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Posted: 8/31/2013 10:42:08 AM EDT
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This ground has probably been plowed before, so I'm willing to accept the groans and barbs. I'd like to build an AR in 5.56 for target use, not necessarily for competition. I think that I would like a barrel longer than 16 inches, which is what my wife's Windham has. (And it is perfectly satisfactory.) I am accumulating parts and I am not in a hurry. As for barrels, what should I be looking for? At the moment, I am leaning toward 18 inch to 20 inch stainless bull barrels, with or without flash hiders, in a 1:7 to a 1:9 twist. Stainless is not necessarily essential. My M1A does not have a stainless barrel. Its steel barrel is excellent, and I clean it often. For the AR build, is chrome lining essential? I've read arguments both ways.
Would a longer barrel be better? I am also looking at free-floating handguards that have one rail on top with the capability of bolting on rails as needed. Daniel Defense and Midwest Engineering, for example, both make something that would work. But right now, it's barrels that I am puzzling over. Any and all suggestions are appreciated. Many thanks in advance. Epi. |
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20", 1-7, wylde chamber, non chrome lined, no flash hider.
From a good source and using match ammo it will be sub moa capable. The faster twist is for heavier bullets which you'll want for accuracy beyond 200-300yds. Wylde chamber is designed to let you load the heavier bullets to a longer length, if you choose to single load them thru the gas port. Chrome lining 'usually' detracts from accuracy since it's not a perfect thickness at every point in the barrel. Also chrome lined barrels are mass produced, so you probally aren't getting a perfectly concentric chamber and crown. No flash hider does two things; the theory is that it puts enough stress on the crown to deform it. We're talking probally tenths or less but everything counts if accuracy is your main goal. Also no flash hider lets you clean and inspect the crown easier. If you do go with a flash hider you can install it with locktite and not torque it fully down. But, plenty of matches have been won with both options, so it probally really dosen't matter either way. Stainless or moly steel really dosen't matter when it comes to accuracy. Assuming both barrels are from a good source. So get whichever you like the looks of better. Of course it all comes down to what distances you plan to shoot at, 50-100 yards, a 16" will work fine. If you plan for 400+ yds most of the time you might want to concider a 22" or 24" barrel. 20" is a good tradeoff between weight, length, and having enough barrel length to provide velocity for longer range. |
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Quoted:
20", 1-7, wylde chamber, non chrome lined, no flash hider. From a good source and using match ammo it will be sub moa capable. The faster twist is for heavier bullets which you'll want for accuracy beyond 200-300yds. Wylde chamber is designed to let you load the heavier bullets to a longer length, if you choose to single load them thru the gas port. Chrome lining 'usually' detracts from accuracy since it's not a perfect thickness at every point in the barrel. Also chrome lined barrels are mass produced, so you probally aren't getting a perfectly concentric chamber and crown. No flash hider does two things; the theory is that it puts enough stress on the crown to deform it. We're talking probally tenths or less but everything counts if accuracy is your main goal. Also no flash hider lets you clean and inspect the crown easier. If you do go with a flash hider you can install it with locktite and not torque it fully down. But, plenty of matches have been won with both options, so it probally really dosen't matter either way. Stainless or moly steel really dosen't matter when it comes to accuracy. Assuming both barrels are from a good source. So get whichever you like the looks of better. Of course it all comes down to what distances you plan to shoot at, 50-100 yards, a 16" will work fine. If you plan for 400+ yds most of the time you might want to concider a 22" or 24" barrel. 20" is a good tradeoff between weight, length, and having enough barrel length to provide velocity for longer range. This is good advice, epidote. I have a 20" 1in8 barrel in 5.56 and it does best with short 53 grain Sierra Matchkings. For longer ranges, you will want heavier bullets, ergo the 1in7 twist. If you have the moola and time to wait, check with the very best barrel makers to get what you want made for you with a target crown. - Lilja and Compass Lake come to mind plus there are others in that league. Be aware these long, thick, ultra accurate barrels are heavy. The resulting rifle will likely be in the 10-15 lbs range. For production barrels, you can't do better than AR Performance, IMO. good luck - CW |
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If you are looking to shoot in any matches at you club, like NRA highpower or CMP, then a 20 is better and some clubs require it. My club doesnt require them and 16 is fine, but when you start getting more serious about it, the 20 is nice to have. Now if you are just shooting junk in the desert then 16 is fine. |
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I had a look at the AR Performance barrels website. I like the looks and their description. I'm in no rush, as I said. The prices, if they hold when they get back in stock. look like what my wife will allow. Thanks. I'll vouch for AR Performance. Excellent barrel, great customer service. I bought a 16" mid-length, heavy profile, 1/8 twist, Wylde chamber, 223/5.56 barrel from them a couple of years ago. The accuracy is just amazing. |
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I just ordered a 20" Chrome Moly Douglass air gauged bbl from Compass Lake Engineering. SPR profile (little lighter than a bull bbl, not so thin as a pencil bbl.) Order .223 Wylde chamber, 1:7 twist, rifle length gas system, threaded muzzle for a comp. Not chrome lined. With a low pro gas block it was $339 delivered with an expected delivery of about 3 weeks.
The Douglass stainless bbl was about $30 more. CLE does not do any treatments to the stainless so I went with the chrome moly. |
I would also look at Lothar Walther barrels. They are extremely high quality and in my opinion the best bang for your buck. This is what I got from them.
I called Lothar Walther directly and ordered from them. It was $199 + shipping. Is it accurate...... 
30 rounds at 25yds with an Aimpoint Micro T-1 |
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imartez: Nice looking barrel, Lothar Walther has an excellent reputation and would be a good choice for the OP in a 20" length with rifle gas port.
Just curious, what can yours do at 100 yards? 25 yards is too easy. I believe the acid test is 10 rounds into less than an inch CTC at 100 yds from a rest. - CW |
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Quoted:
imartez: Nice looking barrel, Lothar Walther has an excellent reputation and would be a good choice for the OP in a 20" length with rifle gas port. Just curious, what can yours do at 100 yards? 25 yards is too easy. I believe the acid test is 10 rounds into less than an inch CTC at 100 yds from a rest. - CW Outdoor ranges are very far from me. I am trying to find one so I can stretch the legs on this barrel. Hopefully It will be soon. I still believe that this barrel is easily capable of sub-moa groups @ 100 yards. |
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Quoted: Outdoor ranges are very far from me. I am trying to find one so I can stretch the legs on this barrel. Hopefully It will be soon. I still believe that this barrel is easily capable of sub-moa groups @ 100 yards. Quoted: Quoted: imartez: Nice looking barrel, Lothar Walther has an excellent reputation and would be a good choice for the OP in a 20" length with rifle gas port. Just curious, what can yours do at 100 yards? 25 yards is too easy. I believe the acid test is 10 rounds into less than an inch CTC at 100 yds from a rest. - CW Outdoor ranges are very far from me. I am trying to find one so I can stretch the legs on this barrel. Hopefully It will be soon. I still believe that this barrel is easily capable of sub-moa groups @ 100 yards. |
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Quoted:
sure, if you handload. Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
imartez: Nice looking barrel, Lothar Walther has an excellent reputation and would be a good choice for the OP in a 20" length with rifle gas port. Just curious, what can yours do at 100 yards? 25 yards is too easy. I believe the acid test is 10 rounds into less than an inch CTC at 100 yds from a rest. - CW Outdoor ranges are very far from me. I am trying to find one so I can stretch the legs on this barrel. Hopefully It will be soon. I still believe that this barrel is easily capable of sub-moa groups @ 100 yards. I don't think hand loads would be needed to achieve sub-moa groups @ 100 yards. Match ammo, yes. |
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If you're not in a hurry, as you state, another good source is White Oak Armament- I currently have their post-ban service rifle barrel w/front sight base on order... I ordered it in April, expect it around November. Their products are highly regarded.
Wes |
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