6.5 Grendel project

[Minesweeper3433]

I have an AR15 upper receiver assembly in 6.5 Grendel that is not especially accurate but is fun to shoot. The barrel is 24 inches and I have not done any reloading for it nor have I had an opportunity to test it past 200 yards. I am waiting on paper work for a 30 cal suppressor that will be used on this rifle among others. How much would I be giving up by trimming the barrel back to 18-19 inches as I already have to re-cut the threads as the standard Grendel threads are not a match to 308 adapters. I plan on using it for a fun gun and maybe someday hunting out to 300 max as that is as far as I feel comfortable shooting this rifle at at its current accuracy lvl. The gas system on the rifle is full length rifle and has an adjustable JP gas block and is 1-9 twist steel. All ammo used has been and for the time being be factory untill it is all shot and then I will reload them down the line. Hornady 123 and wolf soft point ammo is what has been used so far and all I have left.

 

[ohearchai]

Minesweeper, running a 18 inch upper, mid lenght gas system. Running about 2500 w/123 scenars, 30 grains AA2520. I personally think an 18 inch upper w/rifle lenght gas system is the way to go with a suppressor, you have the JP block so no problems there. I would stay away from the Wolf ammo, its not going to give you any accuracy, Hornady 123 amax, groups sub moa in my rifle if I do my part. An 18 inch upper should give you nice balanced rifle, a little load development and it should be good to go to 300 yards, if I might suggest one thing, Redding dies worked really good for me over Hornady. By the way is it an AA barrel?

 

[Minesweeper3433]

On the barrel at the time The AR stoner brand products from midway looked nice for the price but I would have been better off getting an AA barrel from the start. You think that I could get away with a rifle length system on an 18 inch barrel? I don't know if the round would give off enough pressure to cycle the action without the suppressor on. Even if the port was drilled out? Also I have been waiting for someone to sell a set of dies on here for a good price as I am currently in school and unemployed.

 

[ohearchai]

You can always run, 20 or 22, until you run the suppressor and tune it in, its hard to know what problems you might incur. Changing out the buffer is an option, don't think it will be necessary to drill out the gas port. Also ithe ammo you use will have some effect. With rgards to dies, pm me.
Marty

 

[gunsmithatwork]

Hi Minesweeper,
I've built a LW hunting rifle one on the Sako Vixen platform for my daughters.
After trueing and lightening up the action, fitted with a cheap Wilson 18" Brl. that I re-contoured to get it even lighter and fluted it.
It will shoot 100 yrds strings of .600" to 3/4" all day no problem!
Sofar they've taken already 3 deer with it, while I took a nice big 6 pointer Bull Elk at around 185 mtrs with my 6.5 x 47 Lap. on a Sako 75 action.
Cheers,
JK

 

[Minesweeper3433]

Today I shortened the barrel to 21.5 inches and threaded to 5/8 24 and installed the break. I will let you all know how it goes next range visit. The AAC break installed nicely and I cant wait for my suppressor to mount to it and see how it handles. The loctite is drying on the float tube now actually.

 

[284driver]

Reviving one from the dead. Contemplating the exact same thing. How did it work out?

 

[Minesweeper3433]

Wow you dug deep in the archives. It shot much better after shortening to the 21.5. I only shot it shortly after that before putting it away for other projects and just recently sold it. When I did sell it the buyer wanted to try it first so he brought the 123 grain amax load from hornady out. Once we got it zeroed with a scope and the gas system adjusted right it shot great and he fell in love with it. Personally though I have since building this rifle moved to CO and bigger shooting ranges abound here. So I have steadily been selling anything semi auto or medium range off to fund better optics and bigger guns to play with here.