Warning

 

Close
Confirm Action

Are you sure you wish to do this?

Cancel Confirm
AR15.COM
AR Sponsor
7/21/2013 7:10:43 AM EDT
Could anyone provide me with some input on an upper to select, where the focus is on accuracy and not weight or size.  I want to use it for a sniper competition next year, where there is a rapid fire stage on an 8 inch bullseye at 200 and 300 yards.  At those ranges, should I select a 1:7 and go with the heaviest bullet I can, or would a 1:8 do ok as well?  I have already decided on at LEAST a 20 inch barrel since I won't be doing entries with it or carrying it for extended periods.  Only other question would be does a heavy/bull barrel have much influence when shooting at those ranges, or would standard profiles work well too? Palmetto State Armory has a 20 inch upper on sale with a 1:7 barrel, but it is standard profile so I didn't know if that was a deal breaker.


I have zero experience on trying for bullseye/accuracy shots at those ranges, since in the past it has just been about hitting man sized targets, so any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated.  

7/21/2013 10:11:45 AM EDT
[#1]
There will a lot of different opinions on this question.
Most of the YHM uppers I have had in hand have a very tight fit to the barrel.
For rapid fire I would favor a fluted heavy profile.
I would favor a 1:8 twist with a Wylde chamber.
I would think a std profile might string the shots in rapid fire.
Competitions have rules, good idea to look them up.
7/21/2013 10:16:33 AM EDT
[#2]
Tag. Brb.
7/21/2013 10:40:47 AM EDT
[#3]
The shots are from the prone on a scoring ring target, so it isn't just about hitting an 8 inch, it's about getting as tight as possible at 200 and 300.  If a heavy/bull barrel doesn't make that much difference it offers a lot more options for me to purchase.  Same for the rifling, if a 1:8 would suffice, a few of the RRA uppers would do.  Like I said, having no experience with .223 groupings at those distances, I am not totally sure what to expect of most setups.  Is it a pipe dream to expect 2-3 inch groups if I go 1:7, heavy barrel, 20-24 inches?
7/21/2013 11:20:35 AM EDT
[#4]
Length isn't really important in accuracy, mostly just in wind resistance. Twist is only really important insofar as it keeps the bullet stable, and either 1/7 or 1/8 will do that. The most important thing is the quality of the bore, which leaves me favoring premium barrels. My latest was a Rainier Arms Ultramatch, though you'd do well to also look at the White Oak Armament offerings. Any of those will put match ammunition in groups under 3" at 300 yards.

It's unlikely that a heavier barrel will be more accurate, though you may shoot a heavier rifle more accurately, in which case you can add weights to the rifle and take them off as you please, depending on whether you're shooting or carrying the rifle.
7/21/2013 11:43:05 AM EDT
[#5]
Id either order an upper from white oak with a matched bolt or build an upper utilizing a ranier or centurion barrel and a young n/m bcg. either of those at ~20" would most certainly do what your asking. try to stay with the wylde chamber if at all possible imo.
7/21/2013 12:17:28 PM EDT
[#6]
Optics, ammo, and range time will help you make those shots at 200 yds+.
7/21/2013 12:44:56 PM EDT
[#7]
Quote History
Quoted:
Id either order an upper from white oak with a matched bolt or build an upper utilizing a ranier or centurion barrel and a young n/m bcg. either of those at ~20" would most certainly do what your asking. try to stay with the wylde chamber if at all possible imo.
View Quote

I forgot about the Centurion stainless barrels. They would be a very good choice. Centurion Arms SPR barrel.
7/21/2013 1:16:26 PM EDT
[#8]
Also check out Hart barrels, they produce some of the most accurate on the market. Just make sure you have the BCG first as they request you send it in for headspacing.
7/21/2013 1:26:50 PM EDT
[#9]
Flat top DCM upper. Scope. Use irons at Service Rifle matches. That will prepare you well for many other types of shooting.
AR Sponsor