lamrith wrote:
Looking to finally upgrade the barrel. I am not looking to spend $300 on just a barrel, but I want decent. I am thinking 16 or 18", something chambered to shoot both milsurp 556 and regular 223. I do not "need" submoa, but want something that shoots well. Something I could take out yote or prairie dog hunting and hit what I aim at to 200yrds, not hit 5" left one shot and 5" high the next.
Anything you guys could recommend? Brand, length, twist? Thinking the $150 range for just barrel.
Brand: Ballistic Advantage, like Ron said. They have a "5.56 Modern Series" line of barrels that is more affordable.
http://ballisticadvantage.com/ar-parts/ar-barrels/556-nato/modern-seriesLength: I'd go with 16". I don't notice much difference at all by adding 2 more inches, except that the rifle feels heavier (because it is). You'll have more options in the 16" range anyway.
Twist: I'm partial to 1:8, but it's only because my 1:8 ARs out-shoot my 1:7 and 1:9 ARs with all bullet weights (50gr to 77gr). This is anecdotal evidence, so YMMV.