I just got a call from a really good friend. He's complaining that he no longer can shoot a decent group with his AR.223. We discussed ammo, his age, and then the gun. I asked him how old it was and how much it had been shot. Turns out it's about 12y/o and had consumed thousands of rounds of everything he could put through it. I suggested it may be "burnt out". If you have other thoughts or thoughts on what barrel he may consider I would like to pass on your knowledge. He wants to shoot mostly in the 55gr range and he tends to shoot between 75yds to 200yds. Nice to chat after all this time. Thanks all!
Help with a new .223 barrel
- Thread starter rockyboy
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GunnyUSMC
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Barrels are easy to replace. I would recommend a new barrel chambered in 223 Wylde with 1/8 twist.
I like the 223 Wylde chamber because it will handle 223 or 556 ammo and the 1 in 8 twist works great on a wide range of bullet weights.
You didn't say what set up your friend had on his upper. Knowing what set up he like would make it easier to suggest parts.
I just built one with a 18" 223 Wylde barrel with a rifle length gas system.
I like the 223 Wylde chamber because it will handle 223 or 556 ammo and the 1 in 8 twist works great on a wide range of bullet weights.
You didn't say what set up your friend had on his upper. Knowing what set up he like would make it easier to suggest parts.
I just built one with a 18" 223 Wylde barrel with a rifle length gas system.
Everready73
Member
Faxon is really good for the money. Gunner profile is lightweight and accurate. Check out AIM surplus they sell them with pinned gas block for under $200. Lots of great feedback on these and they have good customer service as well. White Oak armament are also really good match grade barrels but a little more expensive.
Everready73
Member
Forgot to ask what brand AR he has. Does he want a FSB? Or does he use a free float rail?
briansmithwins
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First things first:
1) Has any checked to make sure the barrel nut hasn't loosed up and the barrel is moving in the upper? Even a little movement will cause erratic grouping.
2) Has the barrel been cleaned with a good copper solvent?
#) Anyone looked down the bore to see what condition the throat is in?
When it comes down to it, barrels are a consumable item, like ammo. Plan accordingly.
BSW
Varminterror
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4) Which should be number 1 - has anyone else shot the rifle to prove it's the arrow, not the indian?
Offfhand
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If accuracy is his goal his best choice is a good quality barrel with 1/12" twist.
Hokie_PhD
Member
Gunny who did you get the barrel from and who made it?
Everready73
Member
I think the 1/8 twist is a good option because it's great with 55 grain but you can also shoot the match grade 77 grain well too if he would ever want to. If he doesn't plan on going over 69 grains ever 1/9 twist would be fine as well if he found a barrel he liked.
GunnyUSMC
Member
It's a Radical barrel. I got it from Primary Arms.
A buddy of mine put one of these on a new AR15 build:
https://www.bearcreekarsenal.com/barrels
His was an 18" fluted, 1:8, Wylde chamber. Sub MOA with a couple of loads. He's raving about it, and the price is right!
https://www.bearcreekarsenal.com/barrels
His was an 18" fluted, 1:8, Wylde chamber. Sub MOA with a couple of loads. He's raving about it, and the price is right!
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