Looking into getting either the BCM SS or Rainier Ultramatch barrel anyone have any opinions on either? I will want it to be for target shooting and shtf. I have a primary arms 1-6x, Geissele ssa-e, and want to get a BCM KMR rail that I plan on using with what ever barrel I decide to get.
Either one should do you well, but I prefer the Ultramatch. My intermediate shoots a consistent .5moa with my handloads at 100yds. I like it so much that I built another upper around a rifle gas (SPR barrel).
I’m currently struggling with this decision as well. The fact that Rainier Arms makes an accuracy and money back guarantee speaks leaps and bounds.
Rainier
What are you goals? Are you wanting more of a target rifle, or more general purpose SHTF rifle?
I am running a mid length chrome lined barrel out to 600 with mil spec ammo and have been surprised with the accuracy.
I dont have any experience with Rainer, my BCM 11.5" ss holds at about an inch if I do my part.
What kind of ammo are you going to feed it? If your going to just run cheap factory ammo like 55gr ball, I’d just pick up a good CL barrel. If not its hard to beat the Rainier UM barrels.
I’m leaning more towards using it as a target rifle.
Mostly 55g ball ammo yeah I think I might just go with the BCM BFH or BCM standard barrel. I want it to last a long time I heard the barrels like the bcm SS and rainier Ultramatch are only good for 20,000 rounds. Anyone know how accurate the BCM BFH barrels are?
I will also have to add another vote for the Rainier Ultramatch. Mine gives me consistent 0.5 MOA groups out to 300 yards, which is the furthest I’ve been able to take it so far.
My BCM BHF 14.5" mid gov profile shoots PMC 55gr factory ammo excellent. 100yrd 5 shot groups are honest 1-1.5 MOA with 3X magnified Aimpoint PRO. This is a sample size of one. IMO I don’t think you’ll get 20k out of a SS barrel. Probably more like 5-10k until accuracy falls off. Remember barrels are replaceable and if you can afford 20k worth of ammo, then you could afford another $200-$350 barrel.
Why bother with a high precision barrel if you’re just going to shoot 55gr mil-surp garbage through it? Most 55gr FMJ isn’t anywhere near as accurate as either of the barrels you mentioned. For those barrels, anything less than 69gr SMKs is not going to even approach their potential accuracy. For day to day plinking, you’ll do OK with 62gr FMJ, but you’re still not seeing the full benefit of a good stainless barrel. I’ve been shooting 69gr and 77gr SMK match factory loads out of my BCM SS410 almost exclusively and couldn’t be happier.
As far as barrel life, even with cheap 55gr, you’re still looking $6,000+ of ammo before you shoot out the barrel. What’s a few hundred for a replacement barrel at that point?
I have driven my noveske chrome lined to 600 with 55 gr and as long as i call the wind it shoots lights out. making hits on a 10" plate is repeatable. Calling wind is key because the little 55 gets killed by wind…
Prior to shooting it much i was thinking I wanted a precision rig, but for my appications, its plenty good. I would imagine you could get similar results with a BCM barrel
Of those two, what ever is in stock, followed by what one is cheeper. Your not going to be able to tell a difference between them.
Without a doubt I would go with the Rainier Arms barrel.
One thing to remember about the Rainier Arms Ultramatch barrels are, they have a 100% money back guarantee. Quote : We are so confident in our UltraMatch barrels that we will offer a *100%*money back guarantee within 90 days of purchase. If you aren’t completely satisfied with the barrel for any reason, return it for a full refund, no questions asked.
http://www.rainierarms.com/rainier-arms-ultramatchtm-223-wylde-barrel-16
this is quite an endorsement…
Well guys thanks for all the suggestions!!! But I totally went with the totally opposite of what I was planning on getting. Got the BCM standard 16 mid length Enhanced light weight with the 13 KMR rail
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That is a great choice! I’m sure it will do everything you want it to.