556 barrel options

[Sojorboy]

OK, I know it's not a Grendel but I do respect the opinions of the members here and would like to ask for your help.
I am currently building my first .223/556 upper. I've narrowed it down to 3 different options for my barrel. Listed below are the specs of the 3. If you were building your first upper which barrel would you choose ?

AR-15 Performance
Barrel is a mid weight 5.56 (2lb 2oz) designed for heavy use. Steel is 4150 11595-e milspec CMV alloy, Melonite treated barrels have shown to last 30% longer than chromelined barrels and twice as long as stainless while being more corrosion resistant.
16" 1 in 8 twist Hybrid 5R rifling, 5/8-24 threaded muzzle, mid length gas system, uses a standard .750 gas block
like all of our barrels.
Wylde chamber shoots 223 and 556 ammo and is more accurate
All barrels have M4 feed ramps
All barrels use .750 gas blocks

Compass Lake Criterion
Barrel is standard HBAR contour chrome moly 16" 1 in 8 twist 223 wylde chamber, buttoned rifled, hand lapped after rifling, mid-length gas system M4 feed ramps

Rainier Arms Select Medcon
Barrel Length: 16″
Gas Block Seat: .750
Rifling: Polygonal 5 Groove
Weight: 30.4 oz
Stainless Steel: 416R
Feed Ramps: M4
Gas System: Midlength
Chamber: 5.56MM
Finish: Matte Stainless / Black Oxide
Twist: 1×8
Thread Pitch: 1⁄2×28
Testing: MPI tested
Made in the USA!

Thanks for your help

[LRRPF52]

I have barrels from Compass Lake and AR Performance, and they are all accurate. Compass Lake did me a custom 18" with 1/8 rifling. It shoots .75 to .5 MOA with 69gr and 77gr Scenars.

When I accuracy-tested even one of the M4 profile AR Performance barrels, it shot really well. I have the 16" SOCOM profile ARP barrel with 5/8x24 threads, but haven't shot it yet.

I think Ranier Arms uses Shilen barrels for the Ultra Match grade they offer: http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/br...ainierarms

[leopard6.5]

Hey Sojorboy: I sent you an email about your barrel question.

Lee

[Sojorboy]

Thanks Lee

[Drifter]

ARP- I've owned two (one melonite and one plain chrome-moly I think). Neither were 223 / 556.

Shilen UltraMatch (Shilen blanks)- I've owned at least three. One was 223 Wylde.

Criterion- I currently own four (three chrome-lined and one stainless). Two are 223 Wylde.


In general...

ARP barrels have produced fast velocities, but not quite the same accuracy that I've experienced with the other two brands.

The Rainer UM's have shown a slight edge in accuracy, though not sure about the longevity of Shilen blanks. (Don't know which blanks they use in their Select barrels- maybe BHW?)

Criterion is my favorite of the bunch. Impressive accuracy, with good anticipated longevity with the chrome-lined bores. (Barrels can sometimes be found at Brownells and Fulton Armory, and also purchased direct from Criterion.)


All of 'em would likely serve nicely. Your decision might boil down to availability.

[sneaky one]

Or, sojor-go the route I went, as an easy option-with a bit more power. I am loading some ammo this wknd.