Complete Grendel Uppers

[yukonjasper]

I have been half heartedly researching complete 6.5 Grendel uppers for some time and I've come to the realization that others experience could be valuable in my decision of what to get and where to get it. I believe there are some knowledgeable and passionate Grendel owners on this site, so I wanted to tap into that collective knowledge base.

I have a lonely lower sitting in the safe. I already have a Bushmaster 5.56/.223 set up for varmints so I want the upper to provide a higher power option and have settled on 6.5 Grendel.
This will be used for predator, deer etc. and some target practice - I don't get a ton of time to shoot, anywhere I shoot doesn't offer shooting longer than 400yard and I like to think I really need this but it is more of an itch to scratch so thinking no more than $450-/$500 and wouldn't mind not paying that much if it isn't necessary. Thinking I want an 18" - possibly 20" barrel.

If you bought a Grendel upper recently, where did you purchase it and why?

Manufacturers I've looked at are:
Sanders Armory https://sandersarmoryusa.com/product-category/ar-upper-assemblies/6-5-grendel-upper-assembly/
Bear Creek Arsenal https://www.bearcreekarsenal.com/new-6-5-grendel-complete-upper-assemblies
Hardened Arms https://www.hardenedarms.com/ecProductListing_36-
Midway has AR-Stoner https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1019145595/ar-stoner-ar-15-a3-upper-receiver-assembly-65-grendel-20-barrel-with-15-m-lok-handguard
Primary Arms has Radical http://www.primaryarms.com/cfu24-6-5-ss-med-15fhr
Alexander Arms http://www.shopalexanderarms.com/6_5_Grendel-Uppers.html
Moriarti Armaments https://moriartiarmaments.com/6.5-grendel-uppers/

Thanks for your learned opinion.

[photogpat]

Do you reload? If not, don't buy a Grendel.

[yukonjasper]

I do not reload. I also don't shoot enough volume to worry too much about factory ammo costs.

[Ghost]

Do you reload? If not, don't buy a Grendel.

They've been seeing good results out of the Hornady American gunner ammo from sportsman's warehouse. It's $139.99/200 rounds. That said the 6.5 creedmore is the same price. Both currently out of stock. I was able to get a case of the creedmore a while back so just have to keep your eye on the site, especially beneficial when they offer free shipping.

There's also steel case http://www.sgammo.com/product/65-grendel-ammo/500-round-case-65-grendel-100-grain-fmj-lacquered-steel-case-wpa-wolf-ammo I haven't purchased or shot any.

Otherwise places like Buds gun shop will have good prices on the ELDm at roughly $17/box and if you spend $200 it ships free.

For deer I used the Hornady SST's which can be had for about $17/box at a few internet sites.

[Ghost]

I wouldn't get too carried away with length, 16"-18" will have more than enough range for anything you'll do with it. Anything longer is just more to carry for minimal velocity increase. I've inquired about uppers, I'll let you know what I find out. I still think the LaRue is the best deal out there but it's more than you are looking to spend.

[yukonjasper]

Does anyone own an upper from one of the manufacturers listed above to comment on quality or reputation?

Thanks for the thoughts so far.

[grimbeaver]

Though a little more spendy Battle Creek (local) has a 18" with a quality Odin Works barrel and BCG on an Anderson upper. Basically money spent on the parts that count.
http://www.battlecreekarmory.com/produc ... 5gsk14.htm

They also have a cheaper 16" with an Anderson barrel. I think he would custom build you just about anything you would want too.

The other question is when do you want it? A lot of those links you posted are out of stock.

[Ghost]

Here’s what I was recommended but I don’t know anything about it.
https://jtdistributing.com/20-6-5-grendel-hbar-barreled-upper-5-8x24-tpi

[Ghost]

Though a little more spendy Battle Creek (local) has a 18" with a quality Odin Works barrel and BCG on an Anderson upper. Basically money spent on the parts that count.
http://www.battlecreekarmory.com/produc ... 5gsk14.htm

They also have a cheaper 16" with an Anderson barrel. I think he would custom build you just about anything you would want too.

The other question is when do you want it? A lot of those links you posted are out of stock.

I’d still lean LaRue ultimate upper for $792. Sell the MBT for $100. But then since you purchased a UU you could buy the LaRue billet lower for $200 and probably sell it for $500. You’d be about $450 for a LaRue upper once you figure shipping and transfer fees. But, you’d have to assemble the upper which is really easy.

[grimbeaver]

Though a little more spendy Battle Creek (local) has a 18" with a quality Odin Works barrel and BCG on an Anderson upper. Basically money spent on the parts that count.
http://www.battlecreekarmory.com/produc ... 5gsk14.htm

They also have a cheaper 16" with an Anderson barrel. I think he would custom build you just about anything you would want too.

The other question is when do you want it? A lot of those links you posted are out of stock.

I’d still lean LaRue ultimate upper for $792. Sell the MBT for $100. But then since you purchased a UU you could buy the LaRue billet lower for $200 and probably sell it for $500. You’d be about $450 for a LaRue upper once you figure shipping and transfer fees. But, you’d have to assemble the upper which is really easy.

But your price is wrong. It is quite obvious he does not want to build it and LaRue charges $199 to assemble it. That puts the cost at $991.

[Ghost]

Though a little more spendy Battle Creek (local) has a 18" with a quality Odin Works barrel and BCG on an Anderson upper. Basically money spent on the parts that count.
http://www.battlecreekarmory.com/produc ... 5gsk14.htm

They also have a cheaper 16" with an Anderson barrel. I think he would custom build you just about anything you would want too.

The other question is when do you want it? A lot of those links you posted are out of stock.

I’d still lean LaRue ultimate upper for $792. Sell the MBT for $100. But then since you purchased a UU you could buy the LaRue billet lower for $200 and probably sell it for $500. You’d be about $450 for a LaRue upper once you figure shipping and transfer fees. But, you’d have to assemble the upper which is really easy.

But your price is wrong. It is quite obvious he does not want to build it and LaRue charges $199 to assemble it. That puts the cost at $991.

Which is why I said he’d have to assemble it which can be done without a vise on your kitchen table. Barrel wrench is included so basic tools are all that’s needed. Even the barrel is pre-dimpled for the gas block. The LaRue is a sub .5 moa barrel.

[atomic41]

Just some food for thought...this year you are going to see the new .224 Valkyrie take off. I'm planning an upper myself. It was a project started by Federal and JP and a lot of other companies are jumping in. The performance is in between 6.5G, and 6.5C in an AR frame. JP just released barrels and their website already says they can't keep up with demand. Larue is in, Masterpiece Arms is making a bolt version. Just google it.

[Ghost]

Just some food for thought...this year you are going to see the new .224 Valkyrie take off. I'm planning an upper myself. It was a project started by Federal and JP and a lot of other companies are jumping in. The performance is in between 6.5G, and 6.5C in an AR frame. JP just released barrels and their website already says they can't keep up with demand. Larue is in, Masterpiece Arms is making a bolt version. Just google it.

Valkyrie is a cool new cartridge and has great potential. I’d be concerned with cost early on.

David Fortier had this to say about it on ar15

Originally Posted By Gunwritr:

The .224 Valkyrie with the 90-grain MatchKing load (BC .563) has less
wind drift and drop than the 6.5mm Grendel (typically around BC .510)
Has an advantage for shooting paper and steel targets at long range.

6.5mm Grendel puts a larger diameter and heavier payload on target.
Better for hunting due to this. Also will knock over steel plates the Valkyrie
cannot at distance. Can hear the impact on steel better with Grendel, at 800
yards its hard to hear the impact of the Valkyrie.

The Valkyrie should make a fine competition cartridge, but the 90 grain Matchking
is a magic bullet and the BC of its other offerings are not in the same ballpark.

The Grendel has high BCs pretty much across the board, and is a well proven
game taker that punches above its weight.

The Valkyrie needs more dedicated bullets designed specifically for it.
I'm interested to see how the 90 grain Fusion load out of a 16 inch carbine
stacks up compared to the best 5.56x45mm self-defense loads.

[Holland&Holland]

I heard that the Grendel can kill Elephants at 3 Miles.

[yukonjasper]

I guess, upon looking closer and has been pointed out, the availability of the uppers I posted looks grim. I'm not in a hurry, but what usually triggers manufacturers to ramp up production. Apparently there is demand. Should I be looking retail?