Help! 80% lower, 7076 or billet 6061?

[KulG23]

Here is the dilemma, from what I read 7076 is stronger and better for machining a 80% lower (please correct me if I am wrong). The why is billet 6061 more than 7076?

I have been waiting since Jan for my order 7076 forged 80% lower (http://aresarmor.com/store/Item/TACMHRW1), but I was now told I could "upgrade" to the 6061 billet (http://aresarmor.com/store/Item/billet-ar15-80percent) that is in stock for no additional costs... Would you trade the 7076 for the 6061? And why is the 6061 more expensive if it's not as strong?

Thanks!!!

[-hanko]

Here is the dilemma, from what I read 7076 is stronger and better for machining a 80% lower (please correct me if I am wrong). The why is billet 6061 more than 7076?

I have been waiting since Jan for my order 7076 forged 80% lower (http://aresarmor.com/store/Item/TACMHRW1), but I was now told I could "upgrade" to the 6061 billet (http://aresarmor.com/store/Item/billet-ar15-80percent) that is in stock for no additional costs... Would you trade the 7076 for the 6061? And why is the 6061 more expensive if it's not as strong?

Thanks!!!

7076 is stronger, a bit more difficult to machine, and costs more than 6061.

That said, either is more than stronger for what you need in an AR-type lower receiver.

Functionally...zero difference...even plastic lowers tend to work, at least for a while.

The word "upgrade" is debatable.

ETA...just noticed the 7075 is forged, the 6061 is billet. I'd still go with the forging, as that's what the military specifies.

Pricing may be higher due to AR forgings being a standard part since forever, and the billets not so much.

-hanko

[KulG23]

7076 is stronger, a bit more difficult to machine, and costs more than 6061.

That said, either is more than stronger for what you need in an AR-type lower receiver.

Functionally...zero difference...even plastic lowers tend to work, at least for a while.

The word "upgrade" is debatable.

-hanko

Thanks!

[Lost.monkey]

I've machined about 25 80% lowers so far, and 7075 was noticibly more difficult to complete in terms of in/sec and rotation rates vs. 6061.

If you have a no-kidding CNC with quality bits, go for the 7075.

If you're running a low-buget operation, stick to 6061.

[-hanko]

Thanks!

No sweat, any time.

Whatcha' gonna' get??

-hanko

[KulG23]

I think I'll switch to the 6061... Keep going back and forth

[wildfxp]

I see 7076 and then 7075. I got confused for a bit.

[KulG23]

Typo, 7075... Just found out they are giving me a 7075 billet now, not a 6061 :-) woo hoo!!! Thank you all for the great input!

[RobertMW]

A good forging is stronger than a billet machined part, but it wont make a difference if you aren't planning on completely abusing it.

[Medic451]

Addax made their billet Lowers out of 6061 but added an extra heat treatment to harden the surface. They said its the best of both worlds because 6061 doesnt fracture as easily as 7075 (more flex) but the surface is hardened to resist scratches and dings.

[Dano3467]

Just checked ADDAX site they don't show a 80% lower.
Did I miss something ?

They do look nice, but seems to be machine work is complete...

[Medic451]

Just checked ADDAX site they don't show a 80% lower.
Did I miss something ?

They do look nice, but seems to be machine work is complete...

I think theyre out of stock on complete billet lowers; I dont know what they have for 80% lowers or how theyre made. My Addax billet lower is awesome looking- attached to a Sig 516 upper.

[cabinetguy]

Just noticed this is a dupe!

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=811233

You should link the two together instead of having two half threads