Whats the most accurate 5.56 barrel for a 18" SPR

[Tangodown911]

I've been looking at Noveske, Ranier's ultra match, BCM, and a few other 18" SPR type barrels for a build.

1/8 twist would be first choice but 1/7 would be fine also. Looking to shoot only 75bthp and 77smk or some of the Bergers in the 70s.

Also looking for the best upper receiver money can buy. What I mean by best is high quality, tight tolerances, and strongest made.

What luck have you had.

 

[aberbaseball7]

Re: Whats the most accurate 5.56 barrel for a 18" SPR

I dont think you would go wrong with the choices you have already listed but these will give you a few more to consider. I would look for a barrel from one of the following.
http://saternmachining.com/
http://www.rockcreekbarrels.com/
http://www.kriegerbarrels.com/

Upper/Lower I would look at
Seekings
LMT
LWRC
LaRue Tactical

 

[mkollman74]

Re: Whats the most accurate 5.56 barrel for a 18" SPR

Barrels from manufacturers listed are no doubt of top quality. I would also add White Oak Armament.

 

[splean]

Re: Whats the most accurate 5.56 barrel for a 18" SPR

I would also suggest a look at WOA. I have a 20" S-DMR 1-7 that shoots an inch at 200 yards with 77SMK handloads. I also have a 16" 1-7 that shoots the same at 100 yards with the same ammo. I'm looking into getting a 6.8 SPC barrel too. At any rate, they make good barrels. Good luck.

 

[SSG3K]

Re: Whats the most accurate 5.56 barrel for a 18" SPR

I bought a 7 twist douglas and an 8 twist kreiger. Ill let you know shortly

Rich

 

[ggmanning]

Re: Whats the most accurate 5.56 barrel for a 18" SPR

Mine has a Lilja....shoots very good.

 

[Cesiumsponge]

Re: Whats the most accurate 5.56 barrel for a 18" SPR

Monty at Centurion Arms sells a complete Mk12 upper with the contract barrel if you're interested in that...but I just checked the website and its gone? No idea wtf is up. High Caliber Sales offers a turnkey option too. I have a Noveske 1/8 3 land/groove SPR barrel specific from MSTN, shoots great.

Both sell the Compass Lake Douglas contract barrels as a standalone item as well.

 

[Chris@InterstateGuns]

Re: Whats the most accurate 5.56 barrel for a 18" SPR

no noveske love?

 

[USMC mustang]

Re: Whats the most accurate 5.56 barrel for a 18" SPR

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cds7221</div><div class="ubbcode-body">no noveske love?</div></div>

Chris,

Are you shooting a Noveske SPR barrel? What kind of results are you getting? I'm very close to buying one.

 

[Oakland Tactical]

Re: Whats the most accurate 5.56 barrel for a 18" SPR

You cant go wrong with the HCS barrel I have shot 10 rounds.48 with the MK262 ammo and Black Hills 77 grain. I sweated a bit about if it would be a good choice, but it seems more accurate than my Noveske Recce, not by much but it has been measurable.

 

[jeff1383]

Re: Whats the most accurate 5.56 barrel for a 18" SPR

+1 for satern rifled cut barrels if you're going for accuracy

 

[MitchInOR]

Re: Whats the most accurate 5.56 barrel for a 18" SPR

Compass Lake will turn you a Kreiger or Douglas spr barrel.

 

[-=boone=-]

Re: Whats the most accurate 5.56 barrel for a 18" SPR

You can take this for what it's worth. One of the top barrel
makers on here told me this. " Nothing keeps up with the Douglas SPR barrel".

 

[Tangodown911]

Re: Whats the most accurate 5.56 barrel for a 18" SPR

Thanks for the replies guys.

 

[krg648]

Re: Whats the most accurate 5.56 barrel for a 18" SPR

Take a look at the Larue Steath upper complete builds. They use a Lother barrel in a 1/8 twist. I'm useing there 18" barrel with 13.2" handguard setup and it's going on a Noveske lower with Colt lower parts kit, SSA trigger and Magpul PRS, MIAD and trigger guard

 

[smschulz]

Re: Whats the most accurate 5.56 barrel for a 18" SPR

Rainier Ultra Match barrels are outstanding, too.
I have in three builds now.
The problem is they are hard to get/keep in stock.
Get the barrel and matched bolt at the same time and you are GTG.

 

[Tangodown911]

Re: Whats the most accurate 5.56 barrel for a 18" SPR

I was set on a Ranier Ultra, but I've decided to go with a complete noveske upper with a switchblock. From the looks of things there are a lot of good barrels to choose from. Hopefully the Noveske will be good enough.

 

[hk dave]

Re: Whats the most accurate 5.56 barrel for a 18" SPR

I went with Rainier Ultra Match, it's stupidly accurate. Any of the barrels you mentioned will serve you well though.

 

[hydro556]

Re: Whats the most accurate 5.56 barrel for a 18" SPR

I am leaning toward Noveske for my new Recce style rifle.

The last one I had was impressively accurate. Always shot better than I thought a light weight 16" carbine should shoot.

That said, I saw that LaRue released a PredatOBR. Odd name, but it looks like just what I want. Compact, fairly light package but with the heavier OBR profile barrel.

Long wait I am sure though.

 

[discrota]

Re: Whats the most accurate 5.56 barrel for a 18" SPR

I sure like my factory built 18" Noveske SPR with a Switchblock. Shoots .5 moa with 77SMK's and eats whatever ammo you feed it without a hiccup. The switchblock is hands down the best gas block for running a can too.

Great company to deal with, I ordered a suppressor from them and they have been nothing but exceptional. Great customer service for sure.

 

[killerwaffles]

Re: Whats the most accurate 5.56 barrel for a 18" SPR

+1 for noveske. I shoot steel plates with mine at 600 yards with 75gr A-max easy!

 

[bcw1284]

Re: Whats the most accurate 5.56 barrel for a 18" SPR

I run both a noveske and a BCM on my mk12's (mod 0 and 1, respectively) and they both are lasers. Either would be a fine choice, and the price difference is negligible between the two.

WOA also makes a few nice SPR types, available with matched bolts. There are many twists and contours to choose, and they don't make junk if you know what I mean. Plus, they tend to be a bit less spendy than noveske.

 

[RWH82]

Re: Whats the most accurate 5.56 barrel for a 18" SPR

You cant go wrong, I have a Noveske 18" spr and match bolt. The finish is top of the line and the groups are around 3/16" at a hundred yards.

 

[scharfschutze762]

Re: Whats the most accurate 5.56 barrel for a 18" SPR

+1 for white oak armament or Kreiger in no particular order.

 

[MSTN]

Re: Whats the most accurate 5.56 barrel for a 18" SPR

The custom barrel 18" SPR barrel that Noveske Rifleworks does for MSTN:

1x8 three groove stainless.

"Improved" Mk 12 profile.

Gives sufficient thread engagement for those using the Ops-Inc SPR suppressor.

Only 39 ounces, 1/2 ounce more than Crane's profile, but with a more sophisticated CNC contour.

Pinned gas block.

Ionbond diamondblack coating.

We have a friend who is a former Army sniper with 38 confirmed who runs one of these. I've seen him shoot considerably sub-MOA 5 shot groups at 600 yards (3.5") off a bipod with this barrel.

 

[Cesiumsponge]

Re: Whats the most accurate 5.56 barrel for a 18" SPR

Huh, I'll be damned. I didn't know Wes from MSTN was a member here. I have the Noveske barrel he lists above on the Mk12 upper he built me a couple years ago. It's a barrel that Noveske makes specific for Wes and not the SPR barrel they sell on the site.

 

[vinsonr]

Re: Whats the most accurate 5.56 barrel for a 18" SPR

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Killerwaffles</div><div class="ubbcode-body">+1 for noveske. I shoot steel plates with mine at 600 yards with 75gr A-max easy! </div></div>

Another recommendation for the Noveske. My buddy has the 18" with switchblock. We were hitting steel at 750 with Black Hills 77 gr OTM.

I can't say enough good things about Noveske's uppers especially. I have an N4, N6 and Crusader upper that's my daily driver carbine. They're all excellently accurate.

 

[LongCut]

Re: Whats the most accurate 5.56 barrel for a 18" SPR

Not to bad mouth others, but I don't think I'll buy another barell that doesn't say Noveske on it. Escecially now that you can get any barell you want machined to fit an MRP. That being said, I own several others (BCM, CMMG, and a couple from LMT).

I have a Noveske 18"SPR that I mounted to a Larue billet upper, with a DD lite rail. The gun in way more accurate than I ever expected, and that is with PPU "match" ammo. It likes the 75s, but loves the 69s. Once I figure out how to reload, I can only imagine the accuracy will improve (if that is possible). I am by no means the greatest shooter in the world, but this gun will stack round after round on top of each other.

A friend had a Douglas that he swore by, and I have heard good things about many others, but for me its Noveske.....

 

[at4rxj]

Re: Whats the most accurate 5.56 barrel for a 18" SPR

I've had excellent results from both WOA and Lothar Walther

 

[RTH1800]

Re: Whats the most accurate 5.56 barrel for a 18" SPR

My expirence points toward two barrels. HCS/dougless or a Baer. The Baer will shoot .25 moa. Period. Nothing comes close. It will need to be turned a bit to fit the SPR role, but no big deal. I keep a few on hand as they are about 8 weeks out on barrels.

 

[jbailey]

Re: Whats the most accurate 5.56 barrel for a 18" SPR

I had a 18" Noveske SS barrel and it was great. Then I purchased their 20" medium profile SS barrel (this one: http://noveskerifleworks.com/cgi-bin/imc...tus=&title=) and immediately sold the 18". 20" was a freakin laser, bug holes at 200yds from bipod prone (w/ 70gr Berger VLD handloads and a 1.8-10 USO). Plus the 20" added 50fps to MV. I know you want a 18", but their 20" is so much better, and only for a 1/2lb or so...

 

[EROCO]

Re: Whats the most accurate 5.56 barrel for a 18" SPR

I have the 18" rainier ultra match and am very happy with it. I have it on a Mega monolithic upper and it's very accurate. I'm glad I had the barrel melonited to minimize barrel wear on it, so far so good.

 

[Bacarrat]

Re: Whats the most accurate 5.56 barrel for a 18" SPR

What kind of groups do you guys get out of the Rainier Ultra Match barrels?

I have a WOA SPR barrel on mine and it's finicky with handloads. It shoots lights out with factory BH 262s

 

[ZLBubba]

Re: Whats the most accurate 5.56 barrel for a 18" SPR

I'd go Noveske or WOA for an AR. The WOA I have shoots very well with the heavy pills.

 

[EROCO]

Re: Whats the most accurate 5.56 barrel for a 18" SPR

I can get 1" to 1.25" with handloaded 69 smk. I think I can get even better with more magnification than my 8x scope has.

 

[5RWill]

Re: Whats the most accurate 5.56 barrel for a 18" SPR

You'll get a lot of recommendations for noveske, WOA, krieger etc. I own a BCM MK12 and with SWA's Run N gun 77gr SMK @ 2700fps i'm getting 1/2 MOA when i do my part. Barrels can be had for 300$, just another option to consider as it's a cheaper alternative to a SPR 18" profiled barrel. Though as you know the Ionbond finish will run you another 60$.

This is the only group i have on picture granted it's only a 4 shot group and i threw that fourth shot, not as consistent with a gas gun. Nothing great, but it is more accurate than i can shoot and gets the job done for me. I'm sure there are a couple of members that have BCM 18" or 20" guns that have better groups out of theirs. I've yet to reload for it, don't like the thought of chasing brass.

 

[VJJPunisher]

Re: Whats the most accurate 5.56 barrel for a 18" SPR

i got a rock river service rifle match barrel, was 20 inch, cut it down to 18 and that thing drives tacks





P.S. if i do my part

 

[Lockdown1243]

Re: Whats the most accurate 5.56 barrel for a 18" SPR

Got my RR 18" ATH in today to go on top of my Noveske lower. Range report will be in as soon as I get my stinking scope mount in

 

[decider]

Re: Whats the most accurate 5.56 barrel for a 18" SPR

Superior Terebratus

 

[Tangodown911]

Re: Whats the most accurate 5.56 barrel for a 18" SPR

Hmmmmm.... No lovers of the LMT 18" SS barrels. Why am I not surprised.

 

[bustin]

Re: Whats the most accurate 5.56 barrel for a 18" SPR

Pretty sure Rainer doesn't make anything, their Ultra match barrels are made by WOA which are Shilen blanks, the others are Wilson Arms blanks(not Wilson Combat).

A lot of the accuracy depends on the trigger puller. Some can shoot 1/2" groups with a $200 barrel and some couldn't shoot 1" groups with a $600 barrel.
Good ammo, good scope, good trigger, good rest...proper technique and trigger follow through is a big part of that.

 

[edwin907]

Re: Whats the most accurate 5.56 barrel for a 18" SPR

Krieger MK12Mod0 with OPS 12th

 

[hk dave]

Re: Whats the most accurate 5.56 barrel for a 18" SPR

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: edwin907</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Krieger MK12Mod0 with OPS 12th

</div></div>

Wow beautiful, specs?

 

[k7714]

Re: Whats the most accurate 5.56 barrel for a 18" SPR

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MitchinOR</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Compass Lake will turn you a Kreiger or Douglas spr barrel. </div></div>

Compass Lake built my 18" with a douglas and it is a hammer. I would not hesitate to have them build me another with the way this one shoots.


K

 

[Drumrboy]

Re: Whats the most accurate 5.56 barrel for a 18" SPR

On my MK12 Mod1, I'm running a Compass Lake Douglas SPR barrel. Great groups out of it. Throw on the OPS Inc 12th, and it tightens up even more.

I also shoot a Kreiger that is stupid accurate. 10 rounds through a dime.

There are a lot of good barrel makers out there. Is not hard to get a good one these days.

 

[USACS]

Re: Whats the most accurate 5.56 barrel for a 18" SPR

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MSTN</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

The custom barrel 18" SPR barrel that Noveske Rifleworks does for MSTN:

1x8 three groove stainless.

"Improved" Mk 12 profile.

Gives sufficient thread engagement for those using the Ops-Inc SPR suppressor.

Only 39 ounces, 1/2 ounce more than Crane's profile, but with a more sophisticated CNC contour.

Pinned gas block.

Ionbond diamondblack coating.

We have a friend who is a former Army sniper with 38 confirmed who runs one of these. I've seen him shoot considerably sub-MOA 5 shot groups at 600 yards (3.5") off a bipod with this barrel.</div></div>
What rail system is this? Is this proprietary to MSTN or Noveske?

 

[Tangodown911]

Re: Whats the most accurate 5.56 barrel for a 18" SPR

I believe it's KAC

 

[M_16_4_REAL]

Re: Whats the most accurate 5.56 barrel for a 18" SPR

my vote is krieger or douglas. both are top notch.

 

[BCP]

Re: Whats the most accurate 5.56 barrel for a 18" SPR

I like my rainier ultra match just fine. Shoots tight cleans up quick. White Oak was decent but not spectacular. Will probably go for a douglas or lilja next as I see deals on them from time to time.

Only bad one I've had was a rainier cheap match and they made that right by me.

Honestly it is hard to go wrong no matter what you get.

 

[tactrainer]

Re: Whats the most accurate 5.56 barrel for a 18" SPR

Have you checked out JP enterprises. They are doing a couple unique things, one they have rifle length gas port on 18" and an adjustable gas block.