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+--- Thread: Opinions on Aero Precision Barrels (/showthread.php?tid=21960)
Opinions on Aero Precision Barrels - DVDVC - 09-04-2020
Contemplating my first Grendel build and wondering if Aero Precision barrels are up to the task. I've used AP upper and lower receivers and other parts in previous builds, but not their barrels. I am finishing up a .223/5.56 build using an AP barrel, but have not shot it yet. The AP barrel is probably the cheapest I'd consider for my upcoming 6.5 G build, but unsure if I should skip AP and go for something better. What says the horde?
Opinions on Aero Precision Barrels - A5BLASTER - 09-04-2020
AP barrels are the same as ballistic advantage barrels.
AP owns ballistic advantage.
See my response on your other thread for what barrel to go with it.
Opinions on Aero Precision Barrels - DVDVC - 09-04-2020
A5BLASTER Wrote:AP barrels are the same as ballistic advantage barrels.
AP owns ballistic advantage.
See my response on your other thread for what barrel to go with it.
A5, thanks for your reply. I did see your post in the other thread recommending barrels from PF. Although I've heard of Ballistic Advantage, I don't know anymore about them than I do AP. So would you say that, using Lemonaid's analogy, it is a bargain tier barrel capable of 1.5 MOA? Or do you think it would be better or worse?
Opinions on Aero Precision Barrels - BCHunter - 09-04-2020
you need to choose a budget first,...and then temper expectations to that budget.
The general advice you'll get here is spend as much on the barrel as you can and skimp on the designer upper, lowers, etc.
Having said that i've built two uppers with Ballistic advantage barrels one in .223 wylde one in 6.5 grendel,... both the Hanson profile they are both more then capable for general ar use and would meet most peoples expectations... except for the specific use hard core competitors.
The one caution is the 6.5 grendel barrels tend to have small gas ports and people sometimes have cycling issues because of this. So if you do use one take precautions that your gas system doesn't have leaks which will amplify this issue.
Opinions on Aero Precision Barrels - A5BLASTER - 09-05-2020
DVDVC Wrote:A5, thanks for your reply. I did see your post in the other thread recommending barrels from PF. Although I've heard of Ballistic Advantage, I don't know anymore about them than I do AP. So would you say that, using Lemonaid's analogy, it is a bargain tier barrel capable of 1.5 MOA? Or do you think it would be better or worse?
Depends on how well its put together and how well you can work up a load. But at the end of the day it's still a rack grade barrel.
For the best chance of getting sub-moa to a almost for sure chance you need to step up to a custom barrel and then build that up in a very well tuned and balanced build.
Only budget barrels I trust for my short range range fun, 200 yard hunting and self/home defense needs is the sixfivearms barrels. Both the 12 i had and the 16 i have now are sub moa with my well worked up handloads inside the ranges i need them to be.
But if i wanted too hold sub moa at longer ranges i would step up to a custom. I just sold a 12.5 inch grendel with a barrel i got from mark at Precision. It held sub moa with my 120 gold dot handload to as far as I could see the bullseye with the scope I had on it and ringing steel at 600 with it was boring easy.
But for my serious distance and accuracy needs in a ar grendel and I'm going to pony up the cash for a bartle in or Krieger from Mark.
But I dont see myself ever building a pure accuracy ar grendel again because my cz American varmint grendel is on the amazing level of accuracy with its handloads.
If you want accuracy as a far sure thing your going to have too remove any rack grade barrels from your list and pony up for a custom.
Opinions on Aero Precision Barrels - DVDVC - 09-05-2020
Thanks for your input, I really appreciate it.
Opinions on Aero Precision Barrels - diggler1833 - 09-09-2020
Ballistic Advantage barrels are generally okay, but are certainly not going to set the standard for accuracy. I run a .223 Wylde BA barrel, and have several friends who have had experiences ranging from great to dismal. They do have an accuracy guarantee, which works as long as you document everything. In my case; my barrel is a solid 1.5 - 2 MOA barrel with every factory load or handload except for one (which it shoots .8 MOA with). Hornady bullets...nope. Ball powders...nope. Factory ammo...nope. It took me about 150 rounds to finally find my one sub-MOA load.
I've got a buddy with a 6.5 Creedmoor barrel that is a laser, and another one who had to send his barrel in due to it never grouping well...that barrel was replaced, but the replacement didn't shoot well either, so my buddy junked it and went with a WOA (it was a .223 barrel).
Barrels are like most other parts/accessories in the gun world, you generally get what you pay for.
Opinions on Aero Precision Barrels - FightingMajor - 09-16-2020
The jury is still out on my Ballistic Advantage barrel. I have one of their 20" non-fluted barrels. I've been doing some load work up and found a couple loads that seem promising. Out of curiosity though I purchased one of those Hornady modified cases to check cartridge OAL. I have a lot of freebore. Something like 0.2". I didn't even bother recording the numbers it was so big.
I've just been using the OAL that the bullet manufacturers have in their manual and that seems to do ok. To give you some reference it shot Hornady Black and Federal GMM to about 1.5MOA. Not great, not terrible.
Edit: I'm kind of an idiot. I went and measured the OAL to the lands with a 123 scenar which came out to 2.345. So not as bad as I alluded but I'd like it to be less.