Another "recommend an upper" thread

[ole farmerbuck]

So, i'm looking for a spare upper (.223/5.56). It needs to be at least as accurate as my Bushmaster 20" National Match. It shoots fine with 55gr V-Max and 8208 powder but i need a spare so i dont have to get this one too hot while p-doggin it. Probably 1:9 twist and flat top since i will be using a scope. Nick?

 

[kwelz]

Noveske, accept no compromise.

 

[bogus mcall]

If you are happy with the Bushmaster you already have, why not get another? I have a bushmaster V-Match that shoots well under moa

 

[FlyinBryan]

It needs to be at least as accurate as my Bushmaster 20" National Match.

how accurate is that one?

what will you be using it for? it makes a lot of difference.

 

[ole farmerbuck]

I will be using it for p-dogs most of the time. Plus paper punching. I have thought about getting another just like it. It will eat up a 3/4" dot if i take some time between shots. Very seldom do I miss a dog with it. I just thought i'd see what experienced owners recommended.

 

[Lovesbeer99]

Check the options at WhiteOak armament. You can get an upper as good or better than any at a great price, usually cheaper. They have match or varmint uppers in various configurations.

You can also try to build one. This way you can select your reciever, trigger, forend, barrel, etc. The options are endless, don't get bogged down.

 

[TonyAngel]

Since you have a Bushy, I'll toss out a Predator upper. It's a nice rig. Either that or a Rock River Varmint upper. They shoot small groups too. Noveskes and such are fine, but the law of diminishing returns is there in a big way. I really don't know that spending all of the extra money is worth the small incremental increase in accuracy, if any.

 

[ants]

Tell Us Your Preferences...

Bull barrel, heavy barrel, standard, or lightweight contour?
16, 20 or 24"?
Stainless, chrome lined, or unlined steel?

Free floated barrel is generally better. Unlined chromoly is generally better and cheaper.

After we talked on the phone about a chrome lined barrel that still is reasonably accurate, I went online and looked at some 20" chrome lined National Match DCM barrels with freefloat handguards. Several manufacturers make them. Go do a search at Bushmaster, DPMS and other common manufacturers. There is a competition called DCM (Department of Civilian Marksmanship, I think) requiring a match rifle that looks like a standard issue military rifle, but it can be a match upper inside. See what you can find.

But I would branch out from that good Bushmaster and get a 24" stainless steel bull barrel, probably with 1/8 twist, and see if I can develop a deadly load with 69 grain varmint bullets. That would give you two very different rifles, just for fun. I have one with a Wilson barrel that keeps small groups longer down range because the heavier bullets get less wind buffeting.

 

[ole farmerbuck]

Thanks gentlemen, i'll check things out and see what i come up with.

 

[ole farmerbuck]

Check the options at WhiteOak armament. You can get an upper as good or better than any at a great price, usually cheaper. They have match or varmint uppers in various configurations.

You can also try to build one. This way you can select your reciever, trigger, forend, barrel, etc. The options are endless, don't get bogged down.

The prices are good but i'm not sure about the twist being 1:7 and 1:8 since i like the lighter bullets. 55grain

 

[patsygarret]

i would also suggest white oak, i shoot 55grns out of my 1-8 and they shoot great

 

[ants]

Nearly all my handloads are 50, 52 and 55 grain. I gotta agree with ole farmerbuck that 1 in 9" is really ideal for those bullets.

Go look at the Bushmaster's catalog, do a search on upper receiver BURVMB 20AH. It's got everything you need. MidwayUSA has it priced at $620. If we check Model 1 and DPMS and White Oak and the others, maybe we can score a much better price. Or check out Gunbroker, just to see if you can get a smokin' deal.

Or we can replace the barrel on an existing upper for you.

 

[ole farmerbuck]

I really want to keep the 16" upper for the new wife. (Oh yea, we got married 4 weeks ago!!) I talked to the guys at whiteoak today. They said 1-12 is the best for 55gr bullest but i'm not buying that yet. My 1-9 Savages both shoot 40gr v-max bullets just fine and i want to stay with 55gr vmax in the AR's since I'm getting 5,500 of the bullets tomorrow. Then if i want to go with 60 or maybe 69, i should be ok. I like lighter bullets for less drop. I can compensate for wind. (do it all the time) I'll check Bushmaster web site. Thanks

 

[ole farmerbuck]

ants, the upper Midway is showing is the same one i have i think. Looks just like the one they called National Match just the other day. I didnt even see one called National Match now.

 

[ole farmerbuck]

how accurate is that one?

what will you be using it for? it makes a lot of difference.

I shot this tonight with the blem 55gr v-max bullets i got today. A little windy and cold (38*). No time between the 12 shots. That is a 5/8 dot. It shoots better if i take a little time but it was cold and getting dark. (no more excuses) So, like i said, if i can get another one to shoot as good as this one, i'll be interested.
PS I know this isnt a tack driver but its plenty good for p-dogs.

 

[FlyinBryan]

yup, pretty danged good.

 

[possum]

BCM as i will say to all these kinds of threads, Tier one performance and quality at a price that won't break the bank.

www.bravocompanyusa.com

 

[ole farmerbuck]

BCM as i will say to all these kinds of threads, Tier one performance and quality at a price that won't break the bank.

www.bravocompanyusa.com

I'll check em out.

 

[ole farmerbuck]

Well here it is.....finally!! I hope its gonna be a good one. Sorry buts its a cell pic. Hopefully it will like 52gr A-Max or 55gr V-max bullets. (or both)