6.5 Creedmoor Long Range Precision AR Sniper Rifle Build Guide
Why 6.5 Creedmoor AR Sniper Rifle?
I’ve been at this gun thing a very long time and I’m not easily distracted by the latest caliber fads. In fact visitors to all my sites will notice most of my caliber choices are main stream. I also like NATO designated ammunition, I like ammunition that has stood the test of time, I like ammunition that can be purchased at mom and pop stores. This isn’t to say I’m not open to new calibers. They just need to make sense and have a purpose. Evidence of this a couple years ago I built a 300 Blackout AR-15. A subsonic suppressed 308 caliber projectile out of an AR-15 was very appealing.
Today I am once again inclined to add a new caliber to my arsenal. That caliber is 6.5 Creedmoor. Basically the 6.5 Creedmoor has been determined to be a candidate to replace.308 in some long range sniper applications. The 6.5mm VLD projectile is a modern designed projectile. It was designed for long range accuracy from the beginning. If you were to research what caliber bullets reign supreme with benchrest shooters you will see either 6mm or 6.5mm. Both projectiles are also the basis for most wildcat benchrest cartridges.
How We Built Our 6.5 Creedmoor Long Range Precision AR Sniper Rifle
Below is the parts selected for our 6.5 Creedmoor AR Precision Sniper Rifle and the detailed justification for each selection. Once all the parts are on hand part 2 of this guide will walk through the physical build process
Mega Arms MATEN Ambidextrous Receiver Set 308 AR
Mega Arms MATEN Ambidextrous Receiver Set 308 AR
Billet aluminum receiver set includes both upper and lower for perfect match in a custom .308 build. Upper features shell deflector optimized for proper ejection and Picatinny rail for mounting optics. Lower has integral trigger guard to ease build process, flared and enlarged mag well for fast reloads, and tensioning screw to achieve seamless fit with upper. Special ambidextrous bolt-release lets shooter release bolt from either side with just a fingertip. Set includes billet charging handle, threaded bolt catch pin, take down pins and ejection port cover. Does not include trigger components or pins, sold separately. Accepts DPMS-pattern parts. Will not fit with DPMS-pattern upper or lower receivers.
Mega MML MATEN Rifle Length M-Lok Upper Receiver MML 4420 Handguard
Mega MML MATEN Rifle Length M-Lok Upper Receiver MML 4420 with Handguard
- 7075-T6 aluminum
- Matte black anodized finish
- Laser engraved T-marks on Picatinny top rail
- 1.75″ inside diameter of hand guard
- Rifle length – 12″
- Extended rifle length – 14″
- Mega extended rifle length – 16″
- Compatible only with Mega Arms Maten Billet Lower
The Mega Arms Maten .308 Upper Receiver comes with dust cover door installed, assembly screws, one nine-slot rail, barrel nut and wrench.
Criterion Barrels 308 AR Hybrid Barrel 6.5 Creedmoor 1022S65-HYR-N 22"
Criterion Hybrid contour match grade 6.5 Creedmoor AR barrels offer an ideal configuration for those seeking extreme accuracy without the added weight of a heavy barrel contour. Featuring a flatter trajectory and higher ballistic coefficient than the traditional .308 Winchester alternative, the 6.5 Creedmoor has grown in popularity with many long range shooters.
Button rifled and hand lapped to ensure consistent bore uniformity, Criterion 6.5 Creedmoor AR barrels incorporate a 5/8 x 24 muzzle thread and finished chamber.
- Part# -1022S65-HYR-N
- Barrel length – 22″
- Barrel Twist Rate – 1-8 RH
- Barrel Thread – 5/8 x 24
- Gas Block – .875
- Barrel Material – Stainless Steel, Nitride Coated
Superlative Arms Adjustable Gas Block-Bleed Off
Superlative Arms Adjustable Gas Block
Superlative Arms Adjustable Gas Block
The patented Superlative Arms “Bleed Off”, direct impingement, gas block for the AR 308, AR-10 and 308 AR platforms adjusts the gas flow by bleeding the gas out of the block instead of restricting the flow like conventional adjustable blocks.
Results:
- The pressure used in the block is reduced only to the amount required to drive the bolt carrier. The remaining gas / pressure are bled out of the block allowing the system to run much cleaner and cooler.
- Reduction of felt recoil.
- Patent pending adjustment detent is located outside of the block and therefore no contamination.
- The gas adjustment screw does not restrict the gas flow; therefore there is no erosion or seizing of the screw / no loss of detent due to carbon build up. Although it is removable, we have added a safety mechanism, which stops you from unintentionally backing the screw all the way out.
- When using SBR’s and / or suppressors the bleed off port allows the excessive pressure to be exhausted out of the block reducing blow back.
Data:
- Gas Block Material: 416 SS
- Barrel Diameter: 0.875″
- Weight: t/b/d oz.
- Length: 1.00″
- Attachment Type: Clamp On
- Gas Adjustment: (Patent Pending) 30 Locked Positions, Front Of Block
- Bleed Off Port: (Patent Pending) Front Of Block
Included:
- Gas Block – Assembled
- (2) 10-32 x 3/16″ Socket Head Cap Screws
- (1) Gas Tube Roll Pins
- (1) 3/32 X 6″ L-Shaped Hex Keys
- Installation Instructions & QR code for video tutorial
Geissele Super Semi-Automatic Enhanced SSA-E Trigger
I try really hard to go with different hardware on these AR rifle builds. This project was no different. I spent a lot of time going through available triggers, reading reviews and browsing the forum. In the end I was down to the Rise Armament Advanced AR Trigger and the Airborne Arms AAGT AR-15 Geronimo Trigger System. What did I do? I opted for Geissele Super Semi-Automatic Enhanced SSA-E Trigger instead. Yeah I know I didn’t see that coming either. I will buy those two triggers for the purposes of reviewing at a later date.
Geissele SSA-E Super Semi Automatic Enhanced Trigger Group AR-10, LR-308 Small Pin .154" Two Stage Matte
The Geissele Automatics Super Semi-Automatic Enhanced trigger is a precision tuned, semi-automatic only trigger designed after the Geissele 2-stage combat trigger presently being used by US Special Operations Community. The SSA-E has an enhanced trigger pull improving accuracy with your firearm while still retaining the rugged durability of the combat-tested triggers. The trigger components are constructed of tool steel durability and the engagement surfaces are wire EDM cut for smooth operation. The hammer and trigger pins are constructed of 4140 chrome moly tool steel and are hardened for durability. The hardened pins will not embed debris that will lead to damage of the lower like softer, aftermarket pins. The SSA-E is smooth and light with a first stage of 2.3 pounds; the second stage is 1.2 pounds and breaks crisp and clean. The enhanced trigger is perfect for a Squad Designated Marksman or an SPR type rifle where a match type trigger is desirable without the variability of internal adjustments. The hammer is lighter than a standard AR-15 and combined with the full power spring reduces the lock-time from 8.5 milliseconds to 5.1 milliseconds. The full power spring ensures reliability with hard military primers in some ammunition. The trigger includes installations instructions, a slave pin for installation, and lubricant for the trigger.
- Trigger are made from quality tool steel
- Sear engagement surfaces are wire EDM cut
- Total Pull Weight of: 3.5 lb (2.3 lb first stage, 1.2 lb second stage)
- Hi-Speed Hammer with lightweight I-beam construction
- Reduced lock time over mil-spec triggers
- Hardened 4140 chrome moly steel pins
- Full power hammer spring for reliability with hard military primers
- Patented secondary sear surface ensures safety in harsh environments
- Installation instructions, slave pin, and lubricant included
Aero Precision Black Nitride .308 Bolt Carrier Group - APRH308186
The 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge uses the same bolt carrier group as a .308 Winchester 308 AR
There was a time when the only reliable sources for .308 AR Bolt Carrier Groups were DPMS and Fulton Armory. Today it’s a different world. There are dozens of sources. Technology has also caught up with 308 AR BCG’s. By technology I’m referring to surface coatings, surface improvements and extractor enhancements. For this 6.5 Creedmoor Long Range Precision AR Sniper Rifle Build Guide I have decided to utilize the Aero Precision Black Nitride .308 Bolt Carrier Group, APRH308186. Black Nitride also known as “Melonite” is becoming the standard finish for bolt carrier groups and barrels. It makes the surfaces harder and offers a wear resistant, smoother and slipperier finish than many other options. Black Nitride is a process and not a coating. It wont chip or flake. The Aero Precision Bolt carrier group with it’s dual o-ring extractor, black nitride finish and price make this carrier an easy choice.
Aero Precision Black Nitride .308 Bolt Carrier Group
Carrier Features:
- Material: Billet carrier machined from 8620 steel and case hardened
- Finish: Black Nitride – advanced lower friction coating that minimizes the need for lubricants and cleaning
- Gas Key: 4130 Steel attached with Grade 8 hardware and properly staked
- Firing Pin: Machined from 8740 steel and hard chrome coated
- Forward Assist serrations
- Laser engraved Aero Precision logo
- Carrier fits DPMS compatible style AR Rifles
Bolt Features:
- Material: Case Hardened 9310 Steel
- Finish: All bolt components are shot peened and black nitride coated
- Extractor: Machined from 4340 Steel with double o-rings and double springs
- Magnetic Particle Inspected and High Pressure Tested
- High pressure bolt – external surfaces are CNC ground after heat treat for a precision fit and firing pin hole diameter is reduced to .070″
- Multi-caliber bolt designed to function with .308, 7.62×51, 6.5 Creedmoor, .338 Federal and other .308 based cartridges.
BCG Includes:
- Bolt carrier
- Complete bolt
- Firing pin
- Cam pin
- Retaining pin
Brownells 308 AR Rifle Buffer 078-000-343WB
Magpul PRS Gen3 Precision Adjustable Stock
Magpul PRS Gen3 Precision Adjustable Stock
With solid adjustments for length of pull and cheek piece height via aluminum detent knobs, the PRS GEN3 (Precision Rifle/Sniper) stock provides a stable interface and is intended for semi-automatic sniper or varmint type rifles. Offering a nearly universal fit, it is optimized for rifle-length receiver extensions but will also mount to many mil-spec carbine and A5-length tubes*. Includes a cant/height-adjustable rubber butt-pad and rotation-limiting QD sling swivel cups as well as M-LOK® slots on the bottom for rear monopod mounting. Made in U.S.A.
Magpul PRS Gen3 Precision Adjustable Stock Features
- Mounts to rifle-length receiver extension tube without A2 spacer but will also accommodate mil-spec sized M4 Carbine and many A5-length tubes with standard Castle Nuts and End Plates (not included)*
- Enhanced strength butt-plate withstands severe impact and recoil up to .50 BMG
- Rubber butt-pad provides positive shoulder purchase to prevent slippage and is adjustable for both cant and height
- Machined aluminum LOP and Cheek Piece adjustment knobs with positive locking click detents
- Steel adjustment shafts finished with Melonite® for wear and corrosion resistance
- All aluminum components finished with MIL-A-8625F, Type III, Class 2 hard anodizing
- Bottom M-LOK slots provide additional sling mounting possibilities or for attaching 1913 Picatinny rails for use with a monopod
- Sling Mounts
- Front/Rear – rotation-limited QD sling swivel mounts (swivels not included)
- Rear – 1.25″ aluminum sling loop (left-right reversible)
*NOTE: Due to the wide variety of designs and dimensions of carbine receiver extensions as well as the associated mounting hardware, proper fit cannot be guaranteed. Mounting to a rifle-length receiver extension is recommended to ensure optimal fit and function.
Magpul PRS GEN3 Precision Adjustable Stock Specifications
- Weight: 27.8 oz.
- Weight, w/rifle receiver extension: 31.2 oz.
- Weight, w/carbine receiver extension: 31.7 oz.
- Length, max: 11.5-12.9 in.
- LOP Adjustment Range: 1.4 in.
- LOP, M16 Collapsed: ~14.3 in.
- LOP, M16 Extended: ~15.7 in.
- Cheek Height Adjustment Range: 0.8 in.
* Specifications based on factory configuration.
Magpul PRS GEN 3 Installation Instructions
Magpul PRS GEN 3 Installation Instructions
[pdf-embedder url=”https://308ar.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Magpul-PRS-GEN-3-Installation-Instructions.pdf” title=”Magpul PRS GEN 3 Installation Instructions”]
LaRue Tactical A-PEG AR-10 Pistol Grip
LaRue Tactical A-PEG Grip Pistol Grip
Inspired by the human hand, the unique “flats” on the front and back fall more naturally onto the geometry of the hand’s structure. The flat front also provides indexing to help level and square the firearm to the target. A sculptured palm swell on either side fits nicely into the hollows of the palm. A gentle taper helps seat the hand towards the firearm, and helps to keep the hand from sliding. The generous texture added to the sides gives just the right amount of traction in slippery conditions.
Having an A2 footprint, the A-PEG™ will attach to almost any firearm that has an AR15-type grip interface. Comes complete with mounting hardware.
Specifications:
Length: 4.0” (Extended version is 4.25”)
Length added to firearm: 3.1”
Width: 1.8”
Weight: 4.2 oz.
Materials: Glass-filled polymer.
Colors: Black
Models Available:
Regular (for 5.56 receivers) and Extended (for 7.62 receivers), smooth or rough textured.
Sig Sauer Tango4 6-24X50MM First Focal Plane Rifle Scope SOT46001
SIG SAUER TANGO4 6-24X50MM FIRST FOCAL PLANE RIFLE SCOPE SOT46001
Designed for today’s common MSR/AR and bolt action platforms, the TANGO4 6-24x50mm riflescope is the ideal solution for long range precision shooting, tactical engagements and long range hunting. 4x times optical zoom with illumination in a 30mm one-piece maintube. Low dispersion (LD) glass provides industry leading optical clarity for any situation. Offered in first focal plane (FFP) with multiple, illuminated reticle options. Features our MOTAC™ (Motion Activated Illumination) powers up when it senses motion and powers down when it does not. Provides for optimum operational safety and enhanced battery life. Dependable waterproof (IPX-7 rated for complete immersion up to 1 meter) and fog-proof performance. LockDown™ Zero System on the TANGO4 features a resettable zero, zero-stop and auto-locks down at zero.
Scope Details – Battery: CR-2032, Click Value: 1/4 MOA, Eye Relief: 3.30″, Finish: Graphite, Focal Plane: First, Illumination: Yes, Length: 15.6″, Max Magnification: 24x, Min. Magnification: 6x, Objective Size: 50mm, Reticle: MOA Milling, Tube Size: 30mm, Weight: 26.90 oz