22 arc gas gun barrels

[TradLife406]

This winter I took my DDV7 with a Hiperfire trigger and put a 18" Shaw 6 arc pipe on it. Swapped the stock to precision style.

The barrel I think was made on a Monday. I ran a box of 108 factory ammo through it. Did a 20 shot group figuring it'd set a good baseline for what the system could do. It was well over 2.5" for 20.
Then trying to handload for it has been a female dog. The thing is super picky.
Had some handloads that were basically a shotgun pattern. I've been loading for a while and I've never had that happen.

Going to send the pipe back for a refund.

Being from Montana I don't need 6mm. And after seeing that with a 18" 6 arc pipe I'm lucky to get 2500 fps, I want to go to 22.

I don't want to drop a grand on a proof. Kind of wanting to stay 500 or less.

I see Ballistic advantage being raved about. So I went to the Tube and it seemed those are like the Shaw, you either get a good one or they suck. So I'm shy from buying a 200 dollar pipe.

It seems the 22 arc isn't as popular yet at the 6. So white oak doesn't have a 22 arc. Or Larue.

Mainly will be a super kid friendly range toy and something for wacking deer out to 500'ish. Just want to be able to get a good 20 shot group under 1.5".

PVA has a 20" pipe but I'm afraid that'll be awkward with a can.



Also don't want to wait several months.

Thanks fam

 

[TradLife406]

Other question is how important is it to have a headspaced bolt?
I just have a generic kak right now.

 

[Schmo]

I don't want to drop a grand on a proof. Kind of wanting to stay 500 or less.

You can get steel Proof AR barrels for $550ish, or get a Bartlein

 

[TradLife406]

You can get steel Proof AR barrels for $550ish, or get a Bartlein

I was looking at the steel proofs. But they seem to be a thicker profile. Wanting to keep the weight down.

 

[Southernfried]

I was going to suggest if you just want to dabble with the 22 arc and different barrel lengths to just get a bear creek arsenal. Heck their barrels were less than 60 bucks and it would at least let you experiment. But, upon looking they are sold out right now. But you could buy a complete upper for a 200-300, if you just want to experiment. They also have 6 arc as well. Now I have only had 2 of their uppers, a 6.5 Grendel and 300 black out, and I have had no issues but mileage will vary. BCA

I bought both of mine to experiment with and was getting 1.5" groups with the Grendel, and just kept it lol but least you would have a baseline on if that is what you really want to do with the 22arc. Good luck!

 

[Schmo]

I was looking at the steel proofs. But they seem to be a thicker profile. Wanting to keep the weight down.

Understood. In that case, I'd look at the Ranier Arms Ultramatch barrels. They might be currently sold out, but from what I know, they're one of the best off the shelf barrels.

 

[TradLife406]

Understood. In that case, I'd look at the Ranier Arms Ultramatch barrels. They might be currently sold out, but from what I know, they're one of the best off the shelf barrels.

I've got one on my 12.5 5.56. Seems good.

Actually found a proof steel for $400 though. 16". I can always sent to Kempfield or whatever that guy is to get it fluted. -50 fps ain't a huge deal.