- Alfred Mendoza
- June 1, 2023
Upgrading your 6.5mm Grendel AR-15 with a new barrel to make it more suitable for downrange performance is easy. All you need is a barrel designed with accuracy so that you can get the best experience for short to long-range precision shooting.
But with several choices in the market, how do you pick the right one?
Our team did all the dirty work for you to come up with the best 6.5 Grendel barrels for the money!
- Solid construction
- Delivers a 1:8 button twist
- Long-range accuracy
- Cryogenically treated
- Integrated JP Enhanced Bolt system
- Lightweight
- Precision shooting
- Easy-to-install and fit
- Excellent weight and balance ratio
- Aesthetically pleasing
- High-temperature stability
- It lasts a long time
- Affordable price-range
- Easy to install
- Long-range performance
Table of Contents
Top 10 Barrels for 6.5 Grendel
1. JP Enterprises (EDITORS CHOICE)
Why We Picked It
JP Enterprises is one of the best barrel manufacturers in the industry for the 6.5 Grendel.
The barrel is air gauged, and it’s treated cryogenically, so it delivers precise dimensions with great bore consistency, making it an impressive option for your 6.5 Grendel.
The treated steel delivers consistency in precision as the JP Supermatch heats up, meaning it gives almost the same point of impact when the bore is cold or when the barrel is hot.
EDITOR’S CHOICE
Who Should Use It
The JP Enterprises Supermatch barrel is a good fit for gun owners who like to join competitions because of the precision and consistency it provides.
In addition, the barrel is also for gun enthusiasts who enjoy maximum range shooting more than shorter ranges.
Summary
All in all, the JP Supermatch Barrel is easily one of the best barrels if you’re looking for precision, consistency, flawless fit, and function. It’s for gun owners who enjoy shooting at long ranges.
PROS
- Solid construction
- Delivers a 1:8 button twist
- Long-range accuracy
- Cryogenically treated
- Integrated JP Enhanced Bolt system
CONS
- Expensive
2. BSF Barrels
Why We Picked It
The BSF Barrel is exceptionally lightweight, which is a good option for your 6.5 Grendel if you value portability a lot.
It makes the barrel more rigid and makes the rifling straight, meaning you get plenty of precision from the barrel.
Moreover, the carbon fiber jacket is vented, enabling the barrel to keep cool and ensuring the heat distortion is minimum in your 6.5 Grendel.
Who Should Use It
Competitive long-range shooters are a good fit with this carbon fiber barrel for the 6.5 Grendel. If you’re a gun enthusiast who plans on building a lightweight rifle, these BSF Barrels deliver precision at the fewest ounces.
Summary
The BSF Barrels sits at the top of the list for gun enthusiasts who prefer having lightweight rifles because of its carbon fiber sleeve. In addition, the lightweight barrel gives you plenty of accurate shots.
However, it doesn’t last long as the full steel barrels, which places longevity in question. On the other hand, it does give you more precision than what a pencil profile barrel can offer, despite being in the same range for the 6.5 Grendel.
PROS
- Lightweight
- Precision shooting
- Easy-to-install and fit
- Excellent weight and balance ratio
- Aesthetically pleasing
CONS
- Expensive
- Not as durable
3. Sons of Liberty Gun Works
Why We Picked It
The barrel is made with heavy-duty and efficient components, meaning it has a longer life than the BSF Barrels.
The material is match grade stainless steel, so it weighs more than the carbon fiber from BSF Barrels. The gas system is mid-length.
The barrel material is 4150 Chrome Moly Vanadium, which increases the steel’s strength, hardness, and high-temperature stability. It’s a great barrel for your 6.5 Grendel.
Who Should Use It
The Sons of Liberty Gun Works match-grade stainless steel barrels are a good fit for people who are into competitive long-range shooting.
It’s easy to install and easy to use on your 6.5 Grendel, making it a good option for beginner shooters.
Summary
It is a few ounces heavier than BSF Barrels, but in exchange for its weight, it does give you more extended durability with its match-grade stainless steel barrel material for the 6.5 Grendel.
Moreover, the barrel is made with 4150 Chrome Moly Vanadium, giving you higher temperature stability in your competitions. It meets the demand of a particular round.
PROS
- High-temperature stability
- It lasts a long time
- Affordable price-range
- Easy to install
- Long-range performance
CONS
- Weighs a little more
4. Faxon Firearms 18in
Why We Picked It
The 18 inch Gunner 6.5 Grendel Barrel is the variation of the 6.5 Grendel of the 5.56mm Gunner profile barrel.
It means that it adds metal to the areas where it most increases the performance, typically close to the chamber, and eliminates metal from places where the barrel doesn’t have to be so thick.
As a result, you are getting a lighter barrel than the government profile barrel, and it gives you more precision and better heat resistance for your 6.5 Grendel, meaning you have less shift in the point of impact coming from the heat buildup.
Who Should Use It
The barrel is a good fit for 6.5 Grendel long-distance shooters because of its durability. In addition, you can take the 6.5 Grendel barrel with you in your outdoor shooting expeditions.
Summary
The Faxon Firearms 18in 6.5 Grendel barrel is a durable barrel made from 416R stainless steel. In addition, it comes from a nitride finish on the internal and external sides, making the 6.5 Grendel barrel resistant to corrosion and rust.
However, it does not have the same precision as a bull barrel, and it still comes with a harsh shoulder that you usually find on a standard government profile barrel.
PROS
- Excellent precision
- Heat resistant
- Heat resistant Muzzle brakes reduce felt recoil
- Consistent point of impact
- Tighter receiver fit
CONS
- Harsh shoulder
5. Criterion Barrels
Why We Picked It
These Criterion 6.5 Grendel Barrels aren’t a budget option, but these are great for precision. The length is what you’ll notice is its length at 22 inches, turning your AR-15 into a precision rifle.
However, this does mean you’ll experience some maneuverability concerns, but the threaded muzzle velocity balances it out.
The 6.5 Grendel bull barrel delivers a full profile that creates the tightest groups with a consistent point of impact.
It does an excellent job in resisting heat buildup, ensuring that your point of impact remains the same through your high volumes of fire, making it a valuable barrel in the gun world.
Who Should Use It
Criterion 6.5 Grendel Barrels is a good option for hunters, shooters, and beginners looking for a barrel for target practice. These 6.5 Grendel barrels are great barrels for long-range shooting as well.
Summary
Criterion bull barrel is quite a costly barrel, but it does give you quality and precision in return. In addition, these 6.5 Grendel barrels are fitted with the use of a finer thread pitch so that they can withstand higher chamber pressures better.
The 6.5 Grendel barrel is consistent with its point of impact, making it a good option for target shooting high volumes of fire, making it an awesome gun.
PROS
- Great threaded muzzle velocity
- Excellent terminal ballistics
- Tight receiver fit
- Smooth bolt locking and unlocking
- Thick chambers for longevity
CONS
- Pricey
6. Ballistic Advantage
Why We Picked It
The Ballistic Advantage Rifle 6.5 Grendel Barrels deliver a shoulder-less design, meaning it symmetrically restricts the barrel whip and enables the barrel to revert to the home position.
As a result, the 6.5 Grendel barrel makes it easier for you to land the follow-up shots in precision with a high rate of fire, making it one of the best 6.5 Grendel barrels.
Who Should Use It
Between Ballistic Advantage and Faxon barrels, the BA stainless steel mid-length barrel is the right option for short to mid-range shooters. However, if you want to build a compact gun that gives you enough precision for medium, this 12.5 SBR barrel length is a perfect fit.
Summary
One of the barrel features worth mentioning is how the recoil impulse is reasonably soft. In addition, the 6.5 Grendel barrel utilizes the Hansons profile, weighing the same weight as the medium taper profile to enhance precision.
PROS
- Compact barrel for mid-range
- Low recoil impulse
- Minimizes barrel whip
- Rust-resistant QPQ finish
- Does not have much bulk
CONS
- Not ideal for long-range
7. ODIN Works
Why We Picked It
The 16-inch barrel gives you a combination of paperwork and performance. ODIN Works barrels are mechanically accurate and reliable, making it one of the best 6.5 Grendel barrels.
It’s a soft shooting gun. The 6.5 Grendel barrel softens the impulses made when the bolt travels rearward.
Upon closer look, you’ll see that the barrel comes with clean cuts on the muzzle threads, and it’s similar to the gas system port.
There is an index mark on the barrel, which shows the exact position of the gas port, making it easy to line up the gas block.
While it’s a heavier barrel, it does give you a nice rearward balance. The accuracy is pretty spot-on, too.
Who Should Use It
You can maximize the use of ODIN Works if you are looking for a barrel for the target as it’s easy to shoot groups with this barrel. It’s a good fit for stand hunting as well. What’s more, it also does well in long-range competitions.
Summary
The 6.5 Grendel barrel is easy to use, and it gives you a tight fight with great precision. ODIN Works particularly shines when you are shooting tight groups at 100 yards or more.
Gun wonders who like using a soft shooting gun would enjoy the barrel. Although it’s a little heavier, the rearward balance is impressive.
PROS
- High-quality finish
- Nice rearward balance
- Softens the impulse
- Easy gas block line up
- Great for shooting in groups
CONS
- Too heavy for some
8. Faxon Firearms 16in
Why We Picked It
The 6.5 Grendel barrel is one of the best 6.5 Grendel barrels. It uses a 5R rifling, meaning they contain the opposite grooves and a decrease in sharp angles, which reduces jacket formation as it increases velocity.
The Faxon Firearms 16 inches is nickel Teflon coated. In addition, the 6.5 Grendel is treated with Nitride inside and out, meaning it successfully resists harmful elements, extending the life of the Faxon Firearms barrel.
It fits nicely to the receiver as well.
Who Should Use It
Mid-range shooters will find the Faxon Firearms helpful in competition. However, this isn’t for competition shooters who are shooting at over 400 yards at smaller targets.
Summary
The feed ramps are correctly cut, the gas system block holes are in the appropriate place, and it’s easy to install, saving a lot of time.
You’ll find the barrel shines the best with match ammo, but you can use plinking ammo as well. However, it does open up because of the heat.
PROS
- Increases velocity
- Corrosion-resistant coating
- Easy to install
- Smooth QPQ Nitride
- Shoots softly
CONS
- Heats up
9. Alexander Arms
Why We Picked It
The carbine length is an essential factor in a 6.5 Grendel barrel, especially the barrel twist rate. The reason why Alexander Arms makes it to the list is its 1:7:5 twist.
The shorter pipe can stabilize heavier bullets, which is the issue with carbine Grendels.
As a result, it’s possible to run lighter bullet weight at the rate without worrying about jacket failure.
The barrel is light, so it helps if you’re building a lightweight firearm. In addition, Alexander Arms barrel is button-rifled, which is a solid process that creates uniform grooves.
Another important factor is that the manufacturer makes it easy to get into the Incursion Barrel.
Who Should Use It
The Alexander Arms is the right barrel for hunters with its rifle length. It’s a straight long-range shooter that can do well in competition settings, hunting, or target practice.
Summary
Alexander Arms is a durable, stainless steel barrel. It installs easily, and it gives you an aesthetic black color. In addition, it delivers fluting, so it reduces weight for gun owners who are building a lighter 6.5 Grendel.
PROS
- Easy to install
- Durable stainless steel barrel
- 1:7:5 twist rate
- Great finish
- Includes barrel extension
CONS
- Scratches easily
10. Faxon Firearms 20in
Why We Picked It
The Faxon Firearms 20-inch rifle’s barrel uses 5R rifling, meaning it uses the opposite grooves and the reduced sharp angles. As a result, it decreases the jacket formation as it increases velocity, which makes it easy to clean.
To increase the reliability of the 6.5 Grendel barrel, Faxon Firearms is treated with Nitride both inside and out.
It keeps it safe from harsh elements and preserves the barrel life.
The extension of the 20-inch barrel delivers a Nickel Teflon coating, providing corrosion resistance, and it keeps a dry lubricity while tightening the fit between the extension and upper receiver. As a result, it enhances accuracy.
Who Should Use It
The Faxon Firearms 6.5 Grendel 20in barrel is for long-range shooters. It’s a good barrel to use for competition shooting as well and for hunting.
Summary
The Faxon Firearms barrel has opposite grooves that decrease jacket deformation to enhance velocity. In addition, the barrel is pretty easy to clean, so regular maintenance is a breeze.
The Nitride coating helps extend the unit’s barrel life as it’s treated inside and out. The barrel is resistant to corrosion, and it tightens up perfectly between your extension and receiver.
PROS
- Corrosion-resistant
- Easy cleaning
- Easy to install
- Increases velocity
- Reduces jacket deformation
CONS
- No gas block
Some Buying Tips
Twist Rate
The twist rate is the number of inches your choice of bullet travels to fully rotate around before it exits the barrel, meaning these rifle barrels with a 1:8 twist rate means it has to travel eight inches before it completes one rotation.
The proper twist rate of the 6.5 Grendel round is highly dependent on bullet weights. A rifle barrel with a 1:9 twist rate is a good option for bullets at around a hundred and sixty grains.
You can choose a 1:8 barrel, though, as it handles different bullet weights well.
Gas System Length
You have to consider the rifle length of the barrel and the length of the gas tube. If you’re purchasing a 16-inch barrel, you need to have a gas tube that’s appropriate for the length.
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Barrel Length
As a general rule, if you’re using it for long-range shooting, you will need a longer barrel like the CMMG barrel, which is over 20 inches, ideally.
The longer the rifle length, the more room it has for expansion, and it’ll propel the bullet in longer distances. There are different rifle barrel lengths, and the best 6.5 Grendel barrels suit you best.
Durability
The best 6.5 Grendel barrels are built for durability. These are made from aluminum, carbon fiber, and stainless steel.
However, stainless steel is the best choice for your 6.5 Grendel barrels because it is tough, and it resists corrosion better than other metals. (1)
6.5 Grendel barrels include a matched Type II bolt. The matched Type II bolt allows you to save cash and protects the barrel for long barrel life.
You can also look for a carbon fiber wrap as it’s three times stronger than steel for longevity.
Fluted Barrel
A fluted barrel means that the contours and textures over the barrel surface. In other words, the barrel is lighter and cools easier over prolonged shooting periods.
It’s an excellent decision to get a fluted barrel as long as the length of the barrel is less than twenty inches.
Weight
Look for a barrel that gives you the appropriate weight because of the material and fluting. The weight depends on the length and use. The longer the barrel and the more durable the barrel, the heavier it is.
Aesthetics
While aesthetics is far from determining shooting performance, plenty of quality barrels are top-notch with the rifle’s accuracy balance that gives you sleek aesthetics of chrome and black colors.
And the #1 Barrel for a 6.5 Grendel is...
After comparing and testing the ten barrels mentioned, the JP Enterprises Supermatch barrel is the best barrel for a 6.5 Grendel.
The Supermatch barrel by JP Enterprises is air gauged and cryogenically treated, ensuring precise dimensions. Unlike other models on the list, the barrel gives you the same point of impact even when the steel heats up for consistency.
It allows your competition rifle to be more predictable. As a result, you receive greater scores and higher placements. The JP Enhanced Bolt feature means it comes with a matched bolt, so you don’t have to worry about barrel headspace. It’s an easy plug-and-play step.
EDITOR’S CHOICE
Our #1 Recommendation
JP Enterprise Supermatch
- Flawless fit and function
- Consistent performance
- Steel cryogenically treated
- Easy to install
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