A-list for AR uppers?

[Leo_B]

My current wild hare (technically no rabbit holes I know) is prepping an AR for a 400 yard clinic. Given the expense, I want to pick a good upper. I've been looking at the RRA A4 NM 20" 1:8 twist .223 Wylde chamber upper. But given a hard limit of $1003, what uppers are suggested? I like what I see of 1:8 twist showing best for 62-80gr. bullets and I'm sure where I'll want to land for those clinics. But I'm open to and would love to hear why something else is a better idea (if there even is). Any and all input, hopefully sticking to this question, is welcome and appreciated.
ETA it will go on a Colt lower and needs to be a complete upper ready to pin in place and begin firing, other than needing a sighting system of course.

 

[Fuj]

I shoot RRA's (two). One is the EOP 20" full bull 8 twist with Wylde 223 chamber.
I shoot nothing but the IMI Mod 77 gr. (Sierra). i mainly use it as my bench steel
rifle. Has a Bushnell XRS scope on it......I will consistently clean five 3" plates at 300
yards in a 90 second per run match. Your biggest problem will be a trigger for that
Colt......RRA's shoot the 77 Sierras quite well in the Wyde chamber.

 

[10XSHOOTER]

If you clean and Break in the Bear Creek Upper, they shoot really well.
a side charging upper with a 18 or 20" barrel; would serve you well!

 

[Jon Leary]

Might as well get a 7 twist barrel. White oak has some good ones.

 

[lp6]

Shilen makes great barrels and putting an upper together is easy.

 

[jelenko]

RR has a good reputation.
As mentioned, I would look at WOA uppers before making a decision.

Key questions: How will the rifle be held/supported? Does the clinic have any rules about the about the upper? E.g., barrel length.

White Oak does have a varmint upper, wylde, 24", 1:8 for $675.

Unless you're going to exclusively shoot 80gr or heavier bullets, I would go with 1:8.

 

[slm9s]

I'm no expert, but I would check out:
WOA
Compass Lake
Rainier Ultramatch

And my most accurate upper has a Lilja barrel.

 

[Leo_B]

For the known distance at 400 yards it will be user supported with the aid of a GI sling. For the 100 yard enjoy time at the local range it will be some user support and some/most with the forend on a bag.