The .224 Valkyrie is a new round that blows previous alternative AR-15 rounds out of the water with its high velocity and ballistic coefficient.
Plus, it is cheap and easy to upgrade your AR-15 to use it; all you need is a new barrel, magazine, and bolt carrier group.
But which to choose? Follow our guide below for the best .224 Valkyrie bolt carrier groups.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for 224 Valkyrie BCG
- OUR TOP PICK: Brownells - M16 6.8mm SPC BCG
- 224 Valkyrie/6.8 SPC BCG, Complete
- RUNNER-UP: Fail Zero BCG .224 Valkyrie AR-15
Comparison Chart of the Best .224 Valkyrie Bolt Carrier Groups (BCG)
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What is a BCG and What is it Used For?
The most important part of any firearm is the barrel; the second most important, particularly on an AR-15, is the bolt. The bolt seals the breach of the barrel to force gas pressure from ignited powder to propel the bullet forward.
In an AR-15, the bolt carrier group moves backward and forwards to eject and reload shells. It includes some of the key components of the firearm, most notably the firing pin, which strikes each shell's primer to ignite the powder.
.224 Valkyrie/6.8 SPC BCG, Complete
To perform the functions of chambering a round, sealing the breech, striking the primer and ejecting the shell, the bolt carrier group includes a complex arrangement of components. Lugs on the bolt face lock into the barrel extension to seal the breach. Gas rings ensure that gases delivered via the gas key open the bolt and cycle rounds. The bolt carrier group is the most complex part of an AR-15.
How We Choose These .224 Valkyrie Bolt Carrier Groups
Given their complexity, there are many nuanced factors to consider when identifying the best bolt carrier groups on the market. In the past, there was a major division between full-auto and semi-auto bolt carrier groups.
The rationale behind the semi-auto variety has not passed the test of time so today you will generally find full-auto BCGs. Note, however, that using one does not allow your AR-15 shoot in full-auto mode.
A more relevant distinction among BCGs is the material used. Steel is the no-brainer default. Aluminum is lighter but less resilient. Lightness is not necessarily what you want in a BCG. A third option is titanium, which is both very light and very strong.
BCGs come in a variety of finishes. Parkerized BCGs are affordable, reliable and probably the most common. Alternatives include nickel boron coating and black nitride. Both effectively prevent corrosion but cost a bit more than parkerized BCGs.
Review of the Best .224 Valkyrie BCGs
Given their complexity and the vast array of manufacturers out there, choosing the best bolt carrier group can be a daunting task. Luckily, we've done the work so that you don't have to.
Best Overall:
Brownells - M16 6.8mm SPC BCG
Pros
Cons
As one of the top retailers of firearms and firearms products in the country, Brownells has a wealth of consumer data. They know what works, what sells, and what people want. They have channeled this knowledge into creating a great line of affordable and high-quality products of their own.
This bolt carrier group is a great example. Although it is designed for the 6.8 SPC, it works perfectly with the .224 Valkyrie also, because the former is the parent case of the latter, requiring exactly the same bolt face. This M16 cut BCG incorporates components made of both 8620 and 9310 steel.
The bolt face itself is built of ultra-tough 9310 steel, which has been heat-treated and shot peened. The carrier is machined from 8620 steel. The extractor construction includes a spring and a rubber insert. The gas key screws are properly torqued and staked.
This is a complete bolt carrier group, including a firing pin, cam pin, and firing-pin retaining pin. It is finished in matte black nitride for lower friction and greater corrosion resistance. The BCG has been magnetic particle inspected to ensure quality.
Bottom Line
The top features of this bolt carrier group are the black nitride finish and the fact that it is a well-constructed complete set.
Runner-up:
Fail Zero BCG .224 Valkyrie AR-15
Pros
Cons
Fail Zero and its parent company are trailblazers in nickel boron technology. Fail Zero was founded in 2009 in Florida and has always focused on applying this unbeatably durable NiB finish to mil-spec firearms components.
As the originator of nickel boron finishing on firearms components, Fail Zero offers unsurpassed quality many competitors try to pass off an inferior product, such as nickel boride, as nickel boron. This is a fully assembled bolt carrier group specifically for the .224 Valkyrie.
All critical surfaces are coated in EXO Nickel Boron for permanent dry lubrication, the ultimate in durability and outstanding resistance to wear and corrosion. NiB finished parts include the bolt, the extractor, the M16 cut bolt carrier, the cam pin, the carrier key, and the firing pin.
The extractor hardware comes with a heavy spring, a silicon insert, and an O-ring. These features are included to improve the extraction tension. This bolt carrier group requires the absolute minimum in cleaning and will increase the performance of your modern sporting rifle.
Bottom Line
Fail Zero and their Nickel Boron technology is very hard to beat in this market. The top features of this bolt carrier group are the benefits that BiH gives you and the fully assembled, drop-in design. It's not the cheapest option, but it will last longer than nearly any other BCG.
3.CMMG, Inc 6.8 SPC/.224 Valkyrie Complete BCG
Pros
Cons
CMMG was established in 2002 in Missouri by the Overstreet family. Their goal has been to create quality AR rifle systems that anyone can afford. Everything they produce is made in the USA from the best materials possible. CMMG backs this up with a lifetime warranty against defects in material or workmanship. They have a solid reputation for practical yet innovative products.
This bolt carrier group works with either .224 Valkyrie or 6.8 SPC. The bolt in this BCG is made of 9310 Steel with a phosphate finish. The carrier is made of 8620 steel with chrome lining on the inside, and a phosphate finish on the outside. The extractor is made of 4140 steel with a phosphate finish.
The overall weight of this bolt carrier group is 0.9 pounds. Although it is a bit cheaper than many of its competitors, this is a very solid and reliable bolt carrier group.
It is a great option if you want to give the .224 Valkyrie a try without committing too much money. If you fall in love with the round, you will be left with a great quality BCG for many years of shooting.
Bottom Line
The top features of this bolt carrier group are the affordability and the chrome lining. This is a great no-brainer option for a good price. CMMG has a great reputation and it shows in this BCG.
4. ToolCraft 6.8 SPC Nitride BCG
Pros
Cons
ToolCraft is a North Carolina company that focuses strictly on producing bolt carrier groups for AR-style rifles. This is one of those companies that do one specific thing and do it well.
As with many BCGs, this unit uses a cocktail of metal alloys suited to each specific component. The bolt carrier is made of 8620 steel, the keys are made of 4130 steel and the bolt itself is made of ultra-tough 9310 steel.
The components are all nitride treated for lower friction and greater corrosion resistance. The gas key is also properly staked with grade 8 fasteners. This bolt carrier group was originally produced for use in Palmetto State Armory branded rifles.
ToolCraft covers its products with an excellent lifetime warranty, any product that fails can be returned for an all-new replacement. As with most other options in our guide, this bolt carrier group can be used with both .224 Valkyrie and 6.8 SPC.
Bottom Line
You can rest easy purchasing this bolt carrier group knowing that Palmetto State Armory chose it out of all others to build its own-branded rifles with. That a producer and retailer is willing to accept liability for a product's functionality is a better quality indicator than any review. The top features of the BCG are the nitride finish and the great warranty. This is an affordable yet outstanding option.
5. 224 Valkyrie/6.8 SPC BCG, Complete
Pros
Cons
Based in Washington State, Aero Precision comes from a background producing components for military aircraft and firearms. The company has channeled this know-how into producing firearms and firearm components, especial for modern sporting rifles. Their expertise and high standards of quality really show with this bolt carrier group.
As with many .224 Valkyrie bolt carrier groups, this model also works with the .224's parent case, the 6.8 SPC. This is an M16-cut bolt carrier that has been machined from 8620 steel. The bolt itself is machined from Carpenter-brand 158 tool steel. This BCG features forward assist serrations to help seat any stubborn round. The gas key is properly staked and there is a black O-ring insert on the extractor.
This BCG is shot peened and coated in a black nitride finish. This is a high-tech coating that lowers friction and reduces the need for lubes and cleaning. As with all top-quality AR components, this BCG has been HPT tested and MPI marked. It is manufactured in the USA and weighs 11.52 ounces.
Bottom Line
Aero Precision is a well-established name in the modern sporting rifle components field. The top features of this bolt carrier group are the black nitride finish and the quality testing that it has undergone. An added bonus for some may be the ability to use it with a 6.8 SPC gun as well, but we feel that the .224 renders the 6.8 obsolete.
Conclusion
If you have read this far, you will by now have a pretty good idea of what the best .224 Valkyrie BCGs on the market are and why. As always, shoot safely and browse our site for answers to any other AR-15 or general firearms questions you have.
