I need a bolt carrier for a 6.5 Grendel build. Going to purchase a complete BCG and use the 5.56 bolt as a spare.

Budget is $100 or less.

Seems PSA and AIM fit that bill with good reviews. But what is the difference between each brands models. Other than price and finish they all seem to have the same descriptions. So why the different price points?

Thanks

Id go with PSA, but only their premium line.

Differences are likely small or none at all. Name mainly, look what Noveske can get when they stamp their logo on something.

Be wary of material, HPI/MPI, full auto vs semi for FP shrouding, and QC stuff such as gas key staking etc.

I'd go with the AIM V2, only because I have one and I'm very pleased with it. The PSA premium is no doubt a good BCG although it's phosphated vs Nitride on the AIM. I'm partial to nitride on BCG as it makes them very easy to clean up.


Coincidentally both the AIM and PSA are back ordered right now.

I read a study a while back that suggested the High Pressure Test is actually a poor metric, as firing proof loads is more likely to initiate a stress crack than to detect it.

I will see if I can dig it up.

Here's a nitride Toolcraft BCG for about $80 + shipping.

Monmouth Reloading

First time I've heard of monmouth/tool craft. Excellent reviews. I'm not worried about a logo. Good current price also. Will check them out.

Is nickel worth the extra few dollars?

PSA has one they say is "tested". I gues that means it's had a proof load shot through it.

I've built lowers and bought complete uppers and rifles in the past. This would be my first upper build. Hence the inquiry.

Thanks for info so far folks.

quote:

Originally posted by rangeme101:
First time I've heard of monmouth/tool craft.

I read somewhere Toolcraft makes a lot of BCGs for companies like Aim etc. and I have always read good things about them. If I wasn't stocked so deep in BCGs I would buy one for $79

Toolcraft is OEM for a LOT of AR makers.

quote:

Originally posted by IndianaBoy:
I read a study a while back that suggested the High Pressure Test is actually a poor metric, as firing proof loads is more likely to initiate a stress crack than to detect it.

I will see if I can dig it up.

Link to the study?

quote:

Originally posted by IndianaBoy:
Toolcraft is OEM for a LOT of AR makers.

List of makers?

Biggest difference I can think of between the two listed is materials & coatings. Aim is, or was last I looked, a 9310 bolt with nitride. PSA is C158 with phosphate. I don't really understand the difference between the two, but u weng with PSA because I was buying them for $59 each.

Toolcraft is one of the suppliers for replacement BCG's for the Marine Corps. I'm unsure who they OEM for.

quote:

Originally posted by swage:
Toolcraft is one of the suppliers for replacement BCG's for the Marine Corps. I'm unsure who they OEM for.

Source?

quote:

Originally posted by g4tx:

quote:

Originally posted by swage:
Toolcraft is one of the suppliers for replacement BCG's for the Marine Corps. I'm unsure who they OEM for.

Source?

You have the same access to the internet that I do.

Since you don't seem to want to do any of the leg work yourself, look up Toolcraft's cage code and which service branches use said cage code.

Still too lazy?

How about just looking at their home page?

http://toolcraftinc.com/company/

I have an AIM BCG I bought it when it was the only one I could find. It sits in my range bag as spare for 3 gun.

9310 Bolt, the carrier key looks there was an attempt to stake it.

Rock River for $87
https://www.rockriverarms.com/...play&category_id=377

I have an AIM that looks like it was staked with a pencil. Have not used it. Bought a Rock River as I have a factory RRA gun with thousands upon thousands of flawless rounds.

quote:

Originally posted by g4tx:

quote:

Originally posted by IndianaBoy:
I read a study a while back that suggested the High Pressure Test is actually a poor metric, as firing proof loads is more likely to initiate a stress crack than to detect it.

I will see if I can dig it up.

Link to the study?

Can't find the study. I thought I had saved a pdf of it but I can't find it.

I did find this, from Reed Knight of Knights Armament.

http://www.m4carbine.net/showt...=1008341#post1008341



From the discussion of industry partners privy to the numbers, new AR-15 bolts NEVER fail the HPT.

quote:

Originally posted by IndianaBoy:

quote:

Originally posted by g4tx:

quote:

Originally posted by IndianaBoy:
I read a study a while back that suggested the High Pressure Test is actually a poor metric, as firing proof loads is more likely to initiate a stress crack than to detect it.

I will see if I can dig it up.

Link to the study?

Can't find the study. I thought I had saved a pdf of it but I can't find it.

I did find this, from Reed Knight of Knights Armament.

http://www.m4carbine.net/showt...=1008341#post1008341



From the discussion of industry partners privy to the numbers, new AR-15 bolts NEVER fail the HPT.

Thanks - good read.

tp

quote:

Originally posted by swage:

quote:

Originally posted by g4tx:

quote:

Originally posted by swage:
Toolcraft is one of the suppliers for replacement BCG's for the Marine Corps. I'm unsure who they OEM for.

Source?

You have the same access to the internet that I do.

Since you don't seem to want to do any of the leg work yourself, look up Toolcraft's cage code and which service branches use said cage code.

Still too lazy?

How about just looking at their home page?

http://toolcraftinc.com/company/

Toolcraft's cage code comes up in the DLA data base. When I checked the NAICS code they provided it came up with this. I also ran their cage code 1B1B6 into Army property.com an it only came back with one NSN and it was for a straight pin. When I ran the same query for COLT Defense I came up with 940 NSNs. FN had multiple CAGE codes and over 700 NSNs. Armyproperty.com is open to everyone. I'll try to have my log guys run the cage code for a part look up through PBUSE when I get back(it'll be a while). I believe that the ARMY and Navy systems talk so hopefully I'll find something. Looking at Tool craft's website they claim to be providing parts in one of three ways: As a subcontractor to Colt, A subcontractor to FN or as spare parts. COLT and FN have M4 contracts and FN has the M16 contract. I don't know if I'll be able find conclusive proof, because the complete rifles have a single NSN and I believe the CAGE codes from those NSN will be COLT DEFENSE (13629) or FN(3S679 or possibly others). What did your internet search find?