18" Rifle Length Gas Barrel Options?

[Dirtyboy333]

25.3 does seem like a pretty stout load and I did notice a recoil difference but there were no flowing of the primers and nothing on the case self except for some injector marks. But they were nothing that I haven't seen before.

[Onyx Z]

25.3 does seem like a pretty stout load and I did notice a recoil difference but there were no flowing of the primers and nothing on the case self except for some injector marks. But they were nothing that I haven't seen before.

I would trust ejector marks more so than flowing primers. Looking at primers isn't really the best way to look for pressure signs.

[Dirtyboy333]

Oh ok. I've only been reloading for a couple years. I was using federal brass and fgmm primers.

[Onyx Z]

Oh ok. I've only been reloading for a couple years. I was using federal brass and fgmm primers.

Watch closely, though. Federal brass tends to have softer case heads and the primer pockets stretch out enough to not reliably holding primers. I only got 2 loads out of Federal brass. If it doesn't require any force to insert the primer, ditch that casing.

[Dirtyboy333]

Watch closely, though. Federal brass tends to have softer case heads and the primer pockets stretch out enough to not reliably holding primers. I only got 2 loads out of Federal brass. If it doesn't require any force to insert the primer, ditch that casing.

Yeah I've read that about fed brass. I have 2 thousand or so of once fired fed brass from those 100 rd American Eagle packs at Walmart.

[CRAMBONE]

Figured I would bump this thread instead of starting a new one.

Alright I'm in the same boat. I'm slowly piecing together the parts for a SPR rifle. I have most of the stuff thought out or decided on. Except the optics and barrel. I had decided on the Rainier Ultramatch but then I got to worrying that it's 1:8 twist would hinder accuracy with heavier 5.56 loads (although reading through this thread still has the Rainier as first choice). I don't hand load yet so all of my shooting will be with factory ammo for the time being, mostly Blackhills MK262 77gr. Here's what I have come up with so far.
-Rainier Ultramatch .223 Wylde, 1:8 twist, 2lbs9oz, $364.09.
-White Oak SPR .223 Wylde, 1:7 or 1:8, nonfluted $275 41oz or fluted $335.
-Wilson Combat SPR 5.56, 1:7, 41oz, $274.95.
-Seekins Precision SPR .223 Wylde, 1:8, $259.00.
-Ballistic Advantage SPR .223 Wylde, 1:8, 41oz, $210.00.
-Criterion .223 Wylde, 1:8, Hybrid is 2.3lbs, HBAR is 2.65, $269.99 or $$374.99 with head spaced bolt.

These are all 18" barrels with rifle length gas systems. The only non stainless barrels are the Criterion. I haven't really looked at the Centurion or BCM barrels yet. Am I over thinking the worry of having a 1:8 twist? Are all of these options pretty much level? (I would say judging by price they are not). Should I omit the Criterion options since they are not stainless? This is starting to get confusing and painful.

[B52U]

Figured I would bump this thread instead of starting a new one.

Alright I'm in the same boat. I'm slowly piecing together the parts for a SPR rifle. I have most of the stuff thought out or decided on. Except the optics and barrel. I had decided on the Rainier Ultramatch but then I got to worrying that it's 1:8 twist would hinder accuracy with heavier 5.56 loads (although reading through this thread still has the Rainier as first choice). I don't hand load yet so all of my shooting will be with factory ammo for the time being, mostly Blackhills MK262 77gr. Here's what I have come up with so far.
-Rainier Ultramatch .223 Wylde, 1:8 twist, 2lbs9oz, $364.09.
-White Oak SPR .223 Wylde, 1:7 or 1:8, nonfluted $275 41oz or fluted $335.
-Wilson Combat SPR 5.56, 1:7, 41oz, $274.95.
-Seekins Precision SPR .223 Wylde, 1:8, $259.00.
-Ballistic Advantage SPR .223 Wylde, 1:8, 41oz, $210.00.
-Criterion .223 Wylde, 1:8, Hybrid is 2.3lbs, HBAR is 2.65, $269.99 or $$374.99 with head spaced bolt.

These are all 18" barrels with rifle length gas systems. The only non stainless barrels are the Criterion. I haven't really looked at the Centurion or BCM barrels yet. Am I over thinking the worry of having a 1:8 twist? Are all of these options pretty much level? (I would say judging by price they are not). Should I omit the Criterion options since they are not stainless? This is starting to get confusing and painful.

Yes you are over analyzing, 1:8 works just fine with 77gr bullets. It is all I shoot in my ultramatch.

[HD1911]

My 1:8T loves 77gr Pills.

Jason, I wouldn't honestly rule out an 18" Noveske SPR barrel, just because it is Intermediate and not Rifle length. Just my opinion. But regardless, there are a good amount of Quality, Stainless, Precision barrels out there.

[gt40]

I don't know if anyone can tell the difference between 1 in 8" twist or 1 in 7" twist??? This is what I did with my Colt LE 6920 M4 as a donor rifle. After I finished with it it would shoot 5 shot groups at 100 yards of 1/2" and less with Sierra 65 grain Game Kings. With 69 grain Sierra Match Kings it will shoot 3/8" 5 shot groups at 100 yards. Look here to see what I changed from the original LE 6920 plus the scope I also added. Scroll down to Post # 4.

http://forum.gon.com/showthread.php?t=872939

This is the upper I got from WOA and they Fluted it for me also:

http://www.whiteoakarmament.com/xcar...cat=261&page=1

[Kansaswoodguy]

My 1-9 twist barrels will stabilize 75gr-77gr bullets I normally like a 1-8 twist barrels just to make sure they will stabilize the bullets I normally use. I would not be afraid of a 1-7 twist 223/5.56 doesn't have enough case capacity to spin those bullets apart accuracy should be fine.