Looking for a new upper and want some ideas. I gave my Bushmaster away and it shot 1 inch groups at 100 yds for the first 2-3 shots then got pretty crazy once hot. I have about $1000 worth of Federal Premium and Hornady 55 gr 223 so I want to make sure the barrel I get shoots it well.

The IDEAL upper would have a 16 inch threaded barrel, heavy enough profile so I don't have to let it cool every 3 shots at the range, and a twist rate that will confidently shoot my ammo in 1 inch groups at 100 yards. I will not be hiking up mountains with it, but I want one that is light enough so I don't avoid it when I head to the gun safe.

I have a Noveske Low Pro upper in 300 Blackout that has a Stainless Steel Match barrel that meets the specifications above but all the Noveske uppers I have seen in 223 have 1/7 twist barrels. I don't want to end up with an expensive upper that won't shoot 55 gr well.

Your comments / experience are appreciated!

I test a lot of barrels out.. I really like the Ballistic Advantage barrels


I just installed a new barrel, it's a Ballistic Advantange 16" Hanson barrel.
It's a lightweight stainless middy with a Wylde chamber

I have ran several of their barrels and have liked all of them.

I shot it yesterday on my rifle which runs a Vltor A5 buffer setup and a standard weight BCG (Wilson Combat NP3)
Brake was a JEC
Fixed gas block (supplied with barrel)

I didn't measure the gas port size but they certainly have it dialed in as it was a VERY smooth shooting barrel.

From their website on the profile:

BA Hanson Series Barrels exemplify the quality and accuracy you have come to expect from Ballistic Advantage. BA Hanson Profile barrels feature a shoulder-less design, symmetrically limiting barrel “whip” and allowing the barrel to quickly return to its home position. This is extremely beneficial for follow up shots at a high rate of fire or full auto fire. Lightweight feel without the lightweight limitations, it is truly ideal for how an AR-15 is designed to perform

specs
· Material 416R Stainless Steel
· FailZero Nickel Boron Coated Extended M4 Feed Ramp Extension.
· Profile Hanson Finish Bead Blasted
· Gas System Length Mid-Length
· Gas Block Journal 1.03" Gas Block Seat for .750" Low Profile Gas Blocks Only
· include a pinned lo-pro gas block
· Twist Rate 1:8 inches Muzzle 1/2-28 Threaded
· Weight 27
· Other Info HP and MPI Tested


link: http://ballisticadva...ium-barrel.html

FYI, I have ran several 1/7s that shot 55g fine

Wilson

Don't forget a good trigger.

I have a 1/7 that does well with 55's and I fixed the trigger myself for less than $10.

South texas arms top notch service and based in san antonio, tx. Every gun built up or rebarreled is easy .75" or better at 100yds.

Yeah, Brandon is a good guy at STA.
I am using his upper/lower on my son's new 6.8 build this week.

One of my staff guys and hunting buddies is using them on a 243 build.

Wilson Combat makes good barrels, yep.
Just trying to give a relatively new company some exposure.

Spread the love..
my son's upcoming 6.8 build is running a Noveske barrel

Custom build sounds like a good idea. Never gave that much thought.

Rainier select medium is what's on one of mine. Decent price and very accurate. It's a 1:8 twist and shoots 55 grain bullets 1/4 moa for me.

http://www.rainierarms.com/rainier-arms-select-5-56mm-medcon-barrel-16