20” target barrel 5.56 Hbar

[MSW]

I’m looking for some advice on a stainless steel heavy barrel for semiauto target use. Range is 100-500 yards. Bravo Co & FN (by way of PSA) both make similar 410 stainless 20” barrels in 5.56, but the difference is one is cold hammer forged, while the other is button cut. Loads will be 75-77 grain. I prefer 5.56 to .223 so I don’t have to futz with accidentally mixing 5.56 in .223 reloads.

My current target rifle has a Wylde chamber & I simply want to upgrade.

The question: with 410 stainless, does CHF matter? I know 410SS is a softer steel when compared to carbon steel, so I don’t know the significance of CHF vs button cut.

I am biased & prefer CHF barrels. But, I’m also biased re: BCM & really like their parts, guns, etc. I’ve never had a problem with PSA or FN.

I’ve also considered Kreiger, Shilen or Hart barrels....so, some guidance is appreciated as this is a big, one-time purchase. Yes, it’s my first high grade barrel & cheaper than another Porsche.

Thank you.

[gunnerblue]

I don’t think it’s accurate to say that stainless steels are “softer” than carbon steels but rather materials for different purposes. Cold hammer forged barrels were devised for ease of manufacture, as was button rifling (while still capable of extreme accuracy). Stainless steel is desired for corrosion resistance. As far as accuracy is concerned, I think you’d be hard-pressed to do better than the BCM 410SS, especially for the money. Mine will shoot a ten-shot group of match-grade 77 grain handloads into .60 MOA.

As far as other brands, I use Bartlein when the utmost precision is needed. I’m currently working on a coyote rifle which sports a Compass Lake barrel (Bartlein blank) with their CLE match chamber.

[PrarieDog]

I have a 20" BCM 410 ss barreled upper. Had it re-profiled to cut some weight. Shoots well enough. Built it for prairie dogs. Also built an 18" upper with a JP heavy barrel. If you want real accuracy, then JP all the way. 1/8 barrel that will do 3/8" groups. With the thermal dissipator it stays cooler much longer into a shooting string. Shot so well I don't use my BCM barreled upper, I use it as a loaner for folks when we go shooting.

[17K]

When you get serious, get Compass Lake to spin you up a tube.

http://compasslake.com

[MSW]

I am serious, which is why i’m asking opinions. Nobody I personally know has a target barrel anything, the exception being S&W 41s that come with a factory “target barrel.” At the range, I’m “the rich doctor who can buy anything” but other doctors I shoot with aren’t match shooters. One guy is IPSC, the rest just shoot, and one is an SOT with a minigun—seriously.

PrairieDog— can you hit ‘dogs with your BCM? Range? Is the JP better than the BCM for that purpose?

[PrarieDog]

PrairieDog— can you hit ‘dogs with your BCM? Range? Is the JP better than the BCM for that purpose?

The BCM can do the job, We were taking them out to 400+ yards off of bi pods. Just the JP barrel is in a different league. In fact with the gas system, low mass carrier, brake, and recoil spring from them the gun is just better than any other AR I have run. I would give them a call. There are other good builders out there too but JP sells a whole system that they design, test, and sell. All high quality parts.

I have a few BCM's and they are great all around rifles but for target shooting I would take a real hard look at JP.

[Campbell]

When you get serious, get Compass Lake to spin you up a tube.

http://compasslake.com

This.

[Iraqgunz]

The BCM SS410 barrel is capable of sub-MOA with a good optic and ammo. One of my LE friends has one with a Geissele rail and he routinely gets around .075 MOA with match ammo.

[everready73]

Keystone accuracy can make you anything you want and have several blanks to choose from. Compass lake is great too.

[MSW]

I guess my bottom line question is how does one decide between these types of barrels? Will a Shilen be noticeably better than a BCM within 500 yards?