224 valkyrie barrel choice

[C_R_Slacker]

I'm thinking of buying myself a black friday christmas gift. I want to convert my spr to a 224 valkyrie. I'm looking at a 18" criterion 1:7 twist, rifle +1 gas from craddock precision or an 18" rock creek 1:7 twist, rifle gas from rainier arms. Price is basically a wash between the two. I'd like to get a bartlein from craddock, but can't spend the extra $200.

Does anyone have experience with either or both barrels that you can share? Any insight would be appreciated.

 

[C_R_Slacker]

Edit: rock creek from rainier is also rifle +1 gas length.

 

[Pusher591]

Edit: rock creek from rainier is also rifle +1 gas length.

Just from the research I did while contemplating building one, you aren’t going to go wrong with JP or Craddock. Those two have proven so far to be the go to for these builds and have the chamber down pat. Looking at some Rainier Arms reviews I believe they have done a good job as well.

FYI the Rainier Arms Rock Creek blanks are the button barrels (pretty sure but could be wrong) and Craddock uses the cut rifled Rock Creek blanks. Both are great but I prefer cut rifled. It’s whatever your budget allows.

I chose Craddock, he’s spinning my 6.5 Creed barrel on a RC cut rifled blank right now. I’ve seen his machining work on barrels and his stuff flat out shoots.

 

[Greene]

I just recently put one together with Seekins 18" on an aero enhanced upper. Had a 20min window to throw a few 88 Hornady rounds down it. Dead Air Ti Suppressor. Top photo was second group. Wind was gusting up and down. Idk how much that played into it. But vertical was only about .6. Right pic was the first 4. 3 in black and one flier top left.

 

[hitman]

I have one from Craddock with a Criterion but I have only had time to get it out one time so far. With the cheap American Eagle stuff it shot right at 1" though and Paul said it really likes the 88 Hornady but I did not have any. When I spoke with him he said the loads people are using they are around .3-.5" guns easily. I am sure this is right since I have two other barrels from him in 223. I would say go with him for sure!! Great to do business with as well- just a nice guy!