6.5 Grendel bolt gun build

Andy1 · June 19, 2021, 01:25 PM

I'm putting together a Howa mini action 6.5 Grendel for my son. It'll be used for whitetail, coyotes, and maybe hogs, all inside 150 yards. I've already decided on using Underwood 110gr Lehigh ammo. I'll be getting a flush bottom metal from either Jefferson Outdoors or Oregon Gunsmithing. And I haven't decided on the stock yet. I've had quality issues with Boyd's twice now.

I'm getting a barreled action from Brownells. But I can't decide on either the 20" #6 heavy barrel or 22" sporter barrel. Two inches doesn't matter for velocity, the case only holds 30-ish grains. That'll be a full burn either way. But would the accuracy increase enough to justify the additional weight of the heavy barrel? This will be a 12 year old carrying the gun around.

Thanks for the input.

hounddawg · June 19, 2021, 01:35 PM

from my experience at that range the heavy barrel would only come into play after the 4th or 5th consecutive shot. If I were putting that rifle together I would go light and long. Probably see about 10 - 20 FPS more from the 22 incher

Bart B. · June 19, 2021, 01:46 PM

Barrel length has no effect on accuracy as long as the load's tuned for it.

Scorch · June 19, 2021, 03:06 PM

Instead of trying to piece it together yourself, why not buy a complete rifle? Howa sells the mini actions in chassis, carbon fiber sporter stock, wood sporting stock, molded plastic stock, many available with detachable mags. THe chassis models have adjustable LOP, works pretty good for growing boys. They even have combo models that come already set up with a scope (Nikko Sterling scopes may not be top tier, but they're not bad).

stagpanther · June 19, 2021, 10:42 PM

I've bought a Howa 1500 LA barreled action from brownell's--I think they have exclusivity on distributing them-- and I think it's very well made. Friend of mine keeps his freezer filled with venison year after year with an 18" barreled Grendel AR, and since you mentioned this is going to be a hunting rifle I would definitely go with the sporter barrel.

handlerer2 · June 19, 2021, 11:38 PM

I have read, but have no actual experience to reference, that a shorter barrel is easier to tune. The principle is the same as axel and wheel. The rim is covering much more area than the axel. So a longer barrel, not in tune, will deviate more than a shorter barrel with the same deviation. If, I'm all mixed up, someone will correct me.

I always wanted a heavy barreled, very accurate varmint type rifle, the heavier, the better. I bought one and paid well for it. It's 6.5x284, and I couldn't be happier.

jackstrawIII · June 20, 2021, 05:11 PM

Don't get the heavy barrel. In my opinion, a heavy gun negates the benefits of the smaller cartridge.

For example, I have a CZ 527 carbine in 7.62x39 and I LOVE IT. So I figured I'd really like the CZ 527 American in 6.5 Grendel. I was wrong. The longer 26" barrel and added weight totally threw off the great balance and easy handling that made me love the 527 carbine in the first place.

So, for the build you're doing, I would definitely go with the lighter contour barrel. The Grendel has no real recoil anyways, so lighter is better.

Bfglowkey · June 24, 2021, 08:22 AM

As a builder of this exact thing not 2 years ago I can tell you that the "Heavy Barrel" 20 inch is not heavy at all in terms of suitable for carrying on a hunting gun. I built the rifle with a Boyds At-One Pistol grip stock and it is a phenomenal hunting rifle all the way up to deer so far.

Polinese · June 24, 2021, 10:20 PM

For stocks I'd look at bell and carlson if you don't want to shell out for a chassis. Myself and countless other's have used their stocks with great effect over the years. You'd be quite happy with it I think especially with what some boyds stocks seem to cost now.

Bfglowkey · June 25, 2021, 07:27 AM

Polinese is valid, B&C stocks offer great value. Chassis are hit or miss with folks, but if you like them the Onyx Chassis system is top notch for the money. I went with the Boyds At one since the Grendel Bolt is my "Borrow" hunting gun for family that come to try their luck on property and don't have or didn't bring their own rifle. I have plans for a 7.62x39 build and a 7mm08 next. Favoring the 7mm08 since it will likely serve as a backup Moose gun with heavier pill loads.

taylorce1 · June 26, 2021, 10:08 AM

I was going to say, "Why not just buy a complete rifle?" Looking for a Howa Mini in 6.5 Grendel only turned up American Flag chassis rifles, no sporters to be had anywhere I could find online. If you're buying bottom metal from Oregunsmithing ask them if they have a Pendelton stock for the mini? It'll probably be a much lighter stock than the B&C or Hogue.

June 19, 2021, 01:25 PM	#1
Andy1 Member Join Date: March 16, 2019 Posts: 71	6.5 Grendel bolt gun build I'm putting together a Howa mini action 6.5 Grendel for my son. It'll be used for whitetail, coyotes, and maybe hogs, all inside 150 yards. I've already decided on using Underwood 110gr Lehigh ammo. I'll be getting a flush bottom metal from either Jefferson Outdoors or Oregon Gunsmithing. And I haven't decided on the stock yet. I've had quality issues with Boyd's twice now. I'm getting a barreled action from Brownells. But I can't decide on either the 20" #6 heavy barrel or 22" sporter barrel. Two inches doesn't matter for velocity, the case only holds 30-ish grains. That'll be a full burn either way. But would the accuracy increase enough to justify the additional weight of the heavy barrel? This will be a 12 year old carrying the gun around. Thanks for the input. Last edited by Andy1; June 19, 2021 at 01:45 PM.

June 19, 2021, 01:35 PM	#2
hounddawg Senior Member Join Date: March 1, 2009 Posts: 4,232	from my experience at that range the heavy barrel would only come into play after the 4th or 5th consecutive shot. If I were putting that rifle together I would go light and long. Probably see about 10 - 20 FPS more from the 22 incher __________________ “How do I get to the next level?” Well, you get to the next level by being the first one on the range and the last one to leave.” – Jerry Miculek Last edited by hounddawg; June 19, 2021 at 01:42 PM.

June 19, 2021, 03:06 PM	#4
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	Instead of trying to piece it together yourself, why not buy a complete rifle? Howa sells the mini actions in chassis, carbon fiber sporter stock, wood sporting stock, molded plastic stock, many available with detachable mags. THe chassis models have adjustable LOP, works pretty good for growing boys. They even have combo models that come already set up with a scope (Nikko Sterling scopes may not be top tier, but they're not bad). __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

June 19, 2021, 10:42 PM	#5
stagpanther Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2014 Posts: 11,789	I've bought a Howa 1500 LA barreled action from brownell's--I think they have exclusivity on distributing them-- and I think it's very well made. Friend of mine keeps his freezer filled with venison year after year with an 18" barreled Grendel AR, and since you mentioned this is going to be a hunting rifle I would definitely go with the sporter barrel. __________________ "Everyone speaks gun."--Robert O'Neill *I am NOT an expert--I do not have any formal experience or certification in firearms use or testing; use any information I post at your own risk!*

June 20, 2021, 05:11 PM	#7
jackstrawIII Senior Member Join Date: July 20, 2016 Location: Upstate NY. Posts: 901	Don't get the heavy barrel. In my opinion, a heavy gun negates the benefits of the smaller cartridge. For example, I have a CZ 527 carbine in 7.62x39 and I LOVE IT. So I figured I'd really like the CZ 527 American in 6.5 Grendel. I was wrong. The longer 26" barrel and added weight totally threw off the great balance and easy handling that made me love the 527 carbine in the first place. So, for the build you're doing, I would definitely go with the lighter contour barrel. The Grendel has no real recoil anyways, so lighter is better. __________________ In God we trust.

June 19, 2021, 01:46 PM	#3
Bart B. Senior Member Join Date: February 15, 2009 Posts: 8,927	Barrel length has no effect on accuracy as long as the load's tuned for it.

June 19, 2021, 11:38 PM	#6
handlerer2 Senior Member Join Date: April 26, 2010 Location: Yellowstone Co, MT Posts: 489	I have read, but have no actual experience to reference, that a shorter barrel is easier to tune. The principle is the same as axel and wheel. The rim is covering much more area than the axel. So a longer barrel, not in tune, will deviate more than a shorter barrel with the same deviation. If, I'm all mixed up, someone will correct me. I always wanted a heavy barreled, very accurate varmint type rifle, the heavier, the better. I bought one and paid well for it. It's 6.5x284, and I couldn't be happier.

June 24, 2021, 08:22 AM	#8
Bfglowkey Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2018 Posts: 302	As a builder of this exact thing not 2 years ago I can tell you that the "Heavy Barrel" 20 inch is not heavy at all in terms of suitable for carrying on a hunting gun. I built the rifle with a Boyds At-One Pistol grip stock and it is a phenomenal hunting rifle all the way up to deer so far.

June 24, 2021, 10:20 PM	#9
Polinese Senior Member Join Date: September 27, 2010 Posts: 949	For stocks I'd look at bell and carlson if you don't want to shell out for a chassis. Myself and countless other's have used their stocks with great effect over the years. You'd be quite happy with it I think especially with what some boyds stocks seem to cost now.

June 25, 2021, 07:27 AM	#10
Bfglowkey Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2018 Posts: 302	Polinese is valid, B&C stocks offer great value. Chassis are hit or miss with folks, but if you like them the Onyx Chassis system is top notch for the money. I went with the Boyds At one since the Grendel Bolt is my "Borrow" hunting gun for family that come to try their luck on property and don't have or didn't bring their own rifle. I have plans for a 7.62x39 build and a 7mm08 next. Favoring the 7mm08 since it will likely serve as a backup Moose gun with heavier pill loads.

June 26, 2021, 10:08 AM	#11
taylorce1 Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2005 Location: On the Santa Fe Trail Posts: 8,249	I was going to say, "Why not just buy a complete rifle?" Looking for a Howa Mini in 6.5 Grendel only turned up American Flag chassis rifles, no sporters to be had anywhere I could find online. If you're buying bottom metal from Oregunsmithing ask them if they have a Pendelton stock for the mini? It'll probably be a much lighter stock than the B&C or Hogue. __________________ NRA Life Member