Best 6.5 Grendel Barrels (2022) – An Overview

The barrel is one of the most crucial parts of a rifle, it needs to be designed and made with precision to maximise the performance of the rifle. To fire the 6.5 Grendel ammunition, the barrel of your AR-15 rifle has to match the purpose of a 6.5 Grendel ammo and that is to shoot long-range. Which is why a 6.5 Grendel barrel has to be manufactured with precision to maximise the performance of the ammo. 

Before moving on to the list of best barrels that you can get for your rifle, you should understand some things about a 6.5 Grendel barrel and the importance of having an excellent barrel for your 6.5 Grendel rifle. Furthermore, we will be taking a look at the things that you should be aware of when choosing the best barrel for your rifle. It is important to understand this information so that you can make the best decision when shopping for a barrel. 

Are all 6.5 Grendel Barrels Identical?

No. Not all of them are the same and every one of them is different. The first thing is the gas length system. Some are full-length while some are carbine-length gas system and it is depending on the length of the barrel. In addition, the length of the barrel will also affect the range that you can shoot. Longer ones are usually good for long-range shooting. 

Although the function of a barrel is the same, how manufacturers make their barrels can affect how well the gun shoots. Other differences such as material, fluting, contour and weight can also have an impact on the performance of the gun. 

Benefits of Spending on a Good Quality Barrel

Here are some of the perks of having a new and high-quality barrel.

Improved Accuracy

The 6.5 Grendel is a caliber that is meant for longer-range applications and getting a barrel to handle it is crucial in achieving accurate shots. 

Better Aesthetics

While this may not be a practical benefit, it does add some aesthetics to your gun because some of them are exceptionally nice to look at. 

Reducing Recurring Costs

After using a standard barrel for some time, you are bound to spend money to maintain it or even change to a new one. Getting a higher standard barrel means it can have a longer life and as a result, reducing additional costs to maintain it. 

Things to Look Out For When Buying a New 6.5 Grendel Barrel

This is important when it comes to choosing the right barrel for your AR-15. You wouldn’t spend your money on something bad so these are the things that you should be aware of pick a new barrel. 

Barrel Length

Barrel lengths can directly affect how far a bullet can travel and a longer barrel usually means longer ranges because there is more room for gas to expand and propel the bullet further. 

Gas System Length

The gas system length of the 6.5 Creedmoor barrels would affect the accuracy of your 6.5 Grendel. For instance, if you’re going for a 16 inch barrel, then you must ideally go for a gas tube which is longer to it’d be more suitable.

Twist Rate

Barrel twist rate refers to how many inches the bullet travels to complete one rotation and it usually represents how stable the barrel is. Different twist rates are for different bullet grains. 

Contour/Fluting

Some surfaces of barrels have a texture or contour and some are fluted which means there are materials removed to help with the cooling. If you are considering to get a 20-inch barrel it is ideal that the barrel is fluted.

The Best 6.5 Grendel Barrel – A Detailed Review

Now that you have a clear understanding of the item that you are purchasing, we move on to the 6 best 6.5 Grendel barrels on the market that you can get. 

1. Faxon Firearms – AR-15 Barrels 6.5 Grendel

Specifications

• 5R rifling
• Nitride treated inside and out
• Nickel Teflon coated extension
• Stainless Steel
• 1:8 twist rate

Features

When it comes to the best AR barrels, Faxon Firearms is consistent with being on top of the list all the time. It is possible that it has something to do with their background in aerospace design that allowed them to produce great quality barrels with precision. 

This Faxon barrel is constructed using 416R stainless steel which is a high-grade material. The inside and outside of this heavy fluted barrel has a nitride finish to withstand harsh environments and gives it remarkable durability. The extension on this barrel has a Nickel Teflon coating that makes it resistant to corrosion and ensures a tight fit with the receiver.

This 6.5 Grendel barrel is available in various lengths, the 18 inches barrel utilizes a mid-length gas port while the 20 inches one has a rifle-length gas tube. If you plan to attach a muzzle device such as a flash hider or a compensator, this barrel will be the best option because of its threaded muzzle. 

The twist rate of this barrel is good enough to stabilize whatever heavy bullets that you plan to fire from your 6.5 Grendel rifle. It is also fluted to maintain a lightweight and to dissipate heat from the barrel quicker after your intense shooting session. In addition, it has a black finish and contour that enhances its aesthetics. 

You will like this product if:

You are looking for a high-quality and durable 6.5 Grendel barrel. The construction of this barrel has used top-notch quality material and finish.

You plan to attach muzzle devices to the barrel. The barrel is made to be ready for accessories so you can attach it easily. 

You want higher bullet velocity. The rifling does not deform the bullet as much, allowing it to achieve a higher velocity. 

You might dislike this product if:

You prefer a shorter barrel. There is nothing negative about this barrel and the only reason that this might not be the right barrel for you is if you want a short barrel.

2. Criterion Barrels Inc. – AR-15 Barrels 6.5 Grendel Hybrid

Specifications

• Honed and hand-lapped rifling
• Hybrid contour
• Chrome-lined internally
• 1/2×28 TPI muzzle threads

Features

This 6.5 Grendel barrel by Criterion Barrels is a hybrid barrel that is designed to fire the 6.5 Grendel rounds accurately at a long-range. If you are planning to get a barrel for long-range shooting, this would be the best choice for you. Since it is meant for shooting a long-range, it can also be great for target shooting or hunting. 

One thing that you will realise is that installing this barrel onto your rifle is extremely easy. This is because it is designed to be dimpled so installing it will just be a walk in the park. Besides being able to quickly and easily install it to your rifle, you can also easily attach aftermarket brakes or suppressors because of the muzzle threads. 

A feature that many shooters will find to be appealing is the stainless steel build of this 6.5 Grendel barrel. It offers great heat absorption and produces consistent harmonics. In addition, the barrel is also resistant to corrosion and rust because of the material used and the internal of this 6.5 Grendel barrel is also chrome-lined to resist corrosion and ensures its durability. 

Criterion Barrels is offering this 6.5 Grendel barrel in two different gas systems, mid-length and the rifle-length gas system. No matter which gas system you are choosing, the 1:8 twist rate ensures that even if you’re shooting anything at a long distance, it can be done with exceptional accuracy. 

You will like this product if:

You are looking for 6.5 Grendel barrels that have multiple uses. This barrel has a wide range of use thanks to the hybrid profile. It is specially designed for shooting targets at a long-range, but optimising it for other usages such as hunting is not a problem too. 

You prefer to have choices when it comes to the gas system. Since it is offered at two different gas systems, you have the privilege of choosing the best gas system that suits your rifle. 

You might dislike this product if:

You do not enjoy having a heavy barrel. When it comes to the weight of this barrel, it is actually relatively heavier than some of the top 6.5 Grendel barrels. So it might not be one of the best barrels for you if you want something lightweight.

3. Brownells – AR-15 6.5 Grendel Barrels Stainless Steel 24″

Specifications

• 5R rifling
• 11-degree target crown
• Medium profile
• Stainless Steel
• Includes matched Type II bolt

Features

If you have always struggled to take down prey at long distances due to the poor accuracy of your rifle, then the Brownells AR-15 6.5 Grendel Barrels will be the best barrels for your rifle. The price of this barrel is considered to be average in comparison to the other best barrels but its performance is definitely on par or better than some of the best barrels. 

The reason that this barrel is capable of shooting down targets at long distances is mainly because of its length. The 24-inch barrel and the 1:8 twist rate made it possible to shoot down targets at 800 yards away with consistent shot groups. 

When you get this barrel, you don’t need to bother headspacing the bolt and all you need will just be the bolt carrier. This is due to the fact that this barrel comes stock with a matched Type II bolt. Besides that, this medium profile barrel has a standard stainless steel construction just like most barrels and paired with its medium profile, it gives decent precision and durability. 

Overall, this is not a fancy barrel, but it is a well-rounded one offered at a reasonable price. It can be used for multiple occasions such as hunting, competition or long-range shooting and has respectable durability. 

You will like this product if:

You are looking to improve the precision and accuracy of your rifle. The barrel length of 24 inches with the best twist rate allows you to improve the precision and accuracy of your rifle at a long-range. 

You want a barrel that gives the best value for money. The price that this medium profile barrel is sold at is reasonable and for the performance you are getting, it is definitely worth your money. 

You might dislike this product if:

You do not enjoy having a heavy barrel. The only downside of this barrel is its weight. It’s not the heaviest but it’s heavier than some of the best barrels that you can find.

4. Ballistic Advantage – Premium Series 6.5 Grendel AR Rifle Barrel

Specifications

• Shoulder-less design
• QPQ corrosion-resistant finish
• Mid-length gas system
• Hanson profile

Features

Another best 6.5 Grendel barrel will be the Premium Series 6.5 Grendel AR Rifle Barrel. This is the shortest barrel on this list so it is the best option for anyone that is building a compact rifle. The length of it is only 12.5 inches but is still long enough for acceptable ballistics at mid to long-range. Since it has such short length, moving around with this barrel is incredibly easy too. 

The barrel uses a Hanson profile which has a similar weight as a medium taper profile barrel. The contrast between them is that this barrel has a more consistent contour so precision and accuracy can still be maintained even in a rapid-fire shooting. 

A common fear that many buyers have when buying a rifle part is that it might not last for a long time. However, this barrel is the kind of barrel that you will get to keep for a great deal of time. This is a stainless steel barrel that is QPQ coated which means it will not corrode easily. The construction of this barrel paired with the high-grade finishing ensures its longevity. 

This is also a threaded barrel which allows you to attach accessories such as muzzle brakes or compensators. While the 12.5-inch barrel may not be applicable for shooting targets that are exceptionally far away, it is still a great piece for building a compact rifle. 

You will like this product if:

You do not plan to use the barrel for long-range applications. The length of the barrel makes it ideal for taking mid to long-range shots with superb performance and no unnecessary recoil impulse. 

You want your barrel to have protection against rust. The QPQ finishing prevents the barrel from rusting so it is very well protected. 

You are looking for a lightweight barrel. The weight of this barrel is only as heavy as a medium profile barrel. 

You might dislike this product if:

You are looking for a 6.5 Grendel barrel for long-range applications. If you are planning to get a barrel for shooting at targets that are very far away, then a longer barrel will be the ideal option for you.

5. JP Enterprises – Supermatch Barrel 6.5 Grendel

Specifications

• JP EnhancedBolt
• Air gauged barrel
• Cryogenically treated
• Stainless Steel

Features

JP Enterprises is a company that is known to make competition-grade components and their barrels are one of the best barrels for 6.5 Grendel rifles. This Supermatch Barrel 6.5 Grendel is kept at a superb standard, resembling the quality of JP Enterprises’ products and not commonly seen in cheaper 6.5 Grendel barrels. 

For the price that you are paying, you are getting a barrel that is made to have accurate dimensions from being air gauged and cryogenically treated. In addition, you can expect to have consistent precision no matter the barrel is at high heat or if it’s cold. This consistency is important in a competition because it gives you control over your rifle. 

This barrel also comes with a matched JP EnhancedBolt so installation is simplified and all you need to do is just install and use it. The bolt has excellent reliability and justifies the price that it is sold at. 

You will like this product if:

You don’t mind spending some money on an excellent-quality match-grade barrel. This barrel costs more than average barrels but considering the performance and quality of it, it justifies the price and will definitely be worth your money. 

You plan to attach a muzzle device. The 5/8×24 muzzle thread will allow you to attach an accessory such as a compensator to reduce recoil and further improve the performance.

You might dislike this product if:

You have a strict budget. It is common for good-quality products to come with a hefty price tag and this JP Enterprises barrel is no exception so it might not be the ideal option for you if you do not want to spend too much on a barrel.

6. BSF Barrels – AR-15 6.5 Grendel Carbon Fiber Barrel

Specifications

• Roll-wrapped carbon fiber sleeve
• 6 Groove Button Rifling
• Fluted

Features

This match-grade AR-15 6.5 Grendel Carbon Fiber Barrel by BSF Barrels have shown persistent shot groups from 100 yards and above. If accuracy is the greatest priority then this is definitely something that you may consider.

A unique feature of this barrel by BSF is the fact that it is jacketed with roll-wrapped carbon fiber sleeve and loaded under tension. This method jacketing the stainless steel barrel doesn’t cause any delamination and do not trap heat as well. There are also slots machined into the carbon fiber which improves the cooling of the barrel. 

This way of treating the barrel makes it stiff and keeps it straight while making sure that the barrel remains lightweight. As a matter of fact, this barrel is actually just as light as a pencil profile barrel. 

Not only does this carbon fiber 6.5 Grendel barrel looks aesthetic, but it is also incredibly practical as well. Thanks to the rigidity, it is excellent in compensating muzzle jump and recoil when you shoot. For an AR-15 shooter, this is undoubtedly a good addition to their gun. 

You will like this product if:

You are in the market for a durable barrel. The stainless steel construction paired with the roll-wrapped carbon fiber ensures that the barrel will last for a long time. 

You plan to get an aesthetic part for your gun. The carbon fiber finishing on the barrel will definitely bring attention to your gun because of its uniqueness. 

You need consistent cooling to land accurate and precise shots. Thanks to the machined slots, the barrel is vented and has excellent cooling to ensure that there are minimal temperature changes and shooters can shoot with accuracy and precision.

You might dislike this product if:

You have a tight budget. Because of how the barrel is finished with an uncommon material for a barrel and how it is built, it is priced higher so you might have to think twice before you buy it.  

Conclusion 

The bottom line is that 6.5 Grendel is amazing for precision shooting round for AR 15 but this is ultimately determined by the Grendel barrels used. Ideally, you should go for the best 6.5 Grendel barrels which are fluted, equipped with the optimize twist rate which depends on the bullet weights to achieve the best performance. Regardless which barrel options you go for, remember to choose something based on your budget, personal preferences and usages.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why don’t the military use the 6.5 Grendel if it’s so accurate?

The main reason that the military doesn’t use this ammo is that the 5.56 mm is produced at a higher volume so it is cheaper. The 5.56 mm is also international standard ammo so it’s easier to share it. 

Is the AR-15 good for hunting?

Yes. The AR-15 is reliable and has good accuracy so it can be utilized for hunting. With the 6.5 Grendel barrel, hunting with an AR-15 can be done easily.