATHERS470]

No dickness intended.

Alright my bad then

 

[TonyTheTiger]

Its a legitimate question but asking a guy at a big retail store is like asking the high school girl behind the counter at McDonald's if she can help you formulate a healthy dietary plan, the difference being she might actually admit she has no clue.

 

[rangerlong]

6.5G popularity seems to be increasing from what I can tell. Likely riding the coattails of 6.5CM. But ballistics are far superior to 5.56, and bullet/load choices are far superior to 6.8 SPC. Now that there is a dirt cheap option from Wolf, I think it's safe to say 6.5G is going to be around for awhile.

 

[Big Moose]

It's becoming an increasingly popular hunting round, and brass for reloaders is available from at least 6 manufacturers, including Federal, Nosler, Lapua, Hornady, Starline, Privi and Norma.

 

[Not_A_Llama]

308 or better type performance in a standard size AR frame. Yes, it's sticking around, and yes, it's growing.

I've also seen 5 shot better-than-MOA performance with Wolf ammo, in specific barrels (my Bartlein and Alexander Arms barrels won't shoot it well, but my friend's PSA barrel shoots it lights-out. Mildly Infuriating.)

 

[Crang]

I believe Serbia adopted the 6.5G as their new round for the AK. Hoping others follow.

 

[Primus]

I don't always take gun advice but when I do, it's from a guy making $12/hr at Bass pro who doesn't know his ass from a hole in the ground.

 

[JMATHERS470]

I don't always take gun advice but when I do, it's from a guy making $12/hr at Bass pro who doesn't know his ass from a hole in the ground.

Hey man just listen to different people is just another way learn and see the good from the bad but I dig the jokes???

 

[Almonz]

It is here to stay for the time being. I am usually pretty skeptical of new cartridges in the AR platform until they have a been around for at least a couple years. The 6.5 G has been around for well longer than that and has decent ammunition options currently still.

 

[Gtscotty]

The Grendel seems to have been growing in popularity around here in the last few years and I was already firmly entrenched. I wouldn't worry at all about it becoming unavailable anytime soon.

 

[stilesg57]

I’ve bought two Grendel bolt guns in the last two years, both of which were only recently introduced. It’s not the newest kid on the block (224V) but it’s not going anywhere and if anything it’s growing.

Go to ammoseek.com and when you select the rifle cartridges pull down list Grendel is stickied at the top with the ~10 other best sellers like 223, 308, Creed and 762x39. That should be an indication.

 

[wigwamitus]

I've been shooting 6.5G since Dec 2015. I've had two problems, one of which was relatively minor, the other is more strategic.

01 - Broke bolt.
And if you look at the 6.5 grendel forum, you will see a lot of broke bolts.
In my case, I'm 5000% sure my broke bolt was in part caused by over gassing. The upper was delivered with an AGB (I had enough sense to ask for an ACG in lieu of a muzzle device - since I use suppressors) ... but I did not have enough sense to tune the AGB until after the bolt broke. Subsequently I did tune the AGB and also I got a hardened bolt. And after another 800 rds, (1600 total) no issues.
I haven't studied all the cases of broke bolts discussed on the 6.5G Forum, but I have noted there are a lot of threads on that topic. So just be aware that the performance of the 6.5G on a small frame does not come without any trade-offs and pressure on the bolt is one of them. They wouldn't make and be group buying these hardened bolts, without a reason.

02 - Availability of factory ammo.
Right now, I have 1300 rds of FGMM 130gr berger, 600rds of Hornady 123 ELD-M and 225 rds of Hornady SST.
The SST I use strictly for hogs. My official primary round is the 123 ELD-M. But it is close. I "wanted" the primary to be the 130 bergers. The bullet itself has a higher BC. But I have had a hecque of a time getting the loaded cartridges. I went about 18 months were I could not get any and that is the main reason the status of my 6.5G(18) is currently "in active".

The reason the 123 ELD-M is the primary though is that the difference between the external ballistics of the 130 berger and the 123 ELD-M is just not great enough to warrant the extra trouble to stockpile more of the 130gr or even reload it.

Here is a comparison of the 123 ELD-M and the 130gr ... the 130gr MV out of my gun is 2252 ... and that is low. With a hotter load, like a 2311 as predicted by the pressure of the 123 ELD-M round, the 130gr would beat the 123gr by enough to make reloading it worth while.

So the 130* entry in the analysis is a hypothetical cartridge. But indicates the 6.5G cartridge is just barely viable with factory ammo and if you want to get serious about 6.5G you should probably reload. And for what I do, the 130gr berger bullet would be my starting point.

That said, currently I have regressed into only shooting current standard NATO calibers, 5.56, 7.62 and .300WM (for my center fire rifles). I won't sell the 6.5G ... but not shooting it at present.

 

[Constructor]

308 or better type performance in a standard size AR frame. Yes, it's sticking around, and yes, it's growing.

I've also seen 5 shot better-than-MOA performance with Wolf ammo, in specific barrels (my Bartlein and Alexander Arms barrels won't shoot it well, but my friend's PSA barrel shoots it lights-out. Mildly Infuriating.)

It's not even close to 308 performance. I started shooting one in 2005 when it was still called a 6.5CSS. A Grendel will shoot a 123gr at apx 2450 fps out of a 16" barrel, 2550 out of a 20" barrel. A 308 will shoot a 130gr Mk319 at 2780fps out of 16" barrel and 2880 out of a 20". So the 308 is apx 300fps faster than a Grendel. That is more difference than between a 30-06 and a 300 win mag.
The test at Blackwater was scewed for effect. They used a 123gr Lapua in the G and compared that to a 175gr military load in the 308 for long distance then compared a 144gr fmj in the G to 149gr M80 ball military load in the 308 when it came to penetration test through glass.

 

[Not_A_Llama]

It's not even close to 308 performance. I started shooting one in 2005 when it was still called a 6.5CSS. A Grendel will shoot a 123gr at apx 2450 fps out of a 16" barrel, 2550 out of a 20" barrel. A 308 will shoot a 130gr Mk319 at 2780fps out of 16" barrel and 2880 out of a 20". So the 308 is apx 300fps faster than a Grendel. That is more difference than between a 30-06 and a 300 win mag.
The test at Blackwater was scewed for effect. They used a 123gr Lapua in the G and compared that to a 175gr military load in the 308 for long distance then compared a 144gr fmj in the G to 149gr M80 ball military load in the 308 when it came to penetration test through glass.

I can't tell which side you're advocating for, so I'll just expound on your example.

That Mk319 at a .277 G1 is behind in energy by 300 yards, and transsonic 300 yards earlier (700 y) than the 123 Lapua Grendel. Wind drift on the Mk319 is about 2x as bad. That Grendel round at 1000 is hitting like a 9mm at the muzzle (320 ft-lbs), and the Mk319 is hitting like a hot 380 (220 ft-lbs).

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Just acquired a 20" heavy Upper for the 6.5 Grendel, so I'm betting on a considerable lifespan to the chambering.

My factory ammunition selections are the American Eagle 90gr TNT Varmint/Predator load, and the Hornady 123gr SST load. I also have Hornady New Dimension dies (with Hornady 123gr SST projectiles), and am receiving Starline brass and Speer 90 TNT Projectiles today. If I like the Starline brass, I'll try for some more.

The Hornady 6.5 Grendel Black 123 ELD load is not getting such good reviews, including one from a close friend.

Greg

 

[stilesg57]

The Hornady 6.5 Grendel Black 123 ELD load is not getting such good reviews, including one from a close friend.

My CZ definitely liked the SST more than the Black. Haven’t put enough of each through my Howa yet to tell if it has a preference.

 

[Jibnast]

Just acquired a 20 heavy Upper for the 6.5 Grendel, so I'm betting on a considerable lifespan to the chambering.

My factory ammunition selections are the American Eagle 90gr TNT Varmint/Predator load, and the Hornady 123gr SST load. I also have Hornady New Dimension dies (with Hornady 123gr SST projectiles), and am receiving Starline brass and Speer 90 TNT Projectiles today. If I like the Starline brass, I'll try for some more.

The Hornady 6.5 Grendel Black 123 ELD load is not getting such good reviews, including one from a close friend.

Greg

My Grendel prefers the American Gunner, Black and SST in that order. The best factory ammo though was the old A-max’s

 

[XLR308]

Hey man just listen to different people is just another way learn and see the good from the bad but I dig the jokes???

Occasionally I will ask the counter jockeys a question just to see what bullshit they might possibly spew out and then correct them to see if they dig the hole any deeper.
It can be quite entertaining if you get the right one.

 

[Constructor]

I can't tell which side you're advocating for, so I'll just expound on your example.

That Mk319 at a .277 G1 is behind in energy by 300 yards, and transsonic 300 yards earlier (700 y) than the 123 Lapua Grendel. Wind drift on the Mk319 is about 2x as bad. That Grendel round at 1000 is hitting like a 9mm at the muzzle (320 ft-lbs), and the Mk319 is hitting like a hot 380 (220 ft-lbs).

I used similar weight bullets to show velocity difference. Most people never shoot over 300yds. I'm very familiar with Grendel guys comparing the best 6.5 bullet possible to a flat based varmint bullet in any other round. Try a 155 Berger, 168 or 180 Berger using the real GCs posted by Litz.

 

[bigjake83]

I've been shooting 6.5 Grendel for quite a few years now as well, no I don't believe it can outperform a .308 especially with the 155's. The 6.5 Grendel however does bridge the gap between small and large frame platforms quite well, and if I was just banging steel to 800 yards I would choose the 6.5 Grendel any day of the week.

It has almost no recoil, so faster follow-up shots.

Cheaper to reload for.

Longer barrel life than a .308

Cheap match grade ammo if one chooses to buy over the counter rounds. $15-$16.

And yes we've all heard about broken bolts are sheared off lugs but most of those were a long time ago, (usually from somebody handloading hot rounds) and show me one of them that has happened with someone using a JP bolt.

The 6.5 Grendel is not going anywhere, its extremely accurate, reliable, cost-efficient, easy to reload and it provides the everyday AR-15 shooter an option to increase the platform's long-range capabilities and makes for a excellent hunting rifle.

 

[Jay Ell Gee]

As a former BPS employee while in college (they worked well around my hours), I can say that there are certainly a few “enthusiasts” at most stores, but mine was more or less full of older retired gents (just working to get out of the house and make a little play money) spouting fudd lore.

I’m watching this thread. I have a built lower in the safe with an A2 stock and MB2 trigger, with a Sandman s on the way. I’ve been heavily considering the Grendel. I assume it would be fairly comfortable when suppressed due to the lower velocity.

 

[wigwamitus]

The "niche" for the 6.5G is running it on a small frame lower. 6.5CM can't do that.

 

[bigjake83]

6.5 creedmoor ha more popularity than 6.5 grendel ever had and ever will. I think anyone going for the 6.5 will go creedmoor not grendel.

And out of right field comes 6.5cmshit2 with the dumbass comment of the day...

Just about every 6.5 guy I know is running a Grendel in their AR of choice anyway because the 123 ELDs work excellent on both platforms, and the new 6.5CM Lapua brass use the small Primer Pocket.

 

[bigjake83]

As a former BPS employee while in college (they worked well around my hours), I can say that there are certainly a few “enthusiasts” at most stores, but mine was more or less full of older retired gents (just working to get out of the house and make a little play money) spouting fudd lore.

I’m watching this thread. I have a built lower in the safe with an A2 stock and MB2 trigger, with a Sandman s on the way. I’ve been heavily considering the Grendel. I assume it would be fairly comfortable when suppressed due to the lower velocity.

It's a fucking Cadillac when suppressed!!

 

[Not_A_Llama]

6.5 creedmoor ha more popularity than 6.5 grendel ever had and ever will. I think anyone going for the 6.5 will go creedmoor not grendel.

A 2-wheeled bicycle has more popularity than a 2-wheeled motorcycle ever had and ever will. I think anyone going for the 2-wheeled vehicle will go bicycle and not motorcycle.

 

[brazz04]

Why are you talking about bicycle and 2-wheeled motorcycle ? did you take the wrong route ? where's your mommy ?

Lol if you didn’t get the joke you should just sit it out buddy

 

[bigjake83]

Lol if you didn’t get the joke you should just sit it out buddy

??

 

[demolitionman]

6.5 creedmoor ha more popularity than 6.5 grendel ever had and ever will. I think anyone going for the 6.5 will go creedmoor not grendel.

Uhhhhrrrr durka durka duhhhh

 

[bobke]

Hey 6.5cm
You get your CM, we’ll shoot our Grendel’s-and maybe our Creedmoor’s too, and we all win. Well....maybe not all of us.
Ten posts and you’ve made quite an impression on a fairly seasoned crowd. What further brilliance are you able to contribute from actual experience?

 

[david walter]

The CM on the new DPMs style (and PSA Gen 2) lowers are just 4 oz more than a AR-15/grendel. That’s 4OZ in exchange for 300-400 FPS.

 

[bigjake83]

The CM on the new DPMs style (and PSA Gen 2) lowers are just 4 oz more than a AR-15/grendel. That’s 4OZ in exchange for 300-400 FPS.

Is there some standardization you're quoting this from? Not quite sure what you're trying to say, are you trying to compare the small and large frame AR platforms by weight?

Shooting a large frame AR accurately is considerably more challenging, especially an lightweight.

This thread is all over the place, but slightly amusing, I honestly had to go back and re-read to see how this shit show got so derailed.

 

[david walter]

Just saying that the large frame AR is only slightly heavier than the small frame AR.

However, I agree that the small frame AR is considerably easier to shoot than the large frame AR.

 

[Snuby642]

Have a new upper on the way from midway 350$ free shipping.
20 inch complete upper 6.5g.
They have a few left.

Don't expect it to preform as well as a custom build with an upgraded barrel, but can get a better barrel later..
I do figure it to outperform my 5.56 in many ways, and be a good caliber for an old guy like me.

Thanks @Greg Langelius *

 

[Greg Langelius *]

I'll see you that one and raise you the 24" Heavy fluted AR Stoner Barrel from Midway.

It, along with all other necessary components for a complete "Sporter Billet" Upper and matching handguard (all parts are AR Stoner), are on the way as of yesterday, should be in hand within a week. Without pulling out the calculator, the price altogether (including a 30mm crowfoot wrench from amazon for the non standard barrel nut) is expected to run about $425-450 before shipping, round-up, and/or tax.

Snuby; our reasoning seems to run parallel. I had resisted the strong urge to go beyond the distant sniffing stage with the 6.5Grendel. Some folks can be led to water, etc, and still hang back until the preponderance of evidence indicates that 'too good to be true" likely is true. I had been one. All it took to trip me over was this AR Stoner Upper special offer.

I didn't like the confusion/complexity surrounding more recent Uber-Calibers. Having seen how long things got stabilized around the 6.5 Grendel (and that it had actually stabilized) I decided not to get hung up on one of the newer flavors of the year. Forgive me, but I am the local Neanderthal, and a Conservative Chambering Neanderthal, at that.

That and the fact that I was already a longtime 6.5 shooter and handloader for the .260. I'd done surprisingly well at 1100 with a 24" 260 (at the 8k+ft ASL Whittington Center...), and was now up to speed with the 28 L-W barrel. At my altitude (4k+ft ASL), the max range might be calculable, but it's so far out, it's unlikely I'd ever actually be trying it.

Then comes the strong urge (there's that phrase again) to have a semi in 260. That's a whole 'nuther story. It would have amounted to a small(?) fortune to make that happen while employing branding I'd feel comfortable with. Not gonna happen.

Then this episode; I'm realizing that the 260 is not needed for this scenario, and that it can be made to happen on my existing AR-15 Lower.

Win/win..., maybe; and I like 24's as well...

We can see where this got headed, and how.

Greg

PS I have very nice NIB Weaver T24 which I've been hanging onto for couple of decades, waiting for just the right application. Maybe...

 

[Greg Langelius *]

As I review the above postings, I am minded that the prevailing mantra here at SH centers upon ultimate flat-out performance.

It's an admirable goal, but can also be the rock upon which satisfaction and acceptable performance can get irrevocably smashed, and unnecessarily so.

Putting on my philosopher bearskins, I have to ask myself if that's a risk I eschew. Answer, not just "No", but "Hell No". My goals begin with fun, and my definition entails as few facepalms and forehead smacks as is humanely possible.

I think those undesired complexities ensue when one stretches the performance envelope. To this is ask, why? We already have a better performer. Need we propel this performance beyond the poor little burro's flank speed? I think not, or at least I hope not.

Everything my research into the 6.5 Grendel has taught me is saying that the 6.5 Grendel does not like to be hot loaded. The bolt failures are saying that in capital letters. The severely reduced brass life, likewise. Hey folks, more is enough. A lot more is too much. My endeavors with the chambering will not be about stretching limits, except maybe reliability and accuracy ones.

For that "Reach waaaay out and touch" moment, I have the .260.

Greg

 

[Snuby642]

I got friends shooting 260 wildcat variants, 30 inch bull barrels.
One is a serious competitor and builds them from riflled blanks.
Sub .5 groups.

I didn't shoot them last weekend due to being wore out and shaking from clearing brush etc. At the ranch.

Didn't want to mess up load tests.

Just more gun than I need to be truthful.
I will play less expensive games with 6.5g.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

All components for the 24" Upper build are in hand, plus the little things like Loc-Tite and Anti-Seize, Upper Lap kit, 30mm crowfoot for torquing the proprietary barrel nut, etc.

The Billet Upper and Handguard are integrated, and employ a pin to perfectly align the rail on each. Some hurdles remain, like gas block/handguard clearance, but things appear to be reasonably compatible. I'm hoping that by sourcing all components from one supplier (AR Stoner), issues can be kept to a minimum.

Progress is being made; I'll be tackling he actual assembly work tomorrow. Today is another (of three per week) cardio rehab day, 80 miles West in Tucson.

Greg

PS: Went ahead and did the barrel install, including lapping the receiver, thrice torquing the barrel nut to 40ft/lb, and bedding the barrel extension using Loc-Tite Red (271). A trial assembly of the gas block and forend indicates plenty of clearance. The rest is looking OK to proceed.

The Weaver T-24, although a beautiful scope, is unsuited for this application. The ultra fine reticle wires and tiny dot are very hard to acquire quickly. I am substituting a pair of Tasco 6-24x42 MilDot heirloom scopes from the optics rummage drawer, one for each 6.5 Grendel upper (20" and 24"). I think a good application for the T-24 would be a (still to be built) 22LR target rifle.

 

[Strykervet]

Been shooting it and loading it for years. It ain't going anywhere, it's getting more popular.

 

[SupressYourself]

I agree. I just jumped on. Got a complete upper from Palmetto State for 300.00. My plan was to re-barrel to 6mm (243LBC), but while I'm waiting on that barrel, I've been shooting it in 6.5 mode. Largest group I've shot is 1.2" and smallest is .7" with the average right at 1 MOA. This is with the Hornady Black 123ELD. Not bad for a cheap upper and factory ammo.
Also got to beat on some steel plates out to 450 yards in a stiff wind. The 223s were getting blown all over. The Grendel got there, and with authority.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

For me, the 6.5 Grendel involvement is a new thing; the logical offshoot of a distant fascination for however long the chambering has been a topic of discussion here on The 'Hide. My interest has hovered over the point of stepping into actual participation, dependent on perceived need and this availability we're all talking about here.

A tipping point was reached when A) I realized that my desire for an AR-based 6.5 did not really require that 6.5 to be a .260 (or 6.5CM), and B) an affordable upper became available chambered for the round. This latter eliminated the need for a costly AR-10 platform, and allowed me to employ my existing AR-15 lower. That was no small difference, transforming the involvement into something I, and perhaps many others here, could achieve without such a huge outlay as an AR-10 system would necessarily entail.

In the past, I've tried to involve the new shooter in my own process, as a means to help them implement decisions and steps similar to my own.

My path started with purchasing an AR Stoner 20" 1:8" Heavy SS Barreled 6.5 Grendel Upper. Having recently bought an AR Stoner .223 Wylde 16" 1:7" Upper and being quite pleased with it, I was prepared to take the chance on an economical implement such as this. The 20" Upper looks to be well made. Several experiences, by myself an others with this provider's barrels has encouraged my faith in taking this chance. They shoot.

Being me, and therefore not content with first steps, I also spied another AR Stoner 6.5 Grendel barrel, 24" 1:8*, heavy SS in nature. I figured that it warranted serving as the central figure in the build of a complete Upper. I have built an Upper before, with emphasis on economy, literally choosing the cheapest example of each component as available (then) from Amazon, something that's no longer possible thanks to Amazon's corporate virtue signaling.

I had gotten kinda lucky with that process; there being no guarantee that such an approach would be trouble free. Recognizing such, I decided that maybe an approach that limited the rest of the components to a single source, and the same source as both the barrel and the other Upper, could render the same degree of compatibility. This appears to have been the case here.

I chose a stripped receiver/handguard (15") combination which integrates the two separate components into a single, nearly seamless unit. Being a billet design, it has somewhat different styling, and does not offer a forward assist feature (an deficiency I never noticed until I held it in my hand. Oh, well...; I'm sure I'll be learning new things on the subject...). Anyhoo, it looks nice...

I chose the M2 (A2) flash hider, stainless, along with a stainless crush washer. A Melonited gas tube and a black mini gas block compose the gas system, and an AR Stoner 6.5 Grendel Type 2 BCG assembly essentially complete the component choices.

The assembly process began by employing the Wheeler Upper Lapping kit, the work of 5-10 minutes, driven by a hand drill. I then applied anti-seize to the threads inserted the barrel and torqued/untorqued the barrel nut twice. I then applied Loc-Tite Red (271) to the barrel extension, inserted it into the upper, and torqued it for a third and final time, to 40ft/lb of force.

This sequence of steps is intended to achieve two things. The thrice torqued barrel nut is intended to burnish/peen the Barrel Nut/Upper threads to ensure more positive thread contact. The application of the Loc-Tite Red to the barrel extension is an effort to bed the barrel and receiver together; several Internet sources suggest this can enhance accuracy. I'm no expert on these subjects, but I found the anecdotal evidence to be persuasive.

This all took place about 24 hours ago. Since then, I have assiduously avoided handling the assembly while the Loc-Tite (I'm guessing) cures. I may wait some more before proceeding with the completion of the Upper. It's probably all unnecessary overkill, but I'm doing it anyway. Once the barrel was installed, I quickly trial fitted the gas block and handguard to see about clearances, and they are very satisfactory.

More to follow...

Greg

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Assembly complete, nothing O/O the ordinary. Scope is mounted, and bipod installed. There's no forward assist, and I skipped installing the dust cover, so I never even opened the Upper parts kit.

Calling it done.

Took delivery of 500rd Wolf 6.5 Grendel Military Classic 100gr steel case, for whatnot, etc.; back shelf stuff.

Greg

 

[Not_A_Llama]

You don't really need to be so delicate with the Loctite barrel bedding. The barrel nut already clamps the majority of AR barrels with thousands of pounds of pressure (~2500 lbs last I played) without problem - the loctite just scavenges the minimal remaining motion for us accuracy nerds.

 

[Snuby642]

Shots 15-20 of break in for the new 6.5g upper.
Hornady custom 123g sst "brown box"

50 yards no wind and my ever present flier.