Best 6.5 Grendel Bolts and BCG Review (2022)

Best 6.5 Grendel Bolts and BCG

The 6.5 Grendel bolt carrier group is a life changing caliber, which is being universally accepted and used in the firearm community. Due to its improved ballistics and qualities, the 6.5 Grendel bolt carrier group has different measurements, compared to the 5.56 and 7.62. 

This means you have to make a few changes to your rifle for a bolt carrier group, so it receives and fires this round. The most unavoidable part to be changed is the upper receiver, and in it, the bolt carrier group.  

The 6.5 Grendel bolt carrier group is a ground-breaking caliber bolt carrier group that has gained an increasing level of popularity in the firearms community. Thanks in large part due to the superior ballistics that it offers over other collective rounds such as the 5.56x45mm NATO and the 7.62x51mm NATO or .308 Winchester bolt carrier group.

What more is that you can use the 6.5 Grendel bolt carrier group in a 5.56 AR-15 gun. Or particularly, you can use it in an AR-15 lower gun. You’re going to need to obtain an AR-15 upper that is made for the 6.5 Grendel bolt carrier group nitride MP though, and that usually includes getting all of the components of the upper receiver too. That being said, a lot of 6.5 Grendel uppers come with barrels, BCG and charging handles.

One such component for the upper receiver is that you’re really going to need it if you want your upper receiver to work well at all is the bolt.

Here, we’ll talk about the pros and cons of investing in new 6.5 Grendel bolt carrier groups for your 6.5 Grendel rounds, and the qualities a good bolt should possess. Based upon these perfect characteristics, we have further lined up the best 6.5 Grendel bolt carrier groups on the market (as of this writing). In case you need to buy one, look no further than our favourites.

Bolts & BCGNameEditor’s CommentRatingGet The Deal
J P Enterprises – Ar-15 6.5 Grendel Full Mass Bolt Carrier Group

Most Recommended Option

1. Low-mass carrier reduces felt recoil 
2. Complete BCG, good for competitions 
3. QPQ finish for maximum wear resistance

10/10SHOP NOW
Faxon Firearms – M16 Bolt Carrier Group 6.5 Grendel Mil-spec

Premium Option

1. Properly inspected and tested for quality
2. Back of lugs chambered for reliability
3. Full-auto-compatible bolt

9.5/10SHOP NOW

Brownells – M16 6.5 Grendel Bolt Carrier Group Nitride Mp
1. Each bolt is Magnetic
2. Best overall recommendation 
3. Shot-peened and heat-treated steel
9.0/10SHOP NOW
J P Enterprises Enhanced Bolt Completion Group1. Machined radiuses on 90-degree corners
2. Aesthetically pleasing 
3. Made from an ultra-strong steel alloy 
8.5/10SHOP NOW

Pros and Cons of Investing in Grendel Bolt and Grendel BCG

If you own a 5.56 or 7.62 AR-15 and are looking to upgrade to the 6.5 Grendel, your best choice is to change the complete upper receiver. However, if you already have it installed, then this section will highlight the pros and cons of upgrading your bolt. 

The primary function of the Bolt Carrier Group or BCG, is to push the cartridge into the chamber, fire the primer, eject the fired cartridge, and load a whole new round. In other words, the bolt carrier group is completely responsible for the magic that happens within a rifle. Want to know the pros and cons if you are thinking to upgrade for your 6.5 Grendel? Read on!

Pros 

Upgrading your 6.5 Grendel has pros and cons include: 

Durable Bolt  

A simple factory-made bolt is made from forged steel or aluminium that is prone to breaking or malfunction. Upgrading your bolt will allow you to choose a much stronger alternative. Furthermore, it also reduces the probability of jamming or malfunction. Features like a nickel coating also increase the life term of your BCG with a nitride finish. 

Lightweight and Better Recoil

Aftermarket bolt carrier groups tend to be particularly designed to reduce the overall weight of the rifle. However, the low weight results in a lesser recoil and quick cycling of rounds. 

Optimal Gas Block 

The 6.5 Grendel runs on a different gas pressure and nitride finish, which may cause your 5.56 adhered gas block to crack. Using an upgraded and specific bolt with a durable and adjustable gas block will reduce or entirely remove this problem.

Cons 

Intended Use 

The 6.5 Grendel nitride finish is not a very frequently used caliber, nor is it readily available in popular stores. Spending money on a new BCG won’t be needed if you’re not going to use the rifle pretty often.

The Criteria – How To Pick The Best 6.5 Grendel Bolt Carrier Group 

Complete BCG 

All the items included in this list are complete bolt carrier groups. Which includes all the components, like the firing pin, extractor, and the gas key. This confirms that you don’t have to find and match parts separately. Hence you save some time as well as money. 

Materials

A good bolt must be made up of durable material such as 8620 or 9130 hardened steel and appropriately treated. A durable bolt prevents any malfunction of the rifle and ensures you don’t get stuck in an emergency. All the bolts reviewed here have been made from durable, high-grade metal so they won’t break easily or fracture even with rigorous use. 

Finishing

A great bolt must have a protective finish like Nitride, nickel-boron, or OPQ, to remove problems like rusting and chipping of the bolt material due to issues like moisture and grime. Additionally, a good finish also reduces resistance by making the bolt’s surface a lot smoother. Furthermore, such bolts are easier to clean. 

Adjustable Gas Key 

An adjustable gas key lets you change the gas pressure inside the chamber. Such an adjustment is often beneficial to modulate the performance and recoil of your rifle. 

Review of the Best 6.5 Grendel Bolt Carrier Groups (BCG) 

Based upon the aforesaid qualities and the ideal characteristics of a bolt carrier group, we have chosen some of the best 6.5 Grendel bolt carrier groups on the market. As the 6.5 Grendel ammunition and accessories are already rare on the market, this is most likely the most comprehensive and well-compiled list on the web, if you are seeking for the best 6.5 Grendel bolts available.

1. Brownells – M16 6.5 Grendel Bolt Carrier Group Nitride Mp

Brownells - M16 6.5 Grendel Bolt Carrier Group Nitride Mp

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New buyers were able to install this bolt in just a few minutes. They are quite happy with the overall quality of the bolt and it functions like a well-oiled machine as soon as it is installed on their rifles. One of the users said that the shooting was a lot smoother than he remembered once the installation was all said and done.

This BCG is a battle-tested unit that passes in flying colors before hitting the market. It’s heat-treated, shot-peened, and stands out as one of the best BCGs in terms of its quality. It’s exactly what you’ll imagine from an accessory that is made from two kinds of high-quality steel. If you want a BCG that is engineered to last and will be really hard to wear down, this may just be what the doctor called for.

The Brownells 6.5 Grendel Bolt Carrier Group is made with two separate kinds of steel. The bolt has been engineered using 9130 steel, whereas the carrier has been made using 8230 hardened steel. Each of these components have been shot-peened and heat-treated to make them durable and long-lasting.

The bolt carrier group comes far-reaching with an extractor, a firing pin, cam pin, and a firing pin retention pin. The bolt has an adaptable gas key to let you change it accordingly.

Each extractor installation comes with a rubber insert and spring to make sure that the rounds do not jam. It is a type 2 bolt, completed with a black nitride coating, which makes it resistant to wear and is aesthetically pleasing. Each of these bolts goes through a magnetic particle inspection before leaving the assembly line, so you can rest assured of the top quality.

This is the perfect BCG that is made for the long haul. We’re talking many years, maybe even decades provided that you take excellent care of it (and the rifle itself). You will definitely get your rifle to work like nothing else once you’ve installed this on your rifle. The shooting will be a lot smoother and a lot more reliable than your factory default.

If you are looking for a factory replacement BCG that will fit on most 65 Grendel rifles, the Brownells brand BCG will definitely be worth looking into for a long time. And that’s always a good thing if you are looking for a rifle that will have the potential to last you what may seem like a lifetime. After all, without a highly working BCG, your rifle may as well be useless.

The Brownells M16 bolt carrier is a durable product made from two different grades of steel. It is a complete bolt carrier group with nitride coating on all areas. Each of these are magnetic particles inspected, which is an assurance about its quality. Considering its price point, it is the best deal for money on the market, especially for the rare 6.5 Grendel Caliber.

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2. J P Enterprises – Ar-15 6.5 Grendel Round Full Mass Bolt Carrier Group

J P Enterprises - Ar-15 6.5 Grendel Full Mass Bolt Carrier Group

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According to a lot of users, they mention that this BCG didn’t need any additional fitting while it was installed on their rifles. As soon as it was finished, they said that it functions just fine with the charging handle and leading to shooting that was reliable and jam-free through over 100 rounds. One of the users said that he was really surprised that it was light in weight due to the durability of the BCG itself.

This BCG is manufactured from high-quality steel that makes it built similar to a tank. On top of that, it’s a BCG that is made for tactical situations. So, if you own a rifle that fires 65 Grendel round cartridges that are smoother and usually used by law enforcement or military personnel, this BCG will be the best match. It can take on consistent amounts of gunfire and will make sure that every shot is made without a single malfunction option to know of.

The BCG from J.P. Enterprises have been pressure made from high-grade 9130 steel, which is lightweight and has a longer life expectancy compared to the original factory made friction bolts and links.

The links friction BCG is available with a choice of a low-mass carrier that decreases felt recoil and increases bolt speed to some extent, hence slightly improving the rapid-fire handling. The standard weight carrier in the pressure BCG has a 100% increase in bearing surface, which expands cycling and reduces wear on the inside of the full auto receiver higher option that first includes resistance.

The bolt carrier group also has an OPQ finish to counterattack wear and operate more smoothly. It comes complete with all the components such as firing pin, extractor, and a few other full auto corrosion resistant parts the first option keeps in use.

Expect this BCG to be popular among gun users who are members of law enforcement or military personnel. Yes, it’s a bit more hard-core than some of the other BCGs that you’ll find on the market. However, it can handle the high-stress situations better than your average Joe BCG. Expect this to last you through several thousands of rounds and many years of full auto corrosion resistant and aero precision faithful corrosion service.

The JP Enterprises 6.5 Grendel Full Mass bolt carrier group is precisely what you need for your rifle if you are looking for a high-quality BCG that will not wear and tear even after a long period of time. You’d be crazy enough to pass up the opportunity to give this a closer look if you are looking for what may be one of the best upgrades you can find in a 65 Grendel rifle.

This full-mass, bolt carrier group for the 6.5 Grendel is a durable and lightweight upgrade for your current BCG. It is fully coated for optimal wear resistance and smooth operation. The only disadvantage is the price of the BCG, which is not far behind a complete upper.

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3. J P Enterprises – Ar-15/M16 6.5 Grendel Enhanced Bolt Completion Group

J P Enterprises - Ar-15 M16 6.5 Grendel Enhanced Bolt Completion Group

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As expected, a lot of newer users are happy with the BCG for a few good reasons. The quality of it is one of the major things that made this stand out as a fan favorite among those who were looking for a BCG at a budget price. One gun owner said that given the quality and overall performance, he said that he got precisely what he paid for and then some.

Tired of a BCG wearing down or cracking on you a bit earlier than expected? With this BCG, you do not have to worry about any damage after short-term use. Especially when you’ll be firing off so many rounds at the shooting range on a regular basis. Whether it’s hundreds of rounds or several thousands, this BCG will make sure that it will function in tandem with your charging handle so you get smooth, reliable shooting each and every time you pull the trigger. This is the perfect BCG for game hunters and target shooters alike. Why will you wish to go back to your old BCG anyway?

This bolt carrier group has been manufactured from durable 9310 steel nickel-chromium-molybdenum-steel, which is almost ten times more durable and sturdy than the regular steel generally used for manufacturing bolts.

The bolt comes far-reaching with all the inner parts, so you don’t have to search and buy them separately. The outer, as well as the inner core is highly resilient to stress and makes sure that your 9310 steel BCG will not break or malfunction even after lengthy rigorous use.

The chrome and black color mixture of elements in the group make it look aesthetically pleasing. Furthermore, the bolt works very well with most 6.5 Grendel barrels, as long as the headspace matches 9310 steel.

If you are looking for a BCG that will be worth every penny, this is the one you may want to consider putting to good use. Even at the price that it’s going for, you’re going to get quite a great deal. Not forgetting to mention, you’ll be able to install this in as little as under half-hour or less. Whether it’s for a building project or an upgrade, this BCG will definitely stand head above shoulders over some flimsy factory default that wears and cracks quite conveniently 9310 steel.

If you want to upgrade to a better BCG, then you best believe that this one may be perfect for your 6.5 Grendel rifle. If you are searching for the perfect BCG that will handle a lot of consistent use and even under extreme weather conditions, then this JP Enterprises 6.5 Grendel Enhanced bolt completion group will be the best one you can look for. Whether you use it all year-round or on occasions, this BCG will not crack or wear down easier than you think the 9310 steel to be.

This bolt carrier comes with a perfect balance between 9310 steel price and characteristics, meanwhile being a lightweight and reliable replacement to the OEM bolt.

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4. Faxon Firearms – M16 Bolt Carrier Group 6.5 Grendel Mil-spec

Faxon Firearms - M16 Bolt Carrier Group 6.5 Grendel Mil-spec

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New users mention that this was the closest BCG that they could get to a military-style bolt. When they have installed it, that’s when they were treated to some smooth shooting that didn’t malfunction even once. Most of the new users ranged from hunters to law enforcement officers who are looking for a BCG that are compatible with most charging handles and didn’t need any additional fitting.

Once again, we take a look at a BCG that is battle-tested before it even reaches the market. It passes the shot peen and heat treatment tests and shows itself as one of the toughest BCGs on the market. So if you are searching for something that will resist all kinds of heat and won’t wear down after dependable amounts of extended use, this BCG will certainly be an accessory worth spending your money on.

This bolt assembly from Faxon Firearms is a mil-spec, dimension-based replacement for the existing bolt for your 6.5 Grendel upper. The bolt has been engineered from hardened steel and features a nitride finish to resist wear and reduce traction while you are firing.

The smooth finish also makes the bolt convenient to clean. The bolt carrier group also has an adjustable gas block to allow you to control the recoil of your weapon. Furthermore, it has a shrouded firing pin, so it works quite well with both auto and semi-auto platforms.

This is a superb mil-spec BCG that will be perfect for multiple applications. Whether you are a hunter, target shooting for fun, or using it in high-stress tactical circumstances this BCG will stand out as one of the best choices for anyone looking for a highly functioning bolt that will take on consistent use day in and day out. It’s also the best one you can opt for if you want something that you know is tested for quality long before it ever reaches the markets. It’s good to know that you’ll get the best in a quality way before you ever buy it.

The Faxon Firearms M16 bolt carrier group will probably be best for you if you just want to waste very little time finding a BCG that is excellent in quality. On top of that, it’s a bolt that will certainly give you a leg up in your shooting no matter what the application. For a BCG that won’t wear down too easily or get spoiled after short term use, the Faxon Firearms delivers on the promise.

The BCG from Faxon Firearms is a simple OEM replacement with a nitride finish and components made from high-grade steel. The bolt group has been fairly priced and offers good value for your money. 

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Conclusion 

Using the 6.5 Grendel ammunition needs the use of a specially designed bolt carrier group, and we hope we gave you an insightful view on how to pick some 6.5 Grendel bolts. It should be durable and has a proper finish to battle wear and reduce friction. Additionally, having an adjustable gas key also helps with some of the function. Upgrading your BCG helps improve the overall accuracy of your rifle and also decreases the cost if you don’t want to change the entire upper receiver or want a personalized solution.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

What is the best barrel length for a 6.5 Grendel? 

The two 6.5 Grendel barrel lengths that are best suited for hunting are the 24 inches and 20 inches barrels. Shorter barrels may be applied, however, beyond slightly lighter weight and more handy silhouette, they have no advantage and give up velocity. However, they are excellent choices for general shooting or a utility rifle.

What Are The Types of 6.5 Grendel Bolt Carrier?

There are two types of 6.5 Grendel BCG namely, Type i and Type ii which differs in bolt face depth, neck depth, and taper shape. Type i has a bolt depth of 0.125 whereas Type ii is about 0.136. Besides that, there’s also AR 15 Grendel BCG and M16 BCG where AR 15 BCG is semi auto whereas M16 can be either semi auto or full auto compatible.

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