6.5 Update from Alex 9/18/2008

[hellcat]

I'm squalling mainly because I keep getting told my rifle will be done by a certain date and shipped, but when that date comes, they tell me something else has to be changed or another product like the 7.62 has taken priority. I had talked to Alex on the phone long before I made the decision to go ahead and buy one. there was no mention at that time (April, May08) that there were problems. When I ordered, there were several dozen other people besides me that had paid in advance and i'm sure theres been more since me. Don't get me wrong, I believe its worth the wait. I researched and evaluated the difference between this and a piston AR15, and the XCR won hands down. I just don't like being told one thing, and then having something else happen, thats not good for business.

[gunner69]

The problem with the 6.5 is the chamber dimensions.  They are critical and AA refuses to release them.  That being said, I think RobArms should have went with the standard (Aussie) 6.5x39 chamber.  You can easily reform 7.62x39 cases, to the Aussie 6.5, with a simple resize with this conversion.  A Plus is the 6.5x39 is not owned by AA.  Performance is so close you can't tell the difference.    

I have made 6.5x39 Grendel from the 7.63x39 cases and it is a BIG PAIN-IN-THE-ASS as the case angle is different.  The Aussie 6.5x39 uses the same case angle and it's a snap.  How about it Alex?

[ny32182]

I believe Terra has stated previously that the two things that got bumped ahead of the 6.5 were the stock and the trigger.  I consider both of these to be very neccessary projects.  Especially a fully adjustable stock, as that will bring the XCR into total compliance with all of the SCARspec functionality.

I didn't realize they were reverse-engineering their 6.5 barrel, is that right?    Even if they are, it seems like it would be simple enough to get exact chamber dimensions by taking some sort of mold of an existing chamber.

Hellcat, I understand your frustration (especially if you've already paid for it), but, RA has not actually cancelled any projects yet, so hopefully it is just a matter of time and will be worth the wait.

[sinjin]

ny32182, I had asked the reverse engineering question in an earlier post on this forum, but never saw an answer.  When patents and lawyers are involved, manufacturers understandably hold their cards close!  I found the quote, below, on AA's web site.  I don't know what would have prevented RA from acquiring a licensed reamer from AA, which, in addition to eliminating any ambiguity regarding the chamber dimensions, would, presumably, have allowed them to refer to the cartridge with the name that AA gave it.

Are reamers available for the Beowulf® and/or the Grendel®?


Absolutely but both cartridges (and reamers ) are proprietary property of Alexander Industries Inc. and protected under
Federal US Law. In order to purchase a reamer, the purchaser must contact Alexander Industries (contact@alexanderarms.com)
and request a license. It is a simple process and for most applications it is a royalty free license – that is there is no cost.
Once the license has been issued, simply contact the reamer manufacturer, they will confirm the license and sell you the
requested reamer. We work with many manufacturers – both large high volume manufacturers and many small custom shops.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.

[XCRmonger]

We were never planning to "back burner" the 6.5. The issues that came up were not anticipated at all. We have all the barrels and necessary parts in, and they were ready to ship... until we test fired to first one and punched every single primer. They WERE ready to go, but it wasn't safe to ship them. Murphy's Law. 

[hellcat]

were the primers punctured, or did they fall out? the orginal post has them falling out. which i don't entirely understand if its from the chamber being to tight. from what i understand, they chambered and rifled the barrels to the correct specs, but then chromed lined them; thus tightening the chamber and barrel enough to make it unsafe. i know everyone makes mistakes, but isn't that the kind of thing the engineers are suppose to include in the design? including the extra width of the chome? as for the reamers, Bill's very particular about who gets them from whats said on the grendel forum. i'd be semi happy even if RA shipped me a rifle without chromelining the barrel.

[tk]

Just my two cents: I've got one on order, and  I want it ASAP.  But I'd rather Robarms get it right and then get it to me. And i appreciate the company's directness about the problems. They're a small company making a high-quality product in rather small numbers.

 I can't speak to what Alexander Arms has on their website, and I have no experience with the company or their products, so I wouldn't presume to comment on them, but I can tell you from past experiences that a lot of companies say one thing publicly and do another privately.  I think the 6.5 XCR could be be REAL popular, and I don't know why would Alexander Arms would intentionally create competition for themselves.

tk

[sinjin]

Good point, tk.  On the other hand, Alexander Arms must know that other manufacturers will have to adopt and promote their nre cartridge if it is going to succeed.  A fine line, and all that.

I have one on order, too, which is why I'm so interested in this topic.  I don't want to invest in the 6.5 Grendel, only to see it die young. 

[VariableBinary]

Terra, if there is even a hint of 5.45x39mm, I want to be first on the list. I am local, so I can provide shoes very fast...

One great thing about 5.45x39mm is it will feed from USGI mag bodies. Another is that it is freaking cheap. The milspec stuff is decent for self defense as well

[MrChem]

I second the 5.45 x 39mm along with 45 Auto. What could be nicer than a SB XCR in 45 auto? The 5.45 x 39 is a good choice because it is so cheap.

[magikbullet]

I've been campaigning for 5.45x39 for the last year and a half...

[dont_tread_on_me]

    Vb have you tried the 5.45x39 in U.S.G.I.Mags? I didn't know that they would work,I always thought that they needed different bodies.Damn I hope your right,that would eliminate part of the conversion cost.Mr.Chem the prices I've seen lately on the 5.45x39 is about the same as 7.62x39,but I haven't been shopping for it either.Other than the 22lr,the 5.45x39 seems to be leading the poll for the next preferred kit.
    If they do a 45 acp kit,I think they should use a magazine currently in use,like Glock hi-caps,that now have sleeves that replace the floorplate that turn it into a larger than standard 13 round capacity.I think that would be a better route than using a proprietary magazine that would have to be developed,would cost more,and we would have to wait for r&d and full production startups to get going.Maybe the old M3(as in greasegun) magazines could be made to work,it wouldn't be pretty but they are still cheap I believe.Anyway just thinking out loud again.

[rich52us]

9MM

[DSM]

5.45
9mm
22 LR

and...

any cartridge based on the 5.56 like the 6x45, or 6.5x45.

[Bravo]

Well maybe I'm just not cool, but the only conversion I'm looking for on the -L is one for 22LR.

Now the -M, that's another matter. I can see using a 260 conversion for a spotters rifle!
Why not the 6.5? Because the 6.5 just can't do what a 260 can - and given my choice, I'll side with the 260.

[aziator]

I would buy a .22 conversion sight unseen.  I may consider another caliber if I don't have to change anything but the barrel (6.5). 

For the M, I just want one.  I will worry about conversions later.

[tacweapon]

I will say the only one I plan on buying should it come out is the 22LR and that is a definate but I would consider all the others of course

[Aggieav8r]

What's the latest on the 6.5 release, I can't find anything more current than this 9/18 post?

[XCRmonger]

The barrels are supposed to be coming back to us. Then we have to do grinding, finish, and testing... and then finally we will be able to ship.

[kfdo]

Can someone please tell me what mags the 6.5 Grendel XCR will take? Does the Grendel fit into a .223 mag?
Thank you.

[XCR-Fin]

Can someone please tell me what mags the 6.5 Grendel XCR will take? Does the Grendel fit into a .223 mag?
Thank you.

You were in the right topic but needed to use the search function to find what you are looking for.  Here is a link that should help. http://xcrforum.com/index.php/topic,225.0.html

[kfdo]

Can someone please tell me what mags the 6.5 Grendel XCR will take? Does the Grendel fit into a .223 mag?
Thank you.

You were in the right topic but needed to use the search function to find what you are looking for.  Here is a link that should help. http://xcrforum.com/index.php/topic,225.0.html

Thank you.

[judlll]

Hello, if I placed an order this week for a standard 6.5mm, what would be a very rough estimate on delivery ? I understand many variables are at play, but I hope some lose numbers could be provided.

Thanks - JUD

[XCRmonger]

We are looking to start shipping the 6.5s the end of December, if all goes well.

[devon.mickle]

a 6.5 x 45mm is brilliant.  I'm a  newly-wed of just under a year and convinced my wife that we need a rifle to protect or 2nd amendment rights now that it looks like obamalama is moving in.  I've been sold on the 6.5 grendel for years but 6.5x45 sounds much more economical because of commonality with the 5.56x45mm.  My only question is about terminal ballistics.  The grendel diameter x length ratio is 1 to 6 where the 6.5x45 would be 1to nearly 7.  Would the ballistics be good as a grendel?  This ratio of 1 to 6 has made all the difference for the grendel compared to competitors.  Would we be sacrificing performance with a 6.5x45?