AR 308 Barrel Recomendation for Precision Build

[asnole]

I am beginning my first large frame AR build. I purchased an Aero Precision M5 receiver set, so it will be DPMS patterned. The plan is for an 18" .308 rifle that can be used for target shooting, hunting and possibly tactical rifle competition in the future. Since I agree that only accurate rifles are interesting, .5 moa is my goal.

I am looking for barrel recommendations. I have looked at the Rainier Match, Black Hole Weaponry, Mega and Fulton Armory. Any other thoughts appreciated. Money is a consideration and I would like to stay in the $300 +- range.

 

[mac86951]

I'd have to point you to a four-leaf clover.

I've known many shooters to have good results from their FA/MEGA/BHW barrels, same luck as one from DPMS, or those direct from Armalite. For each one, I've known 3+ that had "troubles" with theirs.

Troubles in my experience is 1.25-2 MOA, and I'm not vouching for anyone's reloading skills, but I have a feeling that more care in load testing could reduce those numbers.

Usually in the Sub $300 range, Sub-MOA to MOA is a good goal. .5 MOA, well I'll just say very very few manufacturers will put that guarantee on their custom rifles, and those that do have a barrel that cost more than $300.

-Mac

I'd point you at DPMS first, but for those accuracies I'd recommend the HEAVY contour; not the mil;gov't;pencil;light contour and at 18" a mid-length or rifle length gas port would be recommended.

 

[carlsbad]

I built a DPMS heavy barrel AR10 for a customer and he was very happy. didn't give me numbers but said it was a tack driver. --jerry

 

[jonbearman]

You have a good foundation for a really nice rifle,why put a mediocre barrel on when you can have the best first time around. Kreiger makes them but they are expensive,pac-nor makes the blanks and noveske turns them into exactly what you want. The noveske comes in 18 inch with a threaded muzzle in case you want a break and is a drop in for 560.00. Yep it is more than 300.00 but it would be the same as building a corvette and putting a 6 cylinder engine in it because it moves the car just like a LT-1 350 horsepower 350 chevy would right?

 

[mac86951]

You have a good foundation for a really nice rifle,why put a mediocre barrel on when you can have the best first time around. Kreiger makes them but they are expensive,pac-nor makes the blanks and noveske turns them into exactly what you want. The noveske comes in 18 inch with a threaded muzzle in case you want a break and is a drop in for 560.00. Yep it is more than 300.00 but it would be the same as building a corvette and putting a 6 cylinder engine in it because it moves the car just like a LT-1 350 horsepower 350 chevy would right?

+1 to that! If you need to shoot, the lower cost barrels will do that, they might even be accurate, but go for a real match grade barrel and what a difference it will make.

-Mac

 

[akajun]

A factory dpms barrel will do that. If you don't want to go that way contact john hollinger at white oak or john scandale at keystone accuracy.

 

[asnole]

A factory dpms barrel will do that. If you don't want to go that way contact john hollinger at white oak or john scandale at keystone accuracy.

I looked at the White Oak site and I did not see any 308 barrels. Are they available for special order?

Thanks for all the replies, I will consider increasing my barrel budget.

 

[mac86951]

White Oak does AR-15 barrels. Not sure who recommended them for 308, but they're not quite into that game yet.

Great AR-15 barrels though!

 

[LRPV]

Fulton Armory is running a Halloween sale. They have a SS Criterion 308 that's 18.5" medium contour for $270. I have had good luck with other Criterion barrels and the 6.5 Creedmoor Krieger that I got from Fulton shoots very good. Just a FYI I guess.

 

[akajun]

John Holinger has done ar -10 barrels, he may not advertise it but I have talked to people whom have them from him. John Scandale at Keystone will do them as well.

 

[msalm]

Have a.Gunsmith turn one out from a quality custom barrel. I've used Rock Creeks, Brux, and Krieger blanks I and built 243, 260, 308, and 6.5x47's, they have all been tackdrivers. I use bbl extensions from BAT an Armalite bolt & carriers as the Armalite bolt has a smaller fp hole which handles pressure better.

 

[bsumoba]

I REALLY like JP Supermatch barrels. Comes with a headspaced bolt and you have options of a thermal dissipator and a blended in muzzle break if you decide to go that route. i am getting consistent 1/2-3/4" groups and thats 5 round groups with my handloads. 175gr'ers, Varget and you're GTG

If you are so inclined, you can even go 6.5 creedmoor

I would recommend going JP components like their adjustable gas block, LMOS BCG, and their Captured Recoil Spring.

Here is an example of mine. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7sdcujUKJA

 

[DR1586]

Call Steve Satern at Satern Custom Barrels in Iowa. Steve can make just about anything and may be making AR-10 style barrels already. He makes some of the best AR-15 barrels I've ever shot.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Is satern still making barrels? I thought proof research bought them last year

 

[swehrman]

Proof bought Lawrence rifle barrels.

http://proofresearch.com/the-products/barrels/steel-barrels/

-- Scott

 

[DHD]

Call Steve Satern at Satern Custom Barrels in Iowa. Steve can make just about anything and may be making AR-10 style barrels already. He makes some of the best AR-15 barrels I've ever shot.

What he said! Mine is a 6.5 Grendel and an AR-15, but I would buy another. I don't know what the wait time is (can get looooong), but worth it for me.