When building an AR-10 rifle such as one chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor, the quality of each and every part matters. This obviously includes the bolt carrier group (BCG) chosen for the rifle. With the popularity of the AR platform and the 6.5 Creedmoor round, the availability of different parts and manufacturers has greatly increased.
This can make it a challenge to find the best option for your specific needs or requirements. This is especially true when you consider the fact that without a BCG, an AR-style rifle is completely incapable of firing.
Keep reading to gain some knowledge and to see the best 6.5 Creedmoor bolt carrier groups on the market today!
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for 6.5 Creedmoor BCG
- OUR TOP PICK: Faxon .308/6.5 Creedmoor Complete Nitride BCG
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Brownells - M16 6.5 Grendel BCG Nitride Mp
- Aero Precision .308 Black Nitride BCG
Comparison Chart of the Best 6.5 Creedmoor Bolt Carrier Groups (BCG)
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What to Watch For When Buying a 6.5 Creedmoor BCG
Simply put, a bolt carrier group extracts spent shell casings and cycles the rifle through the firing process so the next shot can be fired. It isnโt hard to see how important of a part they are. That is why it pays off to have some knowledge on what to look for when in the process of choosing a new one.
A bolt carrier group is literally the lifeblood of a functioning AR-style rifle. While the BCGs that come installed in factory rifles are perfectly fine, an upgrade can still be a solid choice for most AR-10 rifle owners. The following tips and information are a good place to start and gain some information on how to find the best 6.5 Creedmoor bolt carrier group for your rifle.
This Section Written By: Brian Belko
Expert Author
Brian is an experienced freelance writer and technical writer who has previously written for publications such as Wide Open Spaces, Bigfoot Gun Belts, Alien Gear Holsters, and Kampgrounds of America. He brings both a passion for writing and a love of the outdoors to his published content.
Aside from writing and the outdoors, Brian enjoys gardening, being a co-host on The Nostalgia Blast Podcast, and learning to code.
Is It Worth It?
The above question is an important one to answer for yourself before deciding if you need to upgrade yours. If you are serious about the hobby and like to have high-end and highly accurate AR-10 rifles, then an upgrade from a budget or factory BCG is a good move. It will allow you to squeeze maximum performance from the rest of your parts.
Another scenario that would call for a BCG upgrade is one where the current BCG has had a lot of use. They can wear out and experience spring degradation over time. On the other hand, if you have a budget rifle, there isnโt really a reason to upgrade to a new BCG right away. It wonโt offer a huge performance boost.
Testing 1-2-3
If you are going to upgrade your 6.5 Creedmoor AR-10 BCG, there are two important tests to make sure the one you buy has. A quality bolt carrier group will be Magnetic Particle Inspected (MPI) and will also undergo High-Pressure Testing (HPT). The MPI process utilizes electromagnets and a liquid solution of magnetic particles to check a BCG for any cracks or fissures. This is very important considering the high pressures a BCG undergoes. Speaking of high pressure, a BCG that has a HPT rating is capable of firing high-pressure rounds that exceed SAAMI specs. Even if you donโt plan to fire that kind of ammo, the additional strength is still ideal to have.
Easy Install
If you are a fan of easy installation processes, or are simply anxious to hit the range with your upgraded rifle, go with a drop-in BCG. This style of BCG can be installed quickly and easily with no special tools or visits to a gunsmith.
Review of the Best 6.5 Creedmoor BCG
Now that youโve seen what makes up a good BCG, letโs take a look at our top picks for the best BCGs for a 6.5 Creedmoor. Any of these options will be excellent choices.
Best Overall
Faxon .308/6.5 Creedmoor Complete Nitride BCG
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The Faxon Creedmoor Complete Nitride BCG is a great BCG, though it unfortunately lacks dual ejector capability. This is a slight flaw when compared with other options, but thereโs no doubt that, apart from this flaw, the Faxon performs extremely well. The entire apparatus was MPI tested to make sure that everything was sound and defect-free.
This BCG was made with high-quality steel and treated with black nitride to reduce corrosion and extend the BCGโs lifespan. This product was superfinished with black nitride to reduce friction even further than the standard. This allows it to be rated for full auto firing, even though it doesnโt have two ejectors.
The extreme corrosion resistance and extended lifespan allow it to be a valuable purchase for many years to come. Our general recommendation is to look at the current prices between this BCG and our other picks and see if thereโs a clear more affordable option.
Bottom Line
This superfinished BCG has extreme corrosion resistance and is virtually friction-free. This makes it a great choice for full auto weaponry, but it only has one ejector, so keep that in mind when picking between this BCG and our other options.
Pros
Full-auto rated
Extreme corrosion resistance
Superfinished to reduce friction
Cons
Only 1 ejector
Best for the Money
Brownells – M16 6.5 Grendel BCG Nitride Mp
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When it comes to value, this BCG easily takes the cake. The Brownells M16 Grendel BCG is extremely affordable right off the bat and is a very good BCG, in spite of its affordability. Made from hardened steel that is machined with precision and perfection, every aspect of this BCG is treated with black nitride to reduce friction and lower the chances of corrosion.
Every bolt from this BCG has undergone magnetic particle inspection to make sure that every inch of the apparatus is safe and ready for use. Its bolts are made from even harder steel than the steel used for the rest of the mechanism. This allows you to experience reliable performance even after thousands of shots.
However, this pin is a little short, so make sure that this BCG will fit with your weapon before you make a final purchase. If you can at all manage it, however, this is definitely a great choice in terms of the absolute value you get per dollar.
Bottom Line
This affordable BCG comes treated for extreme heat performance and corrosion resistance and is made from two different types of steel: one for the apparatus and one for the bolts. It has a smaller than usual pin but this shouldnโt stop you from enjoying its performance given its great price.
Pros
Heat treated
Reliable performance
Extremely durable steel
Cons
Very short pin
3. Aero Precision Black Nitride BCG
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For our next BCG, take a look at the Aero Precision Black Nitride BCG. Itโs ideal for big-bore rifles and is machined from 8620 steel. The steel has been further hardened by a black nitride finish that is specific to this BCG; this coating also minimizes the need for lubricants or cleaning, which is great if you donโt like to perform frequent maintenance.
Every component is coated with this finish, except for the carrier firing and, which has a hard chrome coating. All of the bolts have been magnetic particle inspected and tested in high-pressure chambers to make sure that they wonโt give out under a lot of stress. Itโs an extremely durable piece of equipment.
While it does cost more than other items on this list, this BCG is quite excellent in terms of total quality. Itโs a great choice if youโre going for absolute value and are attracted to its signature look and Aero Precision engraving on the side.
Bottom Line
This BCG is a durable, heavily coated apparatus thatโs designed to reduce the need for lubrication and frequent cleaning. Its construction and black nitride finish ensure long-lasting, reliable performance.
Pros
All components are coated
Ensures long-lasting friction reduction
Minimizes the need for lubricants and cleaning
Cons
Expensive
4. PSA Rifle-Length Creedmoor BCG
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This is a rifle-sized BCG made from stainless steel. This is particularly of note because stainless steel is even more heat resistant and durable than many other types of steel used for precision machining. The PSA Rifle-Length Creedmoor BCG is of great use for full auto weapons, which this BCG is rated for. It has dual ejectors, furthering its potential viability for your full auto aspirations.
The entire BCG has been treated with black nitride to extend its lifespan and make it even more durable than it already is. The black nitride combined with the stainless steel really makes it stand out in the durability department. This is one of the toughest BCG mechanisms weโve seen.
The definite drawback is that for all of this quality, you have to pay a pretty hefty price. But we think that quality like this is definitely worth top dollar, so if youโre going for the best possible BCG and money is no object, you should definitely consider grabbing this one.
Bottom Line
Although itโs pricey, this BCG is extremely tough and is sure to last for years to come through thousands of rounds. Itโs going to be very good for full auto shooting due to its stainless steel construction and its dual ejector system.
Pros
Very durable
Long lifespan
Dual ejectors for smooth operation
Cons
Expensive
5. PSA Gen2 Nitride Creedmoor BCG
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In terms of all-around great BCGs, this is one of the best, that’s why it made our list. This is made from 8620 steel, which is a heat resistant metal that is further treated with a black nitride finish. This further hardens the steel and makes corrosion a near impossibility.
The BCG is designed with double ejectors to make the expulsion of used cartridges extremely smooth and quick. This lends itself particularly well to use with full auto weapons, but anyone who fires quickly and hates jamming will love the double ejector capability.
All of the bolts are made from the same 8620 steel, further improving the lifespan of this BCG and allowing it to maintain its efficient operation under heavy use. The firing pin is a bit small, so youโll need to make sure that your rifle is sized properly for installation. To top it all off, this BCG is very affordable, especially when you take its quality into account.
Bottom Line
This BCG has two ejectors to maintain smooth, fast removal of spent cartridges and is made of very durable steel coated with a corrosion resistant finish. Affordable and versatile, this product may even be appropriate for full auto firearms.
Pros
Extremely durable
Steel bolt assembly
Very flawless cycling of rounds
Cons
Smaller firing pin
What is a Bolt Carrier Group?
But what is a bolt carrier group, exactly?
Put simply, itโs a collection of mechanisms and pieces that determine if your firing and reloading process goes smoothly or is riddled with clunky motion or jamming.
A bolt carrier group utilizes the compressed gas initially used to fire the round to help eject the spent cartridge and load the next round all in one smooth process. Itโs a smart mechanism that hijacks the energy and power already being used by a rifle to streamline the firing and reloading process.
With most bolt carrier groups, gas pressure behind the bullet being fired will go up into a gas tube and push the bullet carrier group back. All of that pressure will then impact the firing pin which will push the bolt and bolt carrier back. The spring-loaded function right at the top of the bolt will force the empty cartridge out of the ejection port. This allows the next round to slide right up into the chamber, ready to go immediately.
How to Choose a 6.5 Creedmoor BCG
So, bolt carrier groups are really useful. How can you tell what makes a good bolt carrier group for your 6.5 Creedmoor? Turns out, there are a few key aspects to keep in mind that can help you tell good BCGs from bad. Letโs go over those.
Type
There are a few different types of BCGs that can drastically affect the performance of your weapon. Youโll definitely want to pick a BCG that fits with the type of gun youโre already using. For instance, there are full auto BCGs on the market that are obviously great for full auto rifles.
On the other hand, there are military spec BCGs that were built specifically to meet the militaryโs high standards. Not only are these very reliable, but they have the aesthetic that a lot of people like to emulate with their personal weapons.
Material
Material is another key part of any good BCG. Steel is easily the most common material used for BCGs since it is durable, can withstand wear and tear, and resists heat; furthermore, steel doesn’t tend to cost too much.
In addition to steel, there are aluminum BCGs, which are lighter and popular with guns that have adjustable gas systems. Then there are titanium BCGs, which are lighter than steel but also stronger. These are obviously more expensive, but in terms of absolute value, they’re the top dogs.
Finish
Finally, take a look at the finish of the BCG before you make any final decisions. Parkerized finishing is often used with military spec BCGs and helps a BCG resist corrosion. Nickel boron finishes also help reduce corrosion and are friction free. They look very shiny as well. Black nitride is another finish that hardens steel and reduces corrosion, as well as increasing BCG longevity.
Benefits of Investing in a Quality Model from Our List
Like all aspects of the firearm, overall quality can affect day-to-day performance and gun safety. Using a high-quality BCG with your 6.5 Creedmoor allows you to shoot more effectively and accurately.
Specifically, the benefits of using a good BCG are:
Less Chance of Jamming
Good BCGs will reduce the overall chance that you will experience a jam at any point as you fire your weapon. Jams can cause damage to the weapon or physical harm to the user, both of which are a terrible thing to experience.
Improved Lifespan
Most quality BCGs are coated with some kind of finish that makes them last longer than cheaper models. A longer lifespan directly translates into less money spent maintaining your firearm and more time spent enjoying it. In addition, a coated BCG has less of a chance of breaking and causing catastrophic damage to the firearm or to the user.
Faster Firing
Good BCGs will allow you to fire and reload more quickly with your 6.5 Creedmoor. This is especially useful for full auto weapons, as you can hold down the trigger confident that you can spit bullets down the range and not have to worry about any issues arising with the cartridge ejection process.
Conclusion
We hope that you learned everything that you need to know when it comes to BCGs. Getting a quality BCG is one of the best ways to upgrade or improve your 6.5 Creedmore. When it comes to the best firearm accessories and parts, weโre always here to give you tips and bring you the best products. Thanks for reading!
