precision build barrel choices

[medicsniper]

Ok guys I'm new to this forum but I have done about 4 months of research and planning/saving. I originally wanted a MK12 DMR type rifle however not far into researching that build I discovered the Grendel and have never looked back! This will be the first gun I have chosen all the parts for the purpose of precision so I want to make dang sure I make the right choices. I plan to use the rifle as a tactical training rifle to learn how to range in mils, engage targets accurately for first round hits, and hold for wind, ect, ect. It will also will be used as a coyote/varmint rifle. Ranges will vary from 100-800 yards when I have the room, with 75% of my time being limited to under 550. (longest distance at land I own, although I have friends with longer distances just wont be able to go as often)

So here is the question. What barrel is best for consistent .5 MOA and my application? Everything on the build will be excellent quality (viper pst optics, SDE trigger, solid free float rail) and you will just have to take my word on being able to shoot accurately. These things considered I think .5 MOA should be achievable. Am I expecting to much from a gas gun?

I really like the Lilja AR740 barrel. It is in stock and close to what I wanted to spend (around 600 bucks) My only concern is the contour. I would prefer it to be thicker from the upper to the gas block. This is just what I am used to in bolt guns but I understand the desire to save weight. I have heard nothing but great things about Lilja but I just wanted to see what everyone else thoughts are before I splurge on the barrel. Please let me know if I am missing something comparable that would fit my purposes and rough budget or if I should just place my order and get to shooting. Thanks in advance guys!

[cory]

I'd say go Precision Firearms, Lilja, JP in that order.

I'd say you're right on track. 0.5 MOA is very achievable with the AR740 barrel.

[wraith1516]

Black hole weaponry is a good barrel also 3/8"@ 100 3"@ 500 (might have been my fault though wasnt a totally solid position) but the barrel was $350

[Buster]

I can attest to the accuracy of the Lilja AR740 barrel with my build [url=http://www.65grendel.com/forum/showthread.php?7363-Lilja-Barrel-Build/page4"36]HERE[/url].

[cst]

Lilja 319....don't need the extra couple inches

[medicsniper]

@cory id love to have precision firearms chamber the barrel they seem to have a great reputation for great work just out of my price range once you factor in having to pay to rush the order and thread it, both of which Lilja doesn't charge extra for. thanks for the advice and list!

@wraith1516 i have seen reports of great accuracy and then others had less luck and wound up with around 1 moa which wouldn't work. You definitely have a shooter with that one though!

@Buster thanks for the link yea those look great. Im assuming the second target was after a slight break in? That or you impressively got 6 rounds in three holes? either way that second group would fit my bill nicely! I also plan to use the luth ar mba stock are you/ your son still liking it?

@cst i debated hard on going that route, even called Lilja to see if they would cut a 20' 319 contour to get the best of both worlds. They said they might but i would have to wait until the next time they did a batch (possibly several months). So i decided i would rather have as much barrel for velocity reasons since I want to stretch it out as far as i can while still being able to comfortably wield in the field. For me that was 20-22 inches. I was afraid i would miss the velocity when I got the chance to really see how far this rifle could run. However, I am unfamiliar with the exterior ballistics of this round to a degree that I don't know if this is indeed the case? Feel free to enlighten me if you have evidence that a few inches wont matter when shooting 6-800yards.

Thanks again for all the input!

[cst]

The 319 is 18.9"...I get 123gr.scenars to 2530fps...a few more fps is only gonna give u .2-.3mils less elevation at distance... I shoot mine out to 1200 yards all the time..it's subsonic by that point but I'm still grouping consistently. ..depends on how much u want to lug around...I just got a can for it

[Buster]

@Buster thanks for the link yea those look great. Im assuming the second target was after a slight break in? That or you impressively got 6 rounds in three holes? either way that second group would fit my bill nicely! I also plan to use the luth ar mba stock are you/ your son still liking it?

Correct; second target was after break-in.....the planets and stars lined up for me with that group. Rifle shoots better than I can.

Son still likes the Luth-AR stock.....made for a well balanced rifle. He told me the other day it was the best, most versatile gun he has ever owned.

[medicsniper]

Thanks to everyone for getting back to me! It looking like after payday ill be ordering the ar740. Just hope it shoots as well as yours @buster!

[SteveFrench]

I've had great results with my 20" Shilen. They go for $460 and come with a bolt.