DMR barrel recommendations

[D1gger]

I'm looking to compete in a few of the team matches in which one of the shoots has to have either a 308 or a 223/556 rifle.
So I'm looking to build a new 556 upper to compete, something that will shoot the 75gr or higher bullets well.
I know I should look for 1:7 twist barrels, and I would like to stay in the 18-20" range. I was looking at Wilson Combat barrels, as I have had good luck with their barrels before, but it doesn't seem that they make what I want.
What are some good ones to look at, and can they be had for around $300 or less?
So far, the only other one I found is a WOA, and the only one in stock is about $390

 

[Trigger Monkey]

White Oak Armament is good, I use their barrels in my SPR and Recce rifles. Where are you looking where they're $390? Brownells has WOA 18" SPR barrels for $275 and a Rainier Arms Match barrel 18" long for $266, both are in stock. I've used both of those and they're sub-MOA performers.

 

[D1gger]

I believe I was on WOA's website. I didn't see them when I searched Brownells. I'll look again

 

[Trigger Monkey]

WHITE OAK ARMAMENT AR-15/M16 223 WYLDE MATCH BARRELS | Brownells

Precision-machined stainless steel barrels feature a .223 Wylde chamber that helps maximize the long-range performance of your AR-15 with both .223 Remington and 5.56x45mm NATO ammunition. With 6-groove, 1-7" button rifling for accuracy and M4-typ...

www.brownells.com

Rifle Barrels | Barrel Parts at Brownells

Brownells is your source for Rifle Barrels,Barrel Parts at Brownells parts and accessories. Shop our vast selection and save!

www.brownells.com

 

[D1gger]

Probably a question for the MD, but would using a 223 Wylde qualify as "service rifle" caliber? I saw those listed, but I was looking for one marked 556 or 223.

 

[Trigger Monkey]

I haven't seen any .223 Wylde ammo on the shelf in a while haha but you can shoot both .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO in the .223 Wylde chamber without issue. That's the appeal of it and why most AR manufacturers are using that reamer when making AR barrels. In laymen's terms the .223 Wylde has in between chamber and throat dimensions that's not as tight as .223 Remington so you can safely shoot 5.56 NATO but not as loose as a NATO chamber so you have good accuracy potential when shooting .223 and 5.56 pressure match ammo.

 

[D1gger]

LOL, Yeah, I was aware of the Wylde ammo situation. I just wasn't sure how strict they would be on the chambering.
I guess since the only thing you can shoot through it is 223/556 it should be GTG.
Thanks

 

[Trigger Monkey]

Yeah, you'll be fine. My SPR was assembled with a WOA SPR barrel, Vltor MUR upper, BCM KMRA handguard, and BCM BCG and it's been a hammer with Black Hills and IMI Razor Core as well as Frontier 62gr BTHP.

 

[-=boone=-]

I’m more of a fan of Douglas barrels with a CLE chamber.

 

[ShooterwithNoName]

If you want a Douglas then talk to Compass Lake Engineering. I have a Douglas service rifle barrel and it is one of my best shooting 223 barrels. CLE chamber is comparable to the Wylde chamber, maybe a bit better throat for heavy bullets.

I also have an 18" WOA barreled upper in 6.8SPC. I shoot this barrel more than any other I own lately. It really does shoot great and has been a dependable barrel with Accubonds and Barnes TSX. You can't go wrong either way.

If your leaning toward a 20" or service rifle profile barrel, Keystone makes great shooting service rifle barrels for the $$.

 

[FLIGHT762]

I just received a WOA E mail on a barrel closeout. This might work for you. $190.00. https://www.whiteoakarmament.com/sh...an-service-rifle-1-7-twist-with-m4-ramps.html

Better jump on it if you want it.

 

[JaredCO]

I recently built an upper with a Rainier ultra match 20” barrel. It did not disappoint

 

[USNIGHTGUNNER]

Paul Craddock at Craddock Precision puts out some great barrels.

 

[FLIGHT762]

I just received a WOA E mail on a barrel closeout. This might work for you. $190.00. https://www.whiteoakarmament.com/sh...an-service-rifle-1-7-twist-with-m4-ramps.html

Better jump on it if you want it.

Annnnddd they're gone.

 

[moosemeat]

I just received a WOA 20" midweight, which is their service rifle contour but takes standard gas blocks, and paid less than $300 and had it in 6 days. I plan to shoot it this weekend and see what it does.

 

[S197]

WOA has great barrels and pricing. CLE recently raised their pricing but they are still fair. For the Douglas barrel I would go for CLE, they did help kac with small run of Douglas barrels for our armed forces. I’ll try and find the info on it.

 

[D1gger]

I just received a WOA 20" midweight, which is their service rifle contour but takes standard gas blocks, and paid less than $300 and had it in 6 days. I plan to shoot it this weekend and see what it does.

Did you purchase direct from WOA?

 

[D1gger]

So I'm finding very little available with the 1:7 twist. If I want to shoot the 70gr and higher bullets, will the 1:8 twist stabilize that or should I keep looking for the 1:7 twist?

 

[Trigger Monkey]

1:8 will be fine as well.

 

[Stavey]

The most accurate 223 barrel I own is a Bartlein 1-7.7 spun by Compass Lake Engineering . I’ve actually shot the smallest groups of my life with that barrel .

 

[-=boone=-]

Bartlein, WOA, Douglas, Krieger barrels will all serve you well.

Shortly I’ll have a AR for sale with a 20” Douglas service rifle barrel 1/7 twist CLE chamber if you’re interested.

 

[Changed]

WOA -22.4 Grn AR Comp and 77smk.

 

[moosemeat]

Did you purchase direct from WOA?

Yes I did. It's a great looking barrel. Hoping to go shoot it tomorrow.