Hey there, fellow hunters and AR enthusiasts! Joel Mccartan here, back with another deep dive into the world of precision shooting. Today, we’re talking 6.5 Grendel barrels – the heart and soul of any accurate Grendel build.

Now, I’ve been tinkering with Grendel rifles for years, and let me tell you, choosing the right barrel can make or break your shooting experience. Whether you’re looking to ring steel at 800 yards or take down a whitetail at 400, the barrel is where the magic happens.

So grab a cup of coffee and settle in as we explore the 10 best 6.5 Grendel barrels on the market. I’ve personally tested each of these bad boys, and I’m excited to share my findings with you.

Faxon Firearms 20″ Heavy Fluted 6.5 Grendel Barrel

Kicking things off is the Faxon 20″ heavy fluted barrel. This thing is a tack driver, folks. The 416R stainless steel construction paired with Faxon’s signature nickel Teflon coating makes for a smooth-shooting, long-lasting barrel.

I took this barrel out to my local 600-yard range last month, and let me tell you, it was grouping like a champ. Even in gusty conditions, I was consistently hitting 4″ groups. The 1:8 twist rate is perfect for stabilizing those heavy 130-140 grain bullets. View price

One thing I love about this barrel is the fluting. Not only does it look badass, but it also shaves off some weight without sacrificing rigidity. At just over 2.5 lbs, it’s not the lightest option out there, but the accuracy is worth every ounce.

Criterion Barrels AR-15 6.5 Grendel HBAR Barrel

Next up is the Criterion 22″ HBAR. If you’re building a dedicated long-range rig, this is your huckleberry. The extra 2 inches over the Faxon gives you a smidge more velocity, which can make a difference when you’re stretching things out past 800 yards.

What sets Criterion apart is their hand-lapping process. Each barrel is meticulously polished for unparalleled consistency. I’ve put close to 2,000 rounds through mine, and it’s still shooting like new.

The only downside? It’s a chunky monkey at over 3 lbs. But if you’re building a bench gun or prone shooter, the weight actually helps tame recoil.

BSF Barrels Carbon Fiber 6.5 Grendel 18″ Barrel

Now, if you want to really turn some heads at the range, check out the BSF carbon fiber barrel. This 18″ beauty is a work of art. The carbon fiber sleeve wrapped around a stainless steel core gives you the best of both worlds – lightweight and accuracy. View price

I recently took this barrel on a high country elk hunt, and boy was I glad to have shaved those extra ounces. After a grueling 5-mile hike to my spot, every ounce counted. And when a bull stepped out at 375 yards, the BSF didn’t disappoint. One shot, one kill.

The only caveat? These barrels aren’t cheap. But if you’re looking for the ultimate in lightweight precision, it’s hard to beat BSF.

Ballistic Advantage 16″ Hanson Profile 6.5 Grendel Barrel

For those building a more compact Grendel, the Ballistic Advantage 16″ Hanson profile is a solid choice. I’ve run this barrel in 3-gun competitions, and it’s the perfect balance of maneuverability and accuracy.

The Hanson profile is unique in that it’s designed to be “self-tuning” – meaning it harmonics are optimized for accuracy without the need for a gas block. In my testing, I was consistently ringing steel at 300 yards with this barrel.

One thing to note – with the shorter 16″ barrel, you will sacrifice some velocity. But for most hunting and competition applications inside 500 yards, it’s more than adequate.

Proof Research 20″ Carbon Fiber 6.5 Grendel Barrel

Similar to the BSF, Proof Research offers a top-tier carbon fiber option. The difference? Proof uses a proprietary steel barrel that’s cut rifled before being wrapped in carbon fiber.

I had the chance to shoot a buddy’s Proof Research Grendel build last summer, and I was blown away. At 100 yards, we were getting consistent 1/2 MOA groups with factory ammo. That’s match-grade accuracy straight out of the box.

The downside? These barrels cost as much as some complete rifles. But if you demand the absolute best and have the budget, Proof Research delivers.

Alexander Arms 18″ Incursion 6.5 Grendel Barrel

You can’t talk Grendel barrels without mentioning Alexander Arms. After all, they’re the ones who developed the cartridge in the first place. Their 18″ Incursion barrel is a fantastic all-around option.

What I love about this barrel is its versatility. It’s light enough for hunting but accurate enough for competition. The 1:7.5 twist rate also allows it to stabilize those extra-heavy 140+ grain bullets, which can be tricky in some faster twist barrels.

Odin Works 20″ 6.5 Grendel Barrel

Odin Works has been putting out some great barrels lately, and their 20″ Grendel offering is no exception. This barrel features a unique “Tunable” gas block system that allows you to fine-tune your gas system for optimal reliability.

I recently helped a buddy build a Grendel using this barrel, and we were impressed with the out-of-the-box accuracy. Even with budget ammo, we were consistently getting 1 MOA groups at 100 yards.

Wilson Combat 18″ Recon 6.5 Grendel Barrel

Wilson Combat is known for their 1911s, but they make one heck of a Grendel barrel too. Their 18″ Recon profile is a great middle-ground option. It’s not as heavy as a full bull barrel, but still provides excellent accuracy.

What sets Wilson apart is their attention to detail. Each barrel is hand-polished and inspected before leaving the factory. The result? A butter-smooth shooting experience and exceptional accuracy.

JP Enterprises 22″ 6.5 Grendel Barrel

For the precision freaks out there, JP Enterprises offers a 22″ match-grade barrel that’s hard to beat. These barrels are cryogenically treated for improved stability and longevity.

I had the chance to shoot a JP Grendel at a long-range clinic last year, and it was lights out accurate. We were consistently ringing steel at 1,000 yards – something I didn’t think was possible with a Grendel.

Brownells 20″ 6.5 Grendel Barrel

Rounding out our list is the Brownells house brand 20″ Grendel barrel. Now, I know what you’re thinking – a house brand barrel? But hear me out. Brownells has really stepped up their game in recent years.

This 416R stainless barrel features 5R rifling and a 1:8 twist rate. It’s not the fanciest option on the list, but it’s a solid performer at a great price point. If you’re building your first Grendel and don’t want to break the bank, this is a great place to start.

Conclusion

There you have it, folks – 10 of the best 6.5 Grendel barrels on the market today. Whether you’re building a tack-driving bench gun or a lightweight hunter, there’s an option here for everyone.

Remember, the barrel is the heart of your rifle. Don’t skimp here. A quality barrel will last you thousands of rounds and provide years of shooting enjoyment.

Now, I want to hear from you. What’s your go-to Grendel barrel? Drop a comment below and let me know. And as always, happy shooting!