I have a noveske gen 3 upper/ lower with A5 buffer system and STR stock. I’m looking for suggestions for 18" SS barrels. I wanted to find what the latest greatest is out there. I hear the noveske 18" spr match barrel is hit or miss. Looking for sub MOA with hand loads.
White oak?
Rainier?
Btw it’s been years since I’ve been here and forgot my username / password, thus the new account.
Thanks
Those are both really good barrel manufacturers. My SS BA 18” barrels are subMOA with factory SMK.
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My 20" WOA SDM has been great. With my handloads at 100 yards it will shoot from my best of ~.5 to just over moa at my worst. I’m no marksman. 10" steel at 550 yards is boring. I haven’t actually shot it for groups yet at longer ranges. It’s on my to do list.
WOA 20" SAM-R barrel will do 1/2 with factory ammo (Hornady) at 100. It will also get me to 1000, but not 1 MOA, I’m sure that’s shooter plus wind plus 5.56. I like to tell myself it’s mostly wind and caliber and I’m good with that.
WOA or Compass lake engineering are worth checking out. Depending on budget Compass lake has criterion, Douglass, Krieger, and Bartlein blanks to choose from. Lots of good feedback
Thanks. As far as price it doesn’t really matter. I was going to pick up a noveske barrel so I was going to spend around $450. I’m just thinking I probably have a lot of options under that.
wgat are your Gus thoughts on barrels with headspaced bolts? Worth it or no?
Yeah I have no intention of trying to push the .223 to 1000. I already have a .308/6.5CM/338LM for those distances and beyond.
I cannot recommend current Noveske uppers or barrels. When John was alive, absolutely but their QA/QC is not the same as it was and they are still charging the same prices. For those prices you can easily get a Kreiger custom turned for you or for ~$250 you can get a Lothar Walther barrel.
Look up Eurodriver’s thread on his build using a Kreiger barrel. It’s pretty amazing
This ^^^^
Both companies make really nice SPR barrels. I have a WOA SS SPR barrel on my Mk12 Mod 0 and it has been superb. I have one of the CLE Douglas SS Recon barrels on one of my ARs and the accuracy is stellar. You cannot go wrong with either company.
As stated earlier, Douglas, Krieger, & Bartlein make the best blanks. From there, you are buying someone turning down a profile that you want. WOA shows up in the winners circle of most Camp Perry High Power / National matches. Do with that what you will.
I have an older Noveske barrel and it has been excellent. Took it out to 700y. Sad to hear that the new stuff isn’t as good.
I guess WOA, Douglas, Krieger and Bartlein is the way to go.
As far as price it doesn’t really matter.
Proof Research is an option.
Centurion Arms SPR barrel is a good choice.
Frank White doesn’t offer rifle length gas for the Kreiger or Bartlein 18” spr barrels. Just a heads up. My sample of one, he turned from a Bartlein, shoots as well as the one I got direct from kreiger.
White Oak SPR barrel in my MK12.
Stupid accurate, and mine especially likes Black Hills and CBC/Magtech 77OTM.
ETA: Noticed you mention an A5 buffer system…I run my gun full time with the can attached, a BCM BCG, and standard rifle spring. It is perfect with an A5H1 buffer.
Appreciate the replies. While I like accuracy as much as the next guy I usually decide on an acceptable level of accuracy and call it a day. I’ll be happy with sub MOA what’s the accuracy difference going top of the line 2/10ths?
I built an upper with a Wilson Combat 18" SPR barrel…I chose the 1-8 twist, rifle length gas system and have been more than pleased with the accuracy obtained (sub MOA with multiple different rounds). Bought the barrel on sale…in my mind it was a good buy!