Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 16

Thread: Range Report: Ballistic Advantage 14.7" pencil 5.56

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    UT
    Posts
    121
    Feedback Score
    1 (100%)

    Range Report: Ballistic Advantage 14.7" pencil 5.56

    This won't live up to the Molon level standards that we all so enjoy but I figured I'd post my findings. Recently built this gun for my mother who has taken more of an interest in shooting over the past year and decided she wanted a rifle.

    Specs are as follows:

    Aero Precision upper and lower
    ALG Defense QMS trigger & LPK
    BCM RE/spring/H buffer/charging handle
    Magpul K grip, ACS-L stock & SL handguards
    Toolcraft BCG
    Ballistic Advantage 14.7" pencil Mid-gas 5.56 barrel w/FSB (1/7 twist)
    A2 flash hider

    First impressions after the first couple of outings: very lightweight (theme of this build since it is for a little old lady), very soft shooting. The gas port must be on the lower end of the spec, it is definitely softer shooting than my other middy 14.5" and BCM 16". They don't bother me but she thought the recoil was a little harsh on those two, she likes hers quite a bit however. I had no issues with wolf gold 223, m855 or any of the ammo I shot today. On my second outing with the gun we did have a 2-3 instances where the bolt failed to lock to the rear on an empty magazine when using PMC bronze 223, but it never failed to load the next round if there was one in the magazine. After those failures I added some lube to the BCG and loaded a single round of PMC bronze into ten mags. All ten resulted in the bolt locking back after firing so hopefully it is just a break in issue. I will be keeping an eye on that though.

    So onto the slightly more interesting stuff. Today was our 3rd time out with this gun and my goal was to see how accurate it could be with decent ammo and a scope. I am planning on building a 20" A4ish type rifle here pretty soon and am waffling between a BA QPQ or a Green Mountain chrome lined for that build. This test was part of my plan to help solidify that decision. I'm relatively happy with the results from this barrel considering the pencil profile, non free-float handguards and my impatience (not letting the barrel really cool down much between strings).

    Here is the rifle as it normally sits:



    And here it is in the configuration that I used to do my accuracy testing:



    Finally, here are the groups I shot today:



    I used an SWFA 10x mounted in an Aero Precision SPR mount for my group shooting today. All groups were shot from a bench using my range bag as a front rest (making sure not to touch the barrel itself) and a rear bag. I allowed 2-3 minutes in between strings with each group being shot in the span of about a minute. The order that I shot the groups in was:

    1. ADI 69gr
    2. Beck 77gr
    3. Hornady 75gr
    4. Hornady 55gr
    5. Hornady 75gr

    The first group with the Hornady Match 75gr was so bad that I decided to reshoot it to see if the results were consistent. Obviously this barrel is not a fan of that particular load/bullet. On the upper left hand group (Hornady 55gr Spire Point), the very first shot was way over to the left. I still included it in the group because I didn't feel like I messed up the shot, but results on the target tell another story. Small sample size though, need to shoot some more of the Hornady 55gr and Beck 77gr through this barrel. For those that are curious, the other group measurement under the top left group is a measurement of the 9 rounds that grouped together.

    The range I was shooting at today does not allow any FMJ ammo, so I was not able to test groups with m855 and xm193. I'd guess they'll probably be ~3-4" @ 100. I'll get out to another range and shoot some of those in a few weeks. Hope you guys enjoyed reading.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
    Location
    WI
    Posts
    134
    Feedback Score
    1 (100%)
    Wish they made that barrel in carbine length. It would be perfect for a retro build I'm looking to do. Any idea what your rifle weighs?

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Posts
    829
    Feedback Score
    29 (100%)
    Nice work brother!

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Dec 2015
    Posts
    730
    Feedback Score
    2 (100%)
    Great write up. I've been a fan of the BA barrels for a few years now; especially at the price point they're offered at.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    UT
    Posts
    121
    Feedback Score
    1 (100%)
    I haven't weighed it. Going by weight of another build and adding/subtracting differences in part weights, I'd say this one is 6lbs 10oz. I will be putting on a lighter stock at some point though. I'll try to remember to take it to the shop next week and put it on the scale.

    Quote Originally Posted by bigwagon View Post
    Wish they made that barrel in carbine length. It would be perfect for a retro build I'm looking to do. Any idea what your rifle weighs?

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Posts
    1,343
    Feedback Score
    0
    Strong work! Thanks for your efforts and for sharing your data. Would you mind if I posted your results on another website? (citing you as the author of course.)


    ...
    All that is necessary for trolls to flourish, is for good men to do nothing.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    UT
    Posts
    121
    Feedback Score
    1 (100%)
    Quote Originally Posted by Molon View Post
    Would you mind if I posted your results on another website?
    Not at all, go for it.

    I plan on updating this thread when I get a chance to shoot a couple more groups of the 55gr & 77gr loads @100. I will also try to do some group testing with m855 and xm193.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Posts
    1,343
    Feedback Score
    0
    Quote Originally Posted by jhr1986 View Post
    Not at all, go for it.

    I plan on updating this thread when I get a chance to shoot a couple more groups of the 55gr & 77gr loads @100. I will also try to do some group testing with m855 and xm193.
    Thanks, and I look forward to your additional results.
    All that is necessary for trolls to flourish, is for good men to do nothing.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    NV
    Posts
    149
    Feedback Score
    8 (100%)
    I had the same exact barrel for a recent build. I loved how the rifle handled. I sold it to a friend and he's extremely happy with the build. With the funds I built another BA barreled upper but with a Hanson Barrel under a BCM KMR ALPHA instead. Sometimes I wish I never sold it because the simplicity of a barrel with a FSP and stock hand guards was rewarding in itself.


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Location
    Oklahoma City
    Posts
    429
    Feedback Score
    0
    Looking at Ballistic Advantage's website, I didn't see any barrels that came with front sight bases. Is this something they used to offer? Or did you pin the FSB on yourself?
    "This motto may adorn their tombs
    (Let tyrants come and view):
    We rather seek these silent rooms
    Than live as slaves to you."

    Lemuel Haynes, 1775

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •