Posts: 13
Threads: 3
Joined: Sep 2019
Hi everyone,
Newby here trying to research which barrel to go with. I started building my Grendel about 2 years ago and had it completely assembled but had extraction issues. I had a Brownells Premium 24" barrel (made by Satern) in a BCA side charging upper. Long story short I returned that barrel to Brownells and am now on the hunt for a new barrel. I don't want to end up with a full on competition rig just a nice accurate gun that I know will out shoot me. I want to challenge myself to be accurate out to longer ranges. I have access to a couple ranges not terribly far away from home that i can stretch it out to around 800yds. I am realistically hoping for 1moa or slightly better.
So in stock at Brownells right now is a 20" Faxon heavy fluted 5R 1:8 and also a Criterion 22" HBAR 1:8 that is not 5R. Does anyone have personal experience with either of these barrels? To the people with more knowledge than me, does one of these stand out more than the other? I read great things about 5R rifling, does it honestly make that much of a difference? I like supporting Brownells since they are local to me but i am open to other suggestions.
Thanks in advance for any input,
Ryan
Posts: 1,787
Threads: 49
Joined: Feb 2016
I would call mark at precision firearms. After that a lilja group buy if still available or faxon
Posts: 3,654
Threads: 17
Joined: Aug 2013
Mycamaro68 Wrote:...I want to challenge myself to be accurate out to longer ranges. I have access to a couple ranges... that i can stretch it out to around 800yds. I am realistically hoping for 1moa or slightly better.
Ryan,
You have high expectations, and it's going to be a struggle with a cheap gun. Sub MOA out to 800yds from an AR can only be guaranteed from the best barrel money can buy. You might get lucky with a cheaper barrel but it will be a lottery.
Bartlein
Krieger
Lilja
The difference between a hummer and an average barrel is only $200 so look at it that way.
Posts: 13
Threads: 3
Joined: Sep 2019
My apologies, I should have worded that better. I know sub moa out to 800 yds is probably unrealistic for what I am building. I just meant that the ranges go out that far. I am hoping for around moa at 100-200yds but would like to challenge myself with longer shots.
Posts: 3,654
Threads: 17
Joined: Aug 2013
That's fine, but my advice still stands. Controlling all the shooting variables is hard enough without adding the handicap of imprecise equipment.
Posts: 13
Threads: 3
Joined: Nov 2017
I just received the Faxon match series heavy fluted 18" today from Bkings firearms. All I can say for now is it is very nicely made and a perfect fit in the receiver. Wish I had a range report for you.
I make the #TTFPowderStand for the Lee Classic Turret press
Posts: 13
Threads: 3
Joined: Sep 2019
Klem Wrote:That's fine, but my advice still stands. Controlling all the shooting variables is hard enough without adding the handicap of imprecise equipment.
I definitely understand what you are saying!
Posts: 6,206
Threads: 50
Joined: Mar 2011
I?d pick Criterion 22? barrel if primarily a range gun. I?d also get a 20 MOA mount unless your shooting at higher elevation.
I have 5R and traditional Enfield rifling, IMHO both can shoot accurately but one is not guaranteed to be more accurate than the other.
Posts: 13
Threads: 3
Joined: Sep 2019
VASCAR2 Wrote:I?d pick Criterion 22? barrel if primarily a range gun. I?d also get a 20 MOA mount unless your shooting at higher elevation.
I have 5R and traditional Enfield rifling, IMHO both can shoot accurately but one is not guaranteed to be more accurate than the other.
This will be primarily a range gun. In Iowa we cant hunt deer with bottle neck rifle cartridges.
Posts: 302
Threads: 12
Joined: Mar 2017
Based on my experience, I'd go Lilja without a doubt.
Full disclosure, I ran the Lilja group buy and am a Lilja dealer (I'd be happy to get one for you). That said, as mentioned previously, Bartlein or Krieger would be solid options as well but the results that I've personally achieved with Lilja have been every bit as good (or better).
Posts: 61
Threads: 13
Joined: Sep 2019
Why does Lilja only offer a heavy barrel in 23" length? Thats retarded long for an AR15. Wish they made a 20" heavy barrel.
Posts: 3,654
Threads: 17
Joined: Aug 2013
Flight Medic Wrote:Why does Lilja only offer a heavy barrel in 23" length? Thats retarded long for an AR15. Wish they made a 20" heavy barrel.
The gas block is rifle-length so you could ask them to shave 3 inches off, or get someone else to do it.
Posts: 6,193
Threads: 170
Joined: Mar 2015
Flight Medic Wrote:Why does Lilja only offer a heavy barrel in 23" length? Thats retarded long for an AR15. Wish they made a 20" heavy barrel.
It's not retarded if your wanting max speed and trying to play at 1000 yards as a major mission for the rifle.
Diffrent tools for diffrent jobs is all.
Posts: 941
Threads: 46
Joined: Sep 2016
you can keep checking stock at places, but by the time you make a decision, you may have passed the time needed for a custom build
from my experience anyway
Posts: 1,397
Threads: 48
Joined: Jun 2019
I agree with Klem,if you want guaranteed accuracy,you go with the best barrel.My Bartlein 24” heavy barrel in 6.5 Grendel was shooting sub 1/2” groups @100yrds once it was sighted in.
I also have experience w/the Criterion 22” Hbar 6.5 Grendel barrel.I own one,and it shoots just about as well as the Bartlein.It took around 100rds to break in.But for $270,it is worth it.
I have learned that with the budget uppers it is a gamble.Sure,BCA and PSA with exchange them if you’re not satisfied.But,you waste lots of ammo and time finding out if it’s a shooter or not.
If you can only afford $300,get the Criterion HBAR.You’ll be happy w/it.But,if you can afford $550,call Paul Craddock and get you a 24” Bartlein heavy barrel.You’ll be amazed!
Posts: 302
Threads: 12
Joined: Mar 2017
Flight Medic Wrote:Why does Lilja only offer a heavy barrel in 23" length? Thats retarded long for an AR15. Wish they made a 20" heavy barrel.
The Lilja AR740 is 19.5", the AR319 is 18.38", the AR24 (my personal favorite) is 22.5". Look close at the drawings, Lilja notes total OAL on these. The chambered length is roughly 1/2" shorter than what is noted on the drawings.
If you want an AR24 with a chambered length of 20", I may be able to make that happen for you. I do quite a bit of business with Lilja (a pretty significant amount lately). On that note, I'm starting to explore barrel options for the Six Sigma/Lilja run, a 20" AR24 sounds like a great option.
Posts: 61
Threads: 13
Joined: Sep 2019
rebby Wrote:If you want an AR24 with a chambered length of 20", I may be able to umake that happen for you. I do quite a bit of business with Lilja (a pretty significant amount lately). On that note, I'm starting to explore barrel options for the Six Sigma/Lilja run, a 20" AR24 sounds like a great option.
OK...Im in. Shoot me an email with details
kidfixer@gmail.com
Posts: 302
Threads: 12
Joined: Mar 2017
Flight Medic Wrote:OK...Im in. Shoot me an email with details
kidfixer@gmail.com
Email sent! Hope that we can work something out for you.
|
