Noobie first build questions on barrels

[BlackDime]

Hey guys,

This will technically be my second AR build but I didn't really have a hand in the first one so we might as well call this my first.

First things first, I will go over what I am looking for in this rifle project; I am looking for something to hunt deer and pigs(hopefully) with. I would like it to be point and shoot to 300 yards. From everything I have read so far, it looks like the 6.8 should be able to do that at least to 200 yards with no issues.

I would like to have a 16" barrel to be able to maintain something a little more compact, however I have been told an 18" barrel would suit me better. I would like to not have to spend more than $300 on a barrel. I know that wilson makes a 16" drop in but I have heard nothing but bad things about wilson barrels. That being said I am looking at a couple different options and was wondering if I could get some input from you guys. Right now I have a Fail Zero EXO coated upper assembly and am looking at barrels from White Oak Armament, Bison Armory, and Black Hole Weaponry.

Not 100% sure on twist rate either, looking to throw Barnes TTSX's though.

White Oak barrel--http://www.whiteoakarmament.com/xcart/product.php?productid=17570&cat=250&page=3

Bison Armory-http://bisonarmory.com/18-spr-6-8-spc-shilen-match-grade/ OR http://bisonarmory.com/18-spr-6-8mm-stainless/

Black Hole- http://www.blackholeweaponry.com/cat...roducts_id=191

I have no experience with any of these manufacturers. I have heard good things about White Oak and I know that there is plenty of good things on here about Bisons. I'm not sure I need the match grade but I have gathered that an SPC II chamber and M4 feedramps are a must. Thanks ahead of time guys and fair warning, there will be many more questions in my future.

[Ratdog68]

Any of those barrels should serve you well. I would also suggesting reading up on the ARP offerings from H.

The 6.8 should do just fine within the parameters you expect from this rifle.

[WVHunter1s1k]

Welcome aboard!
I think the WOA still uses 6 groove.
BHW, Bison & Wilson Combat are great barrels. H at ARP has some excellent rifle barrels too.

As for the 18". It will give you about 50fps over a 16". Both will get you over 300 yards. With the SPC II chamber you should be good to over 300. But, less than 400 on deer & hogs. Shoot, with the Wilson Combat ammo taking a 110gr to 2700fps & the SSA 140 Berger taking a 140gr to 2400fps & an 85gr Barnes out to 3000fps, all 3 out of a 16" barrel, I think they can handle a deer or hog out to 300+.
Here is a thread on the 16 vs 18 in barrel debate:
http://68forums.com/forums/showthrea...-18-or-16-inch

[BlackDime]

Also forgot to mention I will need a new bolt. The fail zero kit comes with a .223 bolt. I noticed there were some headspace issues out there so is there any recommendations out there on those thing? I know it won't be coated but I'm pretty sure its not gonna make a difference.A quick side note on the barrels, I was thinking with the 18" pipe I would have less flash signature because I would be burning up more powder. Is there any way a good setup with a 16" could do the same thing?Btw I will need a flash hider/break as well so any recommendations are welcome. I have done a little reading on here and it seems like everyone likes something different.

[WVHunter1s1k]

Also forgot to mention I will need a new bolt. The fail zero kit comes with a .223 bolt. I noticed there were some headspace issues out there so is there any recommendations out there on those thing? I know it won't be coated but I'm pretty sure its not gonna make a difference.A quick side note on the barrels, I was thinking with the 18" pipe I would have less flash signature because I would be burning up more powder. Is there any way a good setup with a 16" could do the same thing?Btw I will need a flash hider/break as well so any recommendations are welcome. I have done a little reading on here and it seems like everyone likes something different.

My suggestion is to head over to ARP (AR Performance). He is expecting a shipment of 16" & 18" barrels soon. He also sells superbolts & some, what looks like excellent muzzle devices. I'll find out after his move.
http://www.ar15performance.com/

[Woodstock]

I am very happy with my Bison Armory barrel. I bought it with the matched bolt to insure proper headspace. I got the 20" SPR 1:11 spec II with target crown (no muzzle device) flute under the handguard and got the black Cera Kote finish. I have been able to shoot sub MOA groups with Hornady 110 V Max factory ammo that many seem to feel is not very accurate.

[346CI]

WOA, ARP, Bison, Wilson Combat. Any of those would be a good choice and meet your needs. I have a 16" and 18" ARP, the 16" is my choice for a compact rig.

[bshaw52]

[I know that wilson makes a 16" drop in but I have heard nothing but bad things about wilson barrels.]

What bad things have you heard about Wilson barrels? I assume your talking about Wilson Combat barrels.

[Hogfarmer]

[I know that wilson makes a 16" drop in but I have heard nothing but bad things about wilson barrels.]

What bad things have you heard about Wilson barrels? I assume your talking about Wilson Combat barrels.

There are Wilson Arms and Wilson Combat barrels. Two different companies.

I have a Wilson Combat barrel on one of my uppers, they make a good product.

[chasw]

BD: I started out with an 18" BHW and later switched to a 16" tube made by White Oak for Rainier Arms. Both are good barrels but I much prefer the balance of the 16 incher, the 6.8 round loses very little velocity for those 2 inches. As for muzzle flash, a good flash hider does the trick. When you are ready to buy your barrel, be sure to talk to the supplier on the phone so you have an idea of the lead time which sometimes extend for months. Good luck - CW

PS: Rainier has both 16 and 18 inch 6.8 barrels in stock:
http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=sho...product_id=545