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There are two types of bolts/chambering for the 6.5 Grendel. They are 6.5 Grendel Type 2 and 6.5 Grendel Type 1 Bolt.
So what is the difference between them? Which is better and safer? The answers to these questions will be mentioned below:
The Differences Between 6.5 Grendel Type 2 Bolt and Type 1
Both 6.5 Grendel Type 2 Bolt and Type 1 Bolt have the same case head diameter of 7.62x39 mm.
However, the significant difference between them lies in the depth of the bolt face (or head spacing).
The 6.5 Grendel type 2 bolt or original Grendel was designed to be used with a Grendel bolt, or a 0.135/0.136 bolt face. Meanwhile, the 6.5 Grendel type 1 bolt has a 0.125 bolt depth.
This difference starts with the following exciting story.
The 6.5 Grendel type 2 bolt was under the copyright of Bill Alexander. But he was upset that SAAMI did not grant his invention a patent, makings Type 1 come being.
To avoid legal troubles, the manufacturer Les Baer Custom Inc. modified the 6.5 Grendel barrel and turned it into 0.125 bolt face.
From this, we can understand that SAAMI did not approve the 6.5 Grendel Type 2 bolt, but they did with Type 1.
Accordingly, “6.5 Grendel Type 2” will be stamped on the bolt of the Standard Grendel while most 6.5 Grendel Type 1 will have the word “SAAMI” stamped on the barrel.
Aside from the difference on the bolt depth, these two 6.5 Grendel types are also the neck depth and the taper shape.
The neck depth of 6.5 Grendel is 0.300 diameters while that of type 1 is 0.295 diameters.
Also, the taper in the gun's throat of the Grendel is compound while of 6.5 Grendel type 1 is straight.
For easier understanding, we summarize in the table as below, you can check it!
Types | Case head diameter | Bolt depth (diameters) | SAAMI approval | Neck depth (diameters) | Taper shape |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
6.5 Grendel Type 2 Bolt | 7.62x39 mm | 0.135/0.136 | No | 0.300 | Compound |
6.5 Grendel Type 1 Bolt | 7.62x39 mm | 0.125 | Yes | 0.295 | Straight |
6.5 Grendel Type 2 vs Type 1: Which is Better?
The original 6.5 Grendel with the bolt depth of 0.135 diameters has a disadvantage in comparison to Type 1. The deeper bolt face causes some problems on the bolt and extractor.
Meanwhile, Les Baer Custom has the .264 LBC canister, well matched with the 6.5 Grendel. It has a design of a 7.62x39mm standard bolt as well.
It, in the end, provides shooters higher flexibility to exchange the barrels between versions of AR-15s while saving your budget.
But in the term of the gun’s throat, the Grendel’s compound shape is believed to make various ammunitions fire better.
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Concluding What Has Been Said Above
After comparing 6.5 Grendel Type 2 Bolt Vs. Type 1, have you chosen yourself a proper one?
Each type has its strengths and weaknesses. So I think you had better choose the one you like and fit with your use and budget.
If you see this information is helpful, share them with your friends or partner!
Read more our recent post about best ar15 scopes here. It'll help you chose a good one for your ar rifle! Or if you own another rifle/shotgun/pistol, read my Scopes & Sights Resource.
I am Jerry Gonzalez, and my heart beats for the great outdoors, especially in the breathtaking landscapes of Helena, Montana. Engaging with fellow enthusiasts online and at local hunting clubs has been a rewarding experience, and I find great joy in sharing knowledge and experiences with like-minded individuals. My goal is to empower my fellow hunters with well-informed choices, regardless of their experience level.
I notice an error in your write-up: SAAMI does not approve patents. If Alexander had a patent, and SAAMI did not plan to use his design that’s a completely different animal but I believe we all “meant what you knew”. Yes that was intentional. Have a good one!
can i shoot type 1 ammo in type 2 rifle?
No such thing as type “1” or “2” 6.5 Grendel ammo. This only pertains to the bolt’s, and is based on a singular ammo dimension. Basically which bolt will work better with the standard and only 6.5 Grendel Ammo dimension. If you read it for what its worth, SAAMI did not accept the type 2 bolt design when it pertains to standard dimensions of the 6.5 Grendel round. The standard dimensions of that round are SET by SAAMI, no ammo manufacture with profit based mindset would mass produce a round not approved or put into “Standard” by SAAMI. I think this gets confusing for some as people use the 6.5 type 2 bolts for other rounds, Beowulf is a common one. Who invented the Beowulf and Type 2 bolts? Anyway, after building many 12.7×42 (Beo) I’ve gone back to using AK 7.62×42 bolts over the Gendel Type 2. Specially with shorter pistol length barrels, lots of stove pipes with type 2’s. That being said Alexander Arms does not make a Beowulf upper shorter than 16″ and claims they can be hot swapped to a standard carbine setup AR/M16 setup (3 oz buffer, carbine spring). Shorten the barrel and gas system and that buffer setup will not work. Yes I ramble, and think Mr Alexander is a prick…
Hey I’m new to building and I purchased a 6.5 grendel upper and not sure which BCG is better for it and although the post did help still a little lost. I seen that BCA in their description says Grendel type II but they were sold out so I purchased a DD-15 in 6.5 grendel and it just says that with no type I or II which BCG should I get?