Created for a more powerful, accurate, and efficient cartridge for long-range competition, the 6.5 Creedmoor often works best when shot through a customized firearm designed for your specific needs.
A bolt carrier group, or BCG, is the heart of AR rifle builds and modifications and controls the main part of your gas system for semi-automatic function. Since a 6.5 CM was created for precision shooting, finding the perfect BCG for your gun is worth researching. Here’s our list of the best 6.5 Creedmoor bolt carrier groups to help you get started
Comparison Table of The 3 Best 6.5 Creedmoor (BCG) Bolt Carrier Groups
BRAND
PSA NITRIDE 6.5 CREEDMOOR BCG WITH DOUBLE EJECTOR
DETAILS
- Cartridge: .308, 7.62×51, or 6.5 creedmoor
- Carrier: 8620 Steel
- Bolt: 9310 Steel
- – PSA Proprietary fit
AERO PRECISION – AR 308 BOLT CARRIER GROUP, PHOSPHATE
- Cartridge: .308, 7.62×51, 6.5 Creedmoor, .338 Federal and other .308 based cartridges.
- Carrier: 8620 Steel
- Bolt: 9310 Steel
- – DPMS pattern
BROWNELLS – 308AR BOLT CARRIER GROUPS
- Cartridge: .308, .243, 7mm-08, .338 Federal, .260 Remington, 6.5mm Creedmoor, or any other cartridge based on the .308 Winchester.
- Carrier: 8620 Steel
- Bolt: 9310 Steel
- – DPMS Pattern
How a BCG Works
As mentioned, the BCG is responsible for semi-automatic fire as part of your rifle or pistol length gas system. It works in the following manner:
- First, it allows the firing pin to strike the primer on the chambered round
- Second, it grabs and ejects the spent shell casing
- Third, it re-cocks the hammer in the lower receiver to receive the next round
- Forth, it grabs a new round from the magazine and chambers it
This all happens in the time it takes to pull the trigger, and since your firearm accuracy is dependent upon its efficiency, choosing a dependable BCG is important.
The Bolt Carrier Group is just that, a group of parts that all work together to make this happen. The individual parts each have an important job to do and make the entire system complete.
Bolt Carrier
This is the actual housing of all the other BCG parts. It contacts the buffer spring and absorbs the force of the expanded gas upon firing. This is an incredibly strong part that must be built properly for both use and safety. It will be made from three types of forged steel: Carpenter no. 158, 8620, or 9310.
Gas/Carrier Key
The carrier key (or gas key) protrudes from the top of the carrier and harnesses the gas from the gas tube into the body of the bolt carrier. This works to control the locking and unlocking of the bolt.
Bolt and Extractor
Since the bolt rotates to unlock when under pressure, it needs an extraction solution for each spent round. The star-shaped cog on the front of the bolt works with the extractor as it rotates to allow a grabbing of the round to discard it. It then rides forwards with the buffer assembly movement to allow the bolt head and extractor to grab the next live round.
Bolt Gas Rings
These are small gas rings that work to trap the expansion of the gasses within the carrier. This is crucial for the build-up of the pressure to keep the operation of the bolt working properly.
Firing and Retaining Pins
The firing pin rests on the bolt and sits next to the ejector. When you pull the trigger and the hammer releases, the hammer hits the back of the pin which comes in contact with the primer to fire the round. The retaining pins help keep the firing pin from falling out.
Cam Pin
Cam pins help keep everything where they belong and work specifically to prevent the bolt from rotating too far upon unlocking. Cam pins help keep the bot and firing pin moving as one unit.
Terminology Explained
When comparing products for your build, you probably will come across various terms that you might not fully understand. Keep in mind the following:
- A full-auto WILL NOT turn your weapon into a full-auto option. It is also not illegal to purchase and is not any different than a commercial, or semi-auto option.
- Mil-Spec products have been built to pass military inspection quality and use. In order for a BCG to be considered Mil-Spec, it must include Carpenter No. 158 Steel Bolts, Interior Chrome plating, Shot peening, and Grade 8 fasteners.
Steel Strength Defined
As mentioned earlier, a BCG is made from one of three different steels graded on tensile and yield strength. Tensile strength is defined by the maximum stress it can withstand without stretching. Yield strength measures the force that must be exerted before it is permanently deformed.
Carpenter No. 158 Bolt Steel
This is Mil-Spec steel for bolt fabrication and offered case hardened steel to prevent cracking and surface wear.
- Tensile Strength: 1103 MPa
- Yield Strength: 931 MPa
9310 Steel
Similar to Carpenter No. 158 and is used for both carrier and bolt manufacturing, it is more widely available and is more affordable.
- Tensile Strength: 910 MPa
- Yield Strength: 570 MPa
8620 Steel
This Mil-Spec option is affordable and of high quality. However, it is not used for bolt manufacturing and only is used in the carriers.
- Tensile Strength: 640 MPa
- Yield Strength: 360 MPa
What to Watch For
When looking for the best choice, pay attention to the following. These deal with the overall quality inspection of the product, as well as use and ease.
Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI)
Ensure your options are magnetic particle inspected or are marked as MPI. This means it has been placed into a magnetic field created by two electromagnets to cover the steel with a liquid solution made of magnetic particles. This helps ID cracks or fissures in the steel and gives you the peace of mind that it is safe to use.
HIgh-Pressure Testing (HPT)
HIgh-pressure testing means the BCG has been tested to fire high-pressure cartridges, including rounds above SAAMI specs. This ensures it will last.
AR vs DPMS vs Brand Proprietary
You need to pay particular attention to parts compatibility when dealing with 6.5 Creedmoor builds. What many people call an AR10 rifle is almost exclusively a DPMS LR308, and all parts will fit from one pattern to the next. Furthermore, some brands offer a more proprietary fit to their own upper receiver.
Top BCG Picks for a 6.5 Creedmoor Platform
There are a lot of BCG options out there, but the following are specifically rated for .6.5 Creedmoor caliber rounds (remember the .308 build is the foundation for the 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge) and have been tested for efficiency and durability.
1. PSA NITRIDE 6.5 CREEDMOOR BCG WITH DOUBLE EJECTOR
- Cartridge: .308, 7.62×51, or 6.5 creedmoor
- Carrier: 8620 Steel
- Bolt: 9310 Steel
- -PSA Proprietary fit
Specifically created for the 6.5 CM cartridge, Palmetto State Armory’s BCG utilizes 8620 steel for the carrier and 9310 steel for the bolt assembly for a long lasting option . It also offers a durable black nitride finish for corrosion resistance. Heat-resistant and scratch-resistant as well, it can handle sustainable firing for as long as you need it. Made with double ejectors, it provides a smooth and seamless ejection of spent casings to provide quick firing of round after round.
Pros
- Incredibly durable build
- Dual injector design
- Handles rapid fire shooting well
Cons
- Slightly small firing pin, but doesn’t cause issues
2. AERO PRECISION – AR 308 BOLT CARRIER GROUP, PHOSPHATE
- Cartridge: .308, 7.62×51, 6.5 Creedmoor, .338 Federal and other .308 based cartridges.
- Carrier: 8620 Steel
- Bolt: 9310 Steel
- – DPMS pattern
The Aero Precision AR 308 BCG is designed as a multi-caliber bolt designed to function with an excellent range of cartridges. Utilizing 9310 steel for the bolt and 8620 steel for the carrier, it is an incredibly functional option that provides incredible longevity. Finished with a mil-spec phosphate finish for rust resistance and added durability, it should handle anything you throw at it. Fully vetted for safety and reliability, it is one of the best quality options you can consider.
Pros
- Chrome lined gas key and firing pin channel
- Shot peened
- Detailed for long-lasting use
Cons
- A bot on the pricey side compared to similar products
3. BROWNELLS – 308AR BOLT CARRIER GROUPS
- Cartridge: .308, .243, 7mm-08, .338 Federal, .260 Remington, 6.5mm Creedmoor, or any other cartridge based on the .308 Winchester.
- Carrier: 8620 Steel
- Bolt: 9310 Steel DPMS Pattern
- – DPMS Pattern
The amazing price point of Brownells 308AR BCG is perfect for anyone on a budget who doesn’t want to sacrifice quality. Made from the same bolt and carrier steel options as more expensive choices, this is a multi-caliber option that works with any cartridge-based off the .308 Win. Heat-treated and shot-peened for hardness, it comes in either a black nitride finish or nickel boron coating that is even harder and provides self-lubrication.
Pros
- Choice of finish
- Incredibly durable and long-lasting
- Amazing price point
Cons
- Shorter pin length
Conclusion
The bolt carrier group in any rifle build is an incredibly important part due to its overall function. Without a quality option, you may be sacrificing your overall firearm efficiency, creating issues with accuracy, and probably quite a bit of frustration overall when these issues arise. Choosing a quality option can help keep this from ever being a problem you have to deal with.
We’d love to hear below if you have used any of our top options and what you think. Please leave your comments below, and as always, share!