Why aren’t we seeing development of Grendel Case bolt/barrel extensions?

[FatBoy]

With the recent popularity of the ARC, and its adoption outside of NRA Match Rifle highpower shooting, I have to wonder why we have not seen any new designs around strengthening the bolt and barrel extension. It would seem to me reducing the number of lugs, and maybe changing some of the locking angles (not sure of the term here) could provide more meat around the bolt lugs where these seems to take the most beating.

I’m not sure just how common breaking lugs is with the ARC and how much is just internet hype/reposting, but were pushing the envelope of what a small frame can take, and in my mind that opens the possibility of improving the bolt and extension.

Have I missed something?

 

[hlee]

At SAAMI pressures, breaking bolt Grendel lugs is more internet lore than reality. But, with handloaders starting at SH safe loads, you know “start 10% above book max and go up until you break something, then back off 1 kernel,” things get iffy.

The other reason is “bruh, muh mil-spec.” If you are designing it for an AR-15, it better fit all of them. More often than not, “proprietary” is the kiss of death for an AR.

If you want to hot rod a grendel, do it in a bolt gun.

 

[Ehtacs]

start 10% above book max and go up until you break something, then back off 1 kernel

Dammit I knew I was doing something wrong. We're supposed to back OFF?

 

[FatBoy]

I think you’re probably right with the pressure. As well as with the universal fit but I also think there may be a market to sell a matched set, or a HS bolt in a stronger configuration.

What I don’t know is, Can a stronger configuration be made within the current outside diameter of the extension or is there no meat left on the bone.

 

[hlee]

I think you’re probably right with the pressure. As well as with the universal fit but I also think there may be a market to sell a matched set, or a HS bolt in a stronger configuration.

What I don’t know is, Can a stronger configuration be made within the current outside diameter of the extension or is there no meat left on the bone.

Ruger SFAR essentially put a 308 in an AR15. There’s meat, but is there really the will to do it? Development isn’t cheap..

 

[FatBoy]

Ruger SFAR essentially put a 308 in an AR15. There’s meat, but is there really the will to do it? Development isn’t cheap..

True. This may be post Christmas boredom. Thinking about fixing what ain’t broke…