AR15 Build barrel question

[Ender42]

Hi everyone I'm new to the forum, and i just wanted to ask a few quick questions about my ar15 build. I am looking for a 16" barrel(probably 1/9). I was wondering what barrels you guys use and would recommend, what companies you all have had good or bad experiences with, what twist rate you use and why. Oh and this rifle will pretty much just be a range/home defense gun. Its a sun devil lower and a daniel defense upper. Oh and its 5.56.

Thanks!

 

[BADUNAME37]

I think 1:9 is the fastest I would want, I understand the faster rates of twist cause premature barrel wear compared to slower twist rates.

WELCOME!

 

[Waywatcher]

If you want to shoot, at the heaviest, 75-77 grain OTM bullets, get a twist rate of 1:8. (40 grain bullets may be off-limits)

If you want to shoot, at the heaviest, 68-69 grain OTM bullets, get a twist rate of 1:9. (75+ grain bullets may be off-limits)

If you want to shoot, at the heaviest, 55 grain bullets, get a twist rate of 1:12. (60+ grain bullets may be off-limits)

*If you want a general purpose barrel; get the 1:8. If you want a varminter barrel, get a 1:12. I personally think a 1:9 is a worthless compromise.

Edit to add: the most effective rounds out there, like Mk262, Hornady 75 grain HPBT, 70 grain Barnes TSX, all require a 1:8 or faster.

 

[Waywatcher]

I think 1:9 is the fastest I would want, I understand the faster rates of twist cause premature barrel wear compared to slower twist rates.

If one can afford the ammo quantity required to wear out a 1:7 twist or 1:8 twist barrel, one can afford the new barrel.

*My 1,111 post, hehe!!*

 

[Z-Michigan]

Great info from Waywatcher.

What do you want the barrel to do? 16" 1/9 twist AR-15 barrels are a dime a dozen. If you want ultimate accuracy, choose one of the nicer stainless barrels. For durability, get a chrome-lined, hammer forged barrel like those sold by Daniel Defense, Palmetto State Armory, and BCM. If you're not sure, pretty much any barrel will work. You also need to pick a gas system length (carbine or midlength) and a barrel profile.

 

[suzukisam]

WOA makes a 1:7 20" sdm barrel, but if you can d9 firearms in kansas city he special orders them in 16" and I have one and they are awesome! I'm shooting half moa and I would never consider any other barrel.. I would not buy anyting slower than a 1:7.... you cannot over spin a 224 projectile unless your going to start shooting 36 gr bullets from an AR. barrel life is not important, when you will need many thousands of rounds to wear one out.

 

[Ender42]

Im leaning more to the 1:8, thanks Waywatcher, and I'm not really worried so much about accuracy as i am durability. So i want the chromed lined. I have heard that midlength fires more smooth, and thats all i have ever fired. Now would it be better if my bolt carrier group matches my barrel?

 

[Waywatcher]

I haven't seen a 1:8 chrome lined, but I haven't looked very hard either.

Might have to "settle" for a 1:7 if you want chrome lined, because most of the 1:8 barrels are stainless.

Honestly, either one would make me happy, although I prefer a free floated stainless.

 

[Zerodefect]

Good SS is still a viable option even when durability is concerned:
http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-...Length-Gas-IONBOND-p/bcm ss410 16-8 ib bk.htm

Chrome lined:
http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-16-Mid-Length-Barrel-Stripped-p/bcm-brl-s-mid-16 std.htm

 

[gotigers]

I would go 1:8 stainless. Palmetto State Armory had some some with .223 wylde chamber last i looked. The 1:8 will shoot all ammo. The stainless and 223 wylde chamber is a more accurate combo. My 3 gun AR is 1:8. It is perfect for that.

If you go chrome lined get 1:7. It would be better for heavier ammo, but 1:9 will shoot most ammo from 55 to 68gr, maybe even 45. The only reason to go heavier is long distance when wind will be involved. If your mostly plinking and target the 1:9 is fine. I have a S&W carbine that is 1:9. It shoots real nice groups, but i keep it 55 or 62gr.

 

[35 Whelen]

If you're only use of the rifle will be for range work and home defense, you have no need for a 1-in-7 twist barrel unless it just makes you feel warm and fuzzy. As others have mentioned, the fast twist barrels are for extremely heavy/long for diameter bullets such as 75 gr or the heavier Barnes TSX bullets. And unless you're shooting at extremely long range as in 500-600 yards, shooting 69 gr. + bullets is a waste of money unless again, it makes you feel warm and fuzzy to shoot these heavy bullets.
Many of the guys with whom I shoot High Power use lighter bullets for the reduced course (100 yds) and save the heavy (expensive) bullets for the 600 yd. portion. One of my buddies son practiced on my 600 yd. range here at the house prior to attending the state shoot and Camp Perry. He did use 75 gr. bullets then and his barrel is a DPMS with a 1/8" twist.

I recently built my first AR and bought a 16" Del-Ton Dissipator kit with a 1/9" twist. So far I've only fired it with a few handloads and some Prvi 55 gr. factory. Looks like it's going to be a real shooter.

Good luck,
35W

 

[Waywatcher]

If you're only use of the rifle will be for range work and home defense, you have no need for a 1-in-7 twist barrel unless it just makes you feel warm and fuzzy.

I disagree. If defense is a possible use of this AR-15, then the faster twist is definitely superior. 75 and 77 grain bullets do excel at long ranges, but they also excel at rapid & massive fragmentation with adequate penetration (especially if dealing with barriers) at defense ranges.