AR Sponsor
Posted: 6/8/2015 3:23:52 PM EDT
|
I'm looking at putting together an 18" SPR-ish rifle.
I'll be running it with my YHM ULT on their flash hider. I am struggling with which barrel to use. I don't really know the difference the grade of steel makes, or if stainless is really more accurate, etc. I'm also not sure which gas length I want. First of all, I'm going to be using the Osprey piston kit I have, no comments on that please. The kit is mid length, but Osprey said they will swap the op rod for a rifle length gas. I have a Bushnell Elite 4200 2.5-10 sitting around that I'll put on. The upper is the Rainier Arms no forward assist that I have gathering dust. The lower is still some time off. These are the barrels I'm currently considering: http://shopwilsoncombat.com/Match-Grade-Barrel-223-Wylde-Urban-Super-Sniper-18-1-8-Twist-Stainless-Fluted/productinfo/TR-223USS18F-18/ http://www.rainierarms.com/rainier-arms-matchtm-223-wylde-barrel-18-spr http://www.rainierarms.com/rainier-arms-select-5-56mm-medcon-barrel-18 http://ar15performance.com/inc/sdetail/11562/12294 https://danieldefense.com/cold-hammer-forged-barrels/18-inch-chf-barrels/18-5-56mm-s2wr-rifle-length-chf-barrel.html http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-18-SPR-SS410-Barrel-Rifle-Length-Gas-Ionbond-p/bcm-brl-ss410-18-8-ib-bk.htm I'm slightly partial to the DD because my 16" light weight barrel I'm using is awesome, but I'm open to suggestions. Thanks! |
|
One of these, unless u want rifle gas, which they have as well.
http://www.customar15.net/shop/barrels-ar-15-upper-receivers/18-stainless-melonite-socom-barrel-wylde-chamber-18-twist-5-56-223/ Or http://www.customar15.net/shop/barrels-ar-15-upper-receivers/18-416r-stainless-melonite-twist-flute-socom-barrel-wylde-chamber-18-twist-2235-56/ As good as it gets in the sub 250 price range imo, WOA and ranier could edge out on accuracy, but not a given. Green mountain and ar15performance also great. I just picked up an ARP barrel myself. |
|
To add to the confusion, I just read that the Integrity Arms barrels are the same as the AR15 Performance barrels.
I've got an ARP 6.8 barrel and it's great. http://www.customar15.net/shop/barrels-ar-15-upper-receivers/18%E2%80%B3-416r-stainless-5r-melonite-socom-barrel-wylde-chamber-18-twist-5-56-223-spr/ |
|
I'd go with
Rainier Arms Rock Creek blank 18" Ballistic Advantage 18" SPR Odin Works 18" barrel hand lapped 416 Stainless Steel will give you better accuracy. Plus it holds up to heat better than chrome moly. Just look at all the premium barrel makers use Stainless Steel, the will do chrome moly too. But the top of the line barrels are 416 SS. It just depends on how much you want to spend and the type of accuracy. Since your putting a can on it, I'd say use a heavier profile. It'll help with barrel harmonics. Good luck |
|
Just to be clear, most target barrels are 416R because it offers easier cut-ability, which your custom barrel makers prefer. 4150 CMV that is hard chrome lined or melonited definitely offers superior heat resistance against erosion than 416R.
I'm not sure if meloniting has as much effect on 416R relative to 4150 CMV, but I doubt it could hurt! I don't really like bright shiny barrels, so there is that. But that is personal preference. |
| I've got some friends that built a rifle with this Palmetto State barrel. They were very pleased with the results given the minimal expenditure. |
AR Sponsor