Which barrel for accuracy/varmint rifle? Need input

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Brandon B

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Okay, I’ve been playing around with 16” rifles too much, and if you saw my previous post I’m looking to buy a 20-24” barrel for my next build to achieve superb accuracy out to maybe 5-600 yards, and use it as an occasional varmint gun as well.
I’ve NEVER owned a rifle with a scope, so I’m aware that this rifle will be more accurate than I am for the first while(and that’s how I want to build it to be) BUT anyways I really need some good advice as far as the best barrels to choose from on a long barreled, distance/accuracy build! Also maybe what type of rifle length gas tube/gas block you’re using?

Also, let me know what ammo you find works best in them. I would love to find a rifle that could perform consistently across the board as far as ammo, considering I have a lot of 55gr laying around. I do plan on buying some heavier ammo maybe 77 as from what I’ve heard that would be a better route for a precision rifle.

Money is not really an issue, let me know of some good quality tried-and-true barrels!


Thanks ahead of time for the help!
 
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I’m not sure you could be any more vague, I am assuming you are taking about .223 since you considered 77 “heavy”. Let us know a little more information.

And you mention a gas block so I think I have it narrowed down to an ar platform?
 
Assuming your talking about an ar15 in 223. If money is not an issue I would get a krieger or Shilen in your choice of barrel profile with a 1:8 twist. Tell them you want to shoot 55 grain whatever’s and 77 grain match kings at mag length at let them chamber and throat accordingly.

I personally dislike ar barrels over 20” and also dislike front heavy AR’s so I like a 20” fairly light profile barrel.

This one in the middle is what I built for the exact purpose you describe.

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I think we're talking about AR's here correct OP?

What kinds of bullets you're gonna be using is gonna determine your twist rate. If varminting with light 40gr JHP's you'll want a different barrel than if you're throwing 77gr ELD's downrange.
 
I’m not sure you could be any more vague, I am assuming you are taking about .223 since you considered 77 “heavy”. Let us know a little more information.

And you mention a gas block so I think I have it narrowed down to an ar platform?

Yes Ar15 in 223wylde preferrably
 
Are you going to walk around with it, or is it to be more of a dedicated bench/prone gun. If the latter, a 20" or 22" bull barrel makes lots of sense. But if you're going to carry it much, heavy rifles get tiresome, so I'd go with a medium contour (heavy bbl, not bull) 18" or 20" tube.
 
Barrel weight is still in question, depending on how you plan to deploy.
You might look over the selection at White Oak. They are not the most expensive barrels you can buy, but very good shooters. Maybe you can settle on a length and barrel profile/weight by looking over the selection on John's site. https://www.whiteoakarmament.com/shop/barrels.html
 
White Oak, Rainier, BCM, Faxon, Ballistic Advantage, Rise, Green Mountain, even AR Stoner, all make 18-20" SPR/Bull/Varmint/Target barrels that will do what you need for prices from $130-300.

At these price points it's like a Chevy/Ram/Ford debate as to which one is the best bang for the buck.

I have a Rainer 18" Match and a Green Mountain 20" 3R. Both shoot exceptionally well. Well beyond my current capabilities. I do tip the scale towards the Rainier though as I find it shoots 55gr bullets better. YMMV.
 
For my money, Shilen, Proof, Kreiger, White Oak, and Black Hole Weaponry barrels. If using a smith who can profile and port, then add Bartlein, Lilja, Brux, Brougton.

The bore is what makes a barrel accurate. Diameter is a relatively low contributor, even though guys talk a lot about harmonics and barrel whip. All barrels flex and vibrate - accuracy is about the bullet leaving the barrel at the same point in the resonance every time - not really about trying to make a barrel less resonant. Diameter dictates how fast a barrel heats up, and length dictates how fast a bullet will be flying.

18” vs. 20” doesn’t make a ton of difference. About 80fps difference on the bullet and about 4oz extra barrel hanging out front for more forward balance. My ideal, general purpose AR-15 in 5.56 is a 20” 1:8”, rifle length gas, National Match contour with a .750” gas journal. This can run 77SMK’s just fine, and live happy with 50’s as well - it’s heavy enough to ride a front rest or bipod well enough for prairie dogs, but light enough to tote around calling coyotes.

But of course, I wouldn’t want to think silly thoughts about only having ONE AR.
 
The bore is what makes a barrel accurate. Diameter is a relatively low contributor, even though guys talk a lot about harmonics and barrel whip. All barrels flex and vibrate - accuracy is about the bullet leaving the barrel at the same point in the resonance every time - not really about trying to make a barrel less resonant. .

Ah, but heavier profile barrels and/or shorter barrels whip less, so variations in bullet velocity have less effect on POI, since there's less variation in muzzle orientation at the time of exit.
 
My main prairie dog rifle these days is a 24" White Oak barrel AR-15 in 204 Ruger. Accurate but heavy, something around 12-14 pounds. Not something you'd do a walk-about hunt with.

For my money, Shilen, Proof, Kreiger, White Oak, and Black Hole Weaponry barrels.

I've never tried a Proof barrel so I cannot comment on them, but I have rifles with barrels from the other four manufacturers, all with good results.
 
My Varminter AR is exceptionally accurate. It has a 9 twist Wilson Air Gauged Match barrel.

I had a custom AR with a Shilen barrel. Also exceptionallly accurate
 
I like the Colt HBAR Match Grade 5.56 bull barrel. 1:7, Chrome lined. Very heavy, but if you're worried
about weight, fear not, it will lighten your wallet considerably, to balance things out. Definitely a bench
or stand barrel, way to heavy for a walker.

I find it shoots 50 grain Fiocchi .223 ammo with the Hornady V-MAX polymer tip
very well. But my max range is @ 275 yards. You might want something considerably heavier for longer ranges.
 
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