AR15 barrel experiences and recommendations

[LookinforDirt]

After trying several bullets and loads I’ve never really gotten the accuracy out of my 5.56 that I’m happy with. I think a barrel swap might be a first step to do better. I’m capable of reloading and shooting MOA but have never seen better than 2-2.5” with this specific rifle. I want to stick with 16” to avoid NFA red tape and cost. I know it’s not that big a deal to do but I’d rather stick with 16” and put the $200 toward better components. And I don’t want longer just because it isn’t needed. It will be a sub 300 yard max deer hunter and probably no more than 600 yards at the range. I want to keep it compact for thicker woods carrying with a suppressor mounted. Prefer to shoot the 60gn-80gn bullets but more like 65-77gn. So I think a 1:8 twist is good but a 1:7 would work fine too. Would like to keep it around 28-35oz in weight. Heavier contour than pencil but not heavy/bull barrel. SPR might be what you call that? 223 Wylde would be good just because but 5.56 NATO is perfectly fine. Not interested in 22 ARC, 6 ARC, etc. right now. I want to stick with 223/5.56.

With that in mind, what sub $400 barrel makers do you like for this job? I’ve looked at several and none jump out as a clear favorite. I mentioned a lot of specifics but open to other thoughts and opinions. Just not other calibers

 

[RockAndSage]

It might be a good idea to dig into accurizing ARs, and getting comfortable with at least truing up your upper. Do that, with a good barrel - combined with a well-matched quality bolt for tighter headspacing - and you are 90% there.

 

[Formidilosus]

After trying several bullets and loads I’ve never really gotten the accuracy out of my 5.56 that I’m happy with. I think a barrel swap might be a first step to do better. I’m capable of reloading and shooting MOA but have never seen better than 2-2.5” with this specific rifle. I want to stick with 16” to avoid NFA red tape and cost. I know it’s not that big a deal to do but I’d rather stick with 16” and put the $200 toward better components. And I don’t want longer just because it isn’t needed. It will be a sub 300 yard max deer hunter and probably no more than 600 yards at the range. I want to keep it compact for thicker woods carrying with a suppressor mounted. Prefer to shoot the 60gn-80gn bullets but more like 65-77gn. So I think a 1:8 twist is good but a 1:7 would work fine too. Would like to keep it around 28-35oz in weight. Heavier contour than pencil but not heavy/bull barrel. SPR might be what you call that? 223 Wylde would be good just because but 5.56 NATO is perfectly fine. Not interested in 22 ARC, 6 ARC, etc. right now. I want to stick with 223/5.56.

With that in mind, what sub $400 barrel makers do you like for this job? I’ve looked at several and none jump out as a clear favorite. I mentioned a lot of specifics but open to other thoughts and opinions. Just not other calibers

I have shot and used a lot of different barrels- lots of them are good. For your use, I would buy a Larue Stealth barrel.

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www.primaryarms.com

 

[Pescetism]

If you're ok with waiting...Criterion Core and White Oak Armament SPR are good options but both are on backorder often, usually 4-8 months for Criterion. I prefer the weight and balance of the Core contour. Haven't had a bunch of them, 2 of each, but no issues finding loads that shoot under 1.5 moa 10 rd groups. All have at least one load that will do less than .75 moa 5 shot groups.

 

[LookinforDirt]

It might be a good idea to dig into accurizing ARs, and getting comfortable with at least truing up your upper. Do that, with a good barrel - combined with a well-matched quality bolt for tighter headspacing - and you are 90% there.

Reading up on barrels I came across some steps for accurizing AR’s. Lapping the upper, bedding the barrel, and a few other things. Need to learn more about head spacing. One or two barrel makers said they would match head spacing if you buy the barrel and BCG from them.

 

[TaperPin]

Reading up on barrels I came across some steps for accurizing AR’s. Lapping the upper, bedding the barrel, and a few other things. Need to learn more about head spacing. One or two barrel makers said they would match head spacing if you buy the barrel and BCG from them.

I’m definitely not someone to take AR advice from, but the carbine length rifle we put together for our oldest used a rather generic basic $60 unlined barrel with unknown maker and it shoots ridiculously good. If they didn’t sell out we would have bought 10 more. None of that helps you, but keep an ear out for good shooters and don’t give up hope.

 

[SloppyJ]

You'll get and have already gotten some good recommendations. I second the accurizing part. Lap the face of the reciever and use some sort of bedding compound on the barrel extension.

 

[flyfisher117]

I regret selling my Larue Stealth. It was an accurate little barrel. The White Oak SPR I replaced it with is alright but not my favorite. White Oak barrels have a court following so maybe this one was a Friday barrel.

I helped a friend learn to reload and he learned on his Criterion Core. I was shocked the groups that barrel was producing I may get one some day to play with.

 

[doverpack12]

I’m sure Form’s recommendation will shoot well.
Personally I have 3 different Bear Creek Arsenal barrels that just flat out shoot. That’s where I would start and for the price of other barrels you could buy 2-4 BCA.

 

[Trout&Buck]

After trying several bullets and loads I’ve never really gotten the accuracy out of my 5.56 that I’m happy with. I think a barrel swap might be a first step to do better. I’m capable of reloading and shooting MOA but have never seen better than 2-2.5” with this specific rifle. I want to stick with 16” to avoid NFA red tape and cost. I know it’s not that big a deal to do but I’d rather stick with 16” and put the $200 toward better components. And I don’t want longer just because it isn’t needed. It will be a sub 300 yard max deer hunter and probably no more than 600 yards at the range. I want to keep it compact for thicker woods carrying with a suppressor mounted. Prefer to shoot the 60gn-80gn bullets but more like 65-77gn. So I think a 1:8 twist is good but a 1:7 would work fine too. Would like to keep it around 28-35oz in weight. Heavier contour than pencil but not heavy/bull barrel. SPR might be what you call that? 223 Wylde would be good just because but 5.56 NATO is perfectly fine. Not interested in 22 ARC, 6 ARC, etc. right now. I want to stick with 223/5.56.

With that in mind, what sub $400 barrel makers do you like for this job? I’ve looked at several and none jump out as a clear favorite. I mentioned a lot of specifics but open to other thoughts and opinions. Just not other calibers

I'm in the same boat with my AR. When I first put it together I was able to get 2.5" 10 round groups at best. After squatting/trying the receiver and adjusting the gas block to get the barrel actually free floated my groups shrunk by about a half inch. I'm starting to think that my Aero/Ballistic Advantage barrel is part of the issue so I'll be looking elsewhere for my next barrel.

 

[riversidejeep]

After working up loads the White Oak barrel on my budget AR it groups well. 1/8 twist .223 wylde shoots 43 grain TNT at .835 5 shot@100 , 50 grain Barnes Varmint Grenade at .758 and 77 grain SMK at .533 . I bought the head spaced bolt with the barrel , lapped and bedded the extension. I also had similar results with a 1/8 .223 Wylde Criterion chrome with a headspaced bolt. Both barrels shot off the shelf generic ammo at 1 1/2-2".

 

[Cdnance]

Lots of folks talk shit about Faxon, but I’ve got a 16” 5.56 gunner barrel that shoots 1” groups at 100yds, and an 18” 6.5 Grendel that I can shoot 5 shot groups <.75” at 100. I personally have had great luck with those.
For me at least I don’t expect anything better than an inch from 5.56. At least not what I use them for.

 

[walkingduckwaterfowl]

I have shot and used a lot of different barrels- lots of them are good. For your use, I would buy a Larue Stealth barrel.

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www.primaryarms.com

Larue makes an excellent product in my experience.

 

[justinspicher]

Ive had good luck with ballistic advantage barrels.

 

[06 SB]

I have been through a bunch of different barrels in my search for a good one. The original from PSA was a total bust. 2-2.5" groups at best and worse with factory ammo. I then tried a AR Stoner from Midway. It did OK but was too fat for my handguard and all M-Lok screws would contact the barrel, even the short ones. It would shoot 1-1.75 with handloads. I then picked up a Criterion Hybrid barrel from Brownell's and it shoots green tip M855 to 1.5" and all 77gr OTM factory match ammo (Sig, Norma, Sierra) to less than an inch. I have not tried handloads yet.

Here is the barrel I purchased: Criterion barrel at Brownell's

 

[06 SB]

Oh, if you are looking at Faxon, a lot of their barrels have .625 gas systems rather than the more popular .750 systems.

 

[Halligan]

I’ll add in another vote for criterion, dropped an 18” hybrid contour 1:8” twist in mine for coyote. Drives tacks with 55 gr vmax factory. Also 1 to 1.2” ten shot groups with aac 77 gr tmk’s.

I think with a headspaced bolt, my order came to about $415

 

[ScreamingPotato]

Any feedback on Shaw? I actually already purchased their 18" spiral fluted in 6mm ARC but I won't be able to finish the build and shoot it for a while so this thread made me curious.

 

[LookinforDirt]

I’d be interested in hearing feedback on Shaw barrels too. Not much out there on them but it is a known name.

 

[Johnboy041586]

The best one I currently have is a 14.6" PSA CHF barrel. It's very accurate with pmc x'tac factory ammo. It's also quite a bit cheaper than some of the higher end brand barrels