Thank you for contacting us, we appreciate your interest. Upper groups vary in configuration and attributes, however the largest variable everything else is built around, is the barrel. For some customers, the differences between barrels can at times be confusing and has unfortunately promoted some misconceptions and beliefs throughout the internet. Having a thorough understanding of the different types of barrels is a best way to make an educated decision based on your needs.
All BCM® barrels are made to strict milspec and are tested to milspec rate of fire standards. Personal preference really dictates what will work best for you.
Standard barrels are built to milspec and are button rifled giving you a standard effective point and area target range that you would find on a military issued rifle in the same configuration. Standard US Army rifle qualification tables are 50 through 300 meters, for minimum standards. Designated Marksman with the same weapons but different optics can effectively and regularly engage point targets at 800 meters and beyond. Other barrels we offer differ in a few ways. The BFH barrels are cold hammer forged and will have a traditionally longer life span than stainless steel or standard barrels. The rifling in cold hammer forged barrels is created during the hammer forge process. As a result of this process, hammer forged barrels have an increased lifespan and outstanding accuracy.
Government profile barrels have a .750 gas block diameter, lightweight and enhanced lightweight barrels use a .625 diameter gas block. Lightweight profile barrels are government profile up to the handguard cap and then slimmer from the gas block mounting area forward.
The New BCM® ELW (Enhanced Lightweight) barrel, is a proprietary tapered profile that eliminates the handguard cap shoulder and features an ultra sleek, ultra light yet durable barrel, in standard button rifled, and BFH milspec bores. The ELWF barrel are fluted for a more rigid design and better harmonics, with a favorable side effect of an additional weight savings of .5ounces
Standard and BFH barrels in government profile, lightweight, and ELW profile barrels are all a 1/7 twist, made from the same Mil-Spec 11595E - Certified Barrel Steel (CMV) and are all chrome lined throughout the bore and chamber per milspec.
In general, the SS410 barrel should have more accuracy, but is also heavier and will have a shorter lifespan. Stainless barrels have chrome lined chambers, however the bores are not chrome lined. The smooth, consistent rifled bore with a 1/8 twist rate is designed for use in precision applications. Stainless barrels are found on military precision rifles like the MK12 and SAM-R, and fulfill roles where accurate fire is of higher importance than volume of fire. Although at some point, like all machines, parts, bolts, barrels etc. will reach the end of their useful service life depending on many factors. Cleaning and shooting patterns, natural and environmental elements, ammunition type and quality, and largely, cadence or speed of fire, i.e. heat; are all factors that play a significant role on the lifespan of your weapon system and individual components.
Because of a mass amount of variables,we do not make an accuracy guarantee, but can tell you most reports are sub MOA. We have never had a barrel come back from inaccuracy where it was not identified as a shooters issue.
Each barrel will have its preference on the type of load and its maximum accuracy. Always stick with good milspec pressured ammunition, never run steel cases, and keep the light loads for training (55gr & 62gr) and the heavier loads for greater precision. 77 gr loads are good, we have heard a lot of good results with 75 TAP, and also a lot of good feedback on 69 Sierra.
Barrel length is a key factor in accuracy. For example, a 14.5" BFH barrel should in theory have an effective point target range of about 450 meters with proper ammunition. A longer BFH barrel in a 16" configuration would theoretically rate more accurately at a longer range, but of course a 20" barrel would logically be best equipped for a long range shot, but of course a heavier attribute of a weapon system. Selecting a barrel all boils down to personal preference in your style of shooting. If the configuration suits your desired application, you should be in good order.
Hopefully this helps, do not hesitate to email any additional questions.
Bravo Company USA, Inc
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