Thoughts on this AR

[bullseye308]

Im thinking about another AR from Palmetto and I think this will be a little more accurate than the run of the mill AR. It is an 18” rifle length 233 Wylde.
https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-18-rl-223-wylde-15-mlok-moe-ept-rifle-kit-w-mbus-ss.html It will just be for punching paper at maybe out to 200-250 yards and I’ll put a decent scope on it that won’t limit it.

So for the price and my goals, what do you guys think? Is there something better in that price range, I’m kinda limited to 500 on this, I have a stripped lower and a scope already so it is what it is.

On the off chance I could find a Ruger American/Predator/Ranch.... in 223 that takes AR mags for around 500 I’d go that direction happily so if you know where one is I’d appreciate the help.

I reload, have plenty of components, and have enough 10 & 20 round AR mags and have been grounded from any guns in calibers I don’t already load for. That limits me to 223 for rifles.

 

[herrwalther]

A little over the price point but might work for you

https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting-gear-gun-supplies/rifles/mossberg-mvp-predator-rifle/p/p47713

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Im thinking about another AR from Palmetto and I think this will be a little more accurate than the run of the mill AR. It is an 18” rifle length 233 Wylde.
https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-18-rl-223-wylde-15-mlok-moe-ept-rifle-kit-w-mbus-ss.html It will just be for punching paper at maybe out to 200-250 yards and I’ll put a decent scope on it that won’t limit it.

So for the price and my goals, what do you guys think? Is there something better in that price range, I’m kinda limited to 500 on this, I have a stripped lower and a scope already so it is what it is.


On the off chance I could find a Ruger American/Predator/Ranch.... in 223 that takes AR mags for around 500 I’d go that direction happily so if you know where one is I’d appreciate the help.

I reload, have plenty of components, and have enough 10 & 20 round AR mags and have been grounded from any guns in calibers I don’t already load for. That limits me to 223 for rifles.

Ive used that exact barrel in 2 builds now and they are both very accurate.

 

[mavracer]

Got a buddy that IIRC has the same kit and it shoots great.

 

[bullseye308]

Thanks, I could go either way but if the palmetto shoots well enough I’ll probably go with that since the Ruger could be months before it is back in stock.

 

[gotboostvr]

I've got one of those uppers currently.

I haven't shot it much, but it was holding sub 2moa with Tula while zeroing and general break in. Which is about as good as you can hope for with that ammo.

I am rebarreling that upper I think though. No fault of the barrel, just changing direction.

Going to a 16" middy pencil barrel to keep weight/length down for when my suppressor gets out of jail.

 

[2ndtimer]

I also have that same upper, fixed to a PSA lower. Honestly, I have been somewhat disappointed in the accuracy. It is consistently averaging just under 2 MOA for 5 shots from a solid rest with handloads. 55 gr FMJ ammo is under 3 MOA. I may replace the barrel, but I was hoping it would at least match my S&W original Sport’s 1 in 8” twist 5R barrel which is consistently under 1.5 MOA. To be fair, I have talked to others that say their PSA uppers are under MOA with tuned handloads, so maybe I just haven’t found the right combo yet.

 

[JJFitch]

Mechanical accuracy boils down to the specific components for the selected cartridge. Do a little research on barrels for the 223 Wilde. There will be an ideal barrel length, weight and twist rate. Couple that with premium ammo either factory or reloads.
Even if these steps are the best, they can be, a terrible trigger will kill accuracy. You will need a nice crisp trigger break with little to no creep.
Glass is a whole other discussion.

Smiles

 

[Varminterror]

There will be an ideal barrel length, weight and twist rate.

Ideal for what?

 

[Hikingman]

Not in 223 Wylde, 556 is much more common, and makes sense.

 

[Olympus]

18" in 5.56 would never be my first choice for an AR. It wouldn't be my second or third choice either that matter. It's too close in velocity to a 16" barrel and not as good as a 20" barrel. 18" is kind of the fulcrum of barrel lengths in an AR to me. I would either choose to go down to a 16" or up to a 20" depending on the purpose. If you're looking for punching paper, a 20" barrel is what I would pick.

 

[Olympus]

Not in 223 Wylde, 556 is much more common, and makes sense.

I don't think you understand what 223 Wylde is...

 

[Hikingman]

I don't think you understand what 223 Wylde is...

Thanks for that! This is an interesting alternative, and I hope the OP will enjoy at least one rifle in 223 Wylde.

 

[mavracer]

The triggers in those kits aren't the greatest, IMHO the Larue is the best for the $.

 

[someguy2800]

I helped a friend build one with a similar kit and it shot well. Nothing extraordinary, but we were both impressed by the quality.

 

[d2wing]

I also have that same upper, fixed to a PSA lower. Honestly, I have been somewhat disappointed in the accuracy. It is consistently averaging just under 2 MOA for 5 shots from a solid rest with handloads. 55 gr FMJ ammo is under 3 MOA. I may replace the barrel, but I was hoping it would at least match my S&W original Sport’s 1 in 8” twist 5R barrel which is consistently under 1.5 MOA. To be fair, I have talked to others that say their PSA uppers are under MOA with tuned handloads, so maybe I just haven’t found the right combo yet.

I had that problem with a PSA. turned out to be an out of spec bolt and bolt carrier binding. Irregular bolt seating. A BCM bolt carrier group fixed it.

 

[d2wing]

Im thinking about another AR from Palmetto and I think this will be a little more accurate than the run of the mill AR. It is an 18” rifle length 233 Wylde.
https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-18-rl-223-wylde-15-mlok-moe-ept-rifle-kit-w-mbus-ss.html It will just be for punching paper at maybe out to 200-250 yards and I’ll put a decent scope on it that won’t limit it.

So for the price and my goals, what do you guys think? Is there something better in that price range, I’m kinda limited to 500 on this, I have a stripped lower and a scope already so it is what it is.

On the off chance I could find a Ruger American/Predator/Ranch.... in 223 that takes AR mags for around 500 I’d go that direction happily so if you know where one is I’d appreciate the help.

I reload, have plenty of components, and have enough 10 & 20 round AR mags and have been grounded from any guns in calibers I don’t already load for. That limits me to 223 for rifles.

I have had excellent results with Del-Ton rifles. Sub MOA on both. I believe I posted the results in the past. The PSA I built was ok after some parts changed out. I also ordered upgraded trigger kits for my builds.

 

[bfoosh006]

While not build kits...

Have you considered a FN barrelled PSA upper ? NOTE The FN barrelled uppers RARELY come with BCG and CH.

They tend to be soft shooters after a decent break-in ( with 5.56 )

I have bought 2 of them.. both are GTG

Honestly, I would suggest ( if possible ) saving up for a WOA upper.
They have an excellent reputation for building reasonably priced great shooting uppers.
And given the cost of ammo... a great barrel is a bargain. ( All WOA uppers come with BCG and CH )
https://www.whiteoakarmament.com/3gun-mk1-9-upper.html
https://www.whiteoakarmament.com/3gun-mk1-9-upper.html
Then just buy a LPK... and if your budget is tight, I probably have a spare Magpul stock and Handgrip I could send you. No cost.

Send me an IM

 

[bullseye308]

18" in 5.56 would never be my first choice for an AR. It wouldn't be my second or third choice either that matter. It's too close in velocity to a 16" barrel and not as good as a 20" barrel. 18" is kind of the fulcrum of barrel lengths in an AR to me. I would either choose to go down to a 16" or up to a 20" depending on the purpose. If you're looking for punching paper, a 20" barrel is what I would pick.

I was originally looking at the 20” but like I mentioned I’ll probably keep it under 250 yards, so it’s not like I’ll be pushing any limits with the cartridge.

 

[bullseye308]

The triggers in those kits aren't the greatest, IMHO the Larue is the best for the $.

The trigger will be tested and most likely replaced. Any budget friendly advice is welcomed.

 

[bullseye308]

While not build kits...

Have you considered a FN barrelled PSA upper ? NOTE The FN barrelled uppers RARELY come with BCG and CH.

They tend to be soft shooters after a decent break-in ( with 5.56 )

I have bought 2 of them.. both are GTG

Honestly, I would suggest ( if possible ) saving up for a WOA upper.
They have an excellent reputation for building reasonably priced great shooting uppers.
And given the cost of ammo... a great barrel is a bargain. ( All WOA uppers come with BCG and CH )
https://www.whiteoakarmament.com/3gun-mk1-9-upper.html
Then just buy a LPK... and if your budget is tight, I probably have a spare Magpul stock and Handgrip I could send you. No cost.

Send me an IM

I’d like a white oak but the only reason I even get to get a new range toy is my tax return. I just don’t have the $ the rest of the year to even piece one together gradually. If I get my disability approved finally things could change. I’m just wanting to shoot smaller groups at paper, nothing special. I don’t hunt and at least with an AR platform I can change parts as I’m able if I determine the juice is worth the squeeze.
Ammo I’m good on and I have plenty of components to load enough quality rounds for a few years that I bought years ago. I appreciate the offer and I’ll pm you for your spares. I’m sure I have some things to pay it forward as I have more organizing to do around here.

 

[Olympus]

I was originally looking at the 20” but like I mentioned I’ll probably keep it under 250 yards, so it’s not like I’ll be pushing any limits with the cartridge.

If you’re shooting under 250, then I’d be looking at a 16”.

 

[Mike J]

The triggers in those kits aren't the greatest, IMHO the Larue is the best for the $.

I don't have a lot of experience with AR triggers. I only own one. It is a 16" barreled PSA I built about 10 years ago from one of their blemished kits that came with an assembled upper & the lower parts (It has the FN barrel). I used one of their blemished lowers. I didn't like the original trigger so I went back & bought their EPT trigger. If I recall correctly the EPT trigger kit came with a lighter hammer spring. I didn't really want any possibility of light strikes so I kept the original hammer spring in it & changed the other trigger parts. While I know if you were to measure it (I don't have a trigger pull gauge) there would probably be very little difference the trigger feels much lighter & cleaner just because of the slick nickel coating on the trigger parts. I notice the kit the O.P. linked lists the E.P.T. trigger. It is better than their stock trigger.

 

[d2wing]

An 18-inch barrel is fine for your purposes. If you are shooting off a bench a heavy 20 is good also. The 20 inch Del-ton I had shot 1/2 inch groups with decent .223 ammo. For off hand and hunting I prefer a 16.

 

[Skylerbone]

I’d like a white oak but the only reason I even get to get a new range toy is my tax return. I just don’t have the $ the rest of the year to even piece one together gradually. If I get my disability approved finally things could change. I’m just wanting to shoot smaller groups at paper, nothing special. I don’t hunt and at least with an AR platform I can change parts as I’m able if I determine the juice is worth the squeeze.
Ammo I’m good on and I have plenty of components to load enough quality rounds for a few years that I bought years ago. I appreciate the offer and I’ll pm you for your spares. I’m sure I have some things to pay it forward as I have more organizing to do around here.

If that’s the case then why not .22 lr? Challenging, reasonably accurate, and cheaper to shoot even with high quality ammo. When things are tight, no sense owning what you cannot feed.