Let's talk about barrel steel

[mheimer_45]

I've got an itch to build another ar since my girlfriend claimed my prairie dog rig. I know 416 is the way to go but let's face it I'm a tight ass and I know it. I've been eyeballing the Wilson barrels from jse like Padom recently got for a year but couldn't make my mind up on a caliber. Well now they have a really good deal on an 18" Chrome Moly 1-8 bull barrel.

So my question is there any reason not to go chrome moly? It will be used for shooting paper while in load development then used for prairie dogs and an occasional coyote hunt in the winter. I'm not worried about rust as I always oil and clean once home. Just mainly worried with barrel life and accuracy. 1 moa is acceptable. No more than 500-750 rounds per year, likely less.

Thoughts?? Thanks in advance.


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[padom]

Thats one heavy barrel.

 

[longshot2000]

Pretty open-ended question. First, the actual choice between chrome-moly and stainless is most often missed. All other things being equal, there is no advantage in regards to accuracy to stainless. Two major factors point to SS being the choice for better accuracy, but, in reality, it is not the steel.

first is Chrome lining often found in Chrome-Moly Steel. The addition of a lining in Chrome is a good choice for heavy duty automatic or rapid fire, for reasons we don't need to discuss or debate here. The lining, does, however affect accuracy negatively.

second is the market. Most of the most accurate barrels, especially cut rifling, occurs with stainless. A part of this reason is that stainless carved a little easier. My guess is that much of this is that we -- the market -- perceive that SS will be a more high quality barrel.

when you start to talk about hitting targets with 5.56/.223 at 500-600 yards, you need both a very accurate barrel and also high muzzle velocity to cut the effects of drop and winds drift. My first choice in barrels would not be the steel, but the reputation of the maker of the barrel blank, then the smith or spinner who has reamed the chamber, done any final lapping and measured the headspace, and also the twist of the rifling and match to the ammunition. Some people have a personal preference for rifling. I know I do. Truth is, 4 grove, 6 groove or 5R have minimal effect on accuracy. Cut rifling does. If you don't want to pay for cut rifling, I like buttoned rifling next. Some will tell you CHF. Not sure, but I think good buttoned rifling is done by some very good barrel manufacturers. Cold hammer forge tends to be done by mil-spec and mass produced barrels, although many of those have great quality. Don't under-estimate the effect of QA of the final maker.

 

[mheimer_45]

Yes it is padom.

Thank longshot. As far as I know this one doesn't say it if is chrome-lined or not. I also should have said the farthest I will probably shoot is 200-250. I usually have my 6.5 beside me for anything longer.


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[padom]

.937 gas block on a 223/5.56 barrel.. Its thick. If I were you I would spend the money on a WOA 18" SPR from Brownells for $269.99 and they have free shipping till 9/4. That barrel is a known and proven shooter. You know what your getting.

 

[Bigjake83]

.937 gas block on a 223/5.56 barrel.. Its thick. If I were you I would spend the money on a WOA 18" SPR from Brownells for $269.99 and they have free shipping till 9/4. That barrel is a known and proven shooter. You know what your getting.

I like my barrels how I like my women, not too skinny but not too fat, that newest build I've done with that AR is nice and light Contour, but I found out that I'm a bit more steadier with something with a bit heavier Barrel. My favoriteavorite Contour is 1' to end of Chamber, .900 under the handguard to .875 GB, then .800 to Muzzle.

 

[longshot2000]

One of my favorite AR barrels, for the price, is the LaRue Stealth. $225. LT started discounting a year back, and I think he also saw the market soften, so kept the price low. Take a look. I think Mark also gives you the option of buying a trigger for a discount with the barrel.

 

[mheimer_45]

All of my ar barrels are bull barrels with a .937 and I have three of them. My 308 has a 18" bull barrel. My 24" has a bull barrel and my 16" that got claimed has a bull barrel. I'm kinda partial to them. Every gun I have has a heavy varmint barrel on it except my old Remmy 788.

I'm not worried about weight. Just the longitivity of chrome moly steal. If you guys think it will be shot out in 5k that will take me several years. If it will be dramatically less then say so. More than likely I'll shoot a 55 blitz king or a 69 smk in front of varget for accuracy not speed.

$100 seems like a heck of a deal I'm willing to gamble to get me back in the game sooner. I've just never heard anybody talk about chrome moly so I'm asking. Not trying to be a dick just getting the facts straight. I've got a complete lower and parts for an upper just sitting around.




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