@@KamalasVACANTwomb For gun stuff? Can't prove. For car stuff, yeah, carbon fiber has been the baddest shit around since the early 80's in Formula One. Structurally and weight-wise its fucking great. How well it actually maintains itself under immense, direct heat from long strings of AR fire and how well it maintains accuracy with a hot barrel, I couldn't say.
Another benefit of Criterion is that, because they OEM quite a bit, you can usually find an oddball profile you like, even if they don't have BA levels of options. That said, based on accuracy testing I've seen, I think BCM is a close runner up in terms of quality and accuracy. As well, people who are interested in heavier profiles should strongly consider looking at the Colt SOCOM barrels, whenever you can find them in stock. They're well reputed for being absolute tack drivers, albeit also very heavy.
I own 9 of the Ballistic Advantage Hanson Barrels 4 of the 11.3”, 4 of the 16” and 1 of the 12.3”. I absolutely love them. Never had a malfunction with any of those rifles. Lightweight, accurate, reliable and are always on sale for between $150-$170. Awesome video.
@@Jrtowns1 On one of my main rigs I'm running BA 13.9 Hanson With YHM Turbo K on DA428 Adapter & Pinned Keymo Hybrid F.H. . I mainly run 223 55g FMJ . What works the best for me is Springco Blue Spring and Colt H2 Buffer . Another solid combination is SOLGW Complete VLTOR A5 Kit . It comes with Springco Green Spring A5H2 Buffer . Both of these run super smooth with 3 o'clock ejection on my rigs paired with Turbo K and 223 FMJ . When I'm not running a can which isn't all that much . It ejects over my right shoulder as lefty long gun shooter .
I've used a few Ballistic Advantage barrels on a few builds and can honestly say they're best bang for the buck, they perform well with good ammo and give expected results, but I never expect match grade performance. I will say I was surprised how light and high performing their Hanson series barrels have been.
I own a couple of BA barrels. They are definitely good quality and you get more than your money’s worth compared to higher priced barrels. Mine all shoot .75” groups or less at 100yards with good ammo. I just have a hard time spending 3 or 4 times more money for a barrel that gets .25” smaller groups. But that’s just me and I don’t shoot off of a lead sled trying to get one hole groups.
@@lubrew5862 I have used BA barrels in the past. They aren't bad barrels, and they are very good for the price. But buyers should know that they only guarantee sub minute for (3 shot) groups, not 5. DD barrels are CHF. While they're over twice as expensive, I have one in a DD factory rifle and another in a rifle I built myself and the factory shoots 5 shots into 1/2" and my build shoots 5 shots into 5/8". I have shot 3 and 4 shot groups that were around 3/8" with both rifles, though they won't do that every time. One quarter inch isn't a lot at 100 yards, but at 600 yards and trying to shoot a 20oz water bottle on a first or second shot, there can be a difference. It just depends on how much accuracy and range you want out of a build.
I could be wrong, but I’m pretty sure that Criterion barrels are not CHF. Usually I wouldn’t point stuff out, but that’s definitely a pretty notable difference
criterion is definitely the best out of those. geissele has very nice barrels ever since they stopped using that costing that rusted. my geissele does just under an inch with good hornady 68 grains
The HK chromelined barrel. Held submoa average for thousands, like 6-8K of 223. Still rocking it at 14K. I hope the next from barrel Lothar will be awesome, but it won't probably have a very long life.
I did a Criterion Core 13.9" "accurized fighting rifle" build recently with a headspaced BCM bolt. Not only is the weight nicely balanced, the harmonics/vibrations consistent, and the barrel heat distribution is even, but I also got ~0.75" inch groups at 100 yards with two different cheap factory loads through a hot barrel, with two different shooters, shooting off sandbags & using a Primary Arms SLx 1-6 LPVO for testing. Not an ideal scope for super tight groups *but* you can get a plenty good idea of which ammo your gun likes. Tested 6 or 7 factory loads to see what seemed to print consistently & swapped for a fresh target when we found two that it liked. We then shot multiple sub MOA groups using AAC 5.56 69gr (the cheaper option, not the SMK load) and Winchester 5.56 62gr open tip. I've since then zero'd an Aimpoint on a unity riser for the 69's at 36 yards, and began to stack the Winnie 62's for a rainy day since they have sealed primers. Barrel was complimented with BCM upper parts (all steel or stainless steel - everything heats, expands and contracts at the same rate for your barrel, barrel nut, gas block & tube) and a BCM upper reciever too, which is a super tight fit. Edit: Buffer system is intermediate length tube (BCM version) plus standard rifle spring, and i've used the 5 and a half ounce BCM intermediate buffer and a Vltor A5H4 (~6 and a half ounces?) and everything has cycled well including wolf brass .223 and hornady 62gr .223 loads and a myriad of 5.56. So far probably 500 rounds on it in the past month and a half and I made sure to run it hard and get it dirty for several hundred of those rounds after accuracy testing before cleaning/lubing. Also using 5w30 full synthetic for lube. Same oil my car takes. Its a fighting rifle. Needs to be able to run with what I can get my hands on, and it does.
@@techti8792 BCM parts on my 13.9" build are the upper reciver itself, the handguard, the gas block, I got a stainless steel gas tube from them as well, and I got a blem BCM mk2 reciever extension (intermediate length buffer tube) and started with BCM's T2 buffer for testing. I've since ran Vltor's A5H4 buffer as well (over an ounce heavier, same intermediate length) and it cycles well too. Typically I like to run the heaviest buffer that allows my AR's to cycle reliably with what ammo i'm using. The foregrip is a BCM vertical grip as well. For rear grip I like the Magpul K2+ grip and the stock is a Magpul CTR. Lower reciever is an Aero M4e1. Lower parts kit is a Geissele standard lower parts kit with a maritime bolt catch and a Geissele SSA trigger. Radian safety, set to 90 degrees. Radian charging handle. Muzzle device is a Surefire muzzle brake, pinned and welded to the barrel. Its a suppressor/blast can host for the surefire socom series suppressors or the surefire warden. I already picked up a warden for shooting around other people at indoor ranges. Outdoors the brake is not bad to be around from what i'm told.
Man I wish I could've found a 14.5 Criterion. I don't mind doing pin and welds at all tbh. I just pick the barrel I want and the muzzle device I want. i wish I didn't have to do it but quite frankly 14.5" just feels very wieldy even though its not that much shorter than 16". Somehow it just balances differently. I think they should make it so 14.5" isn't an SBR anymore since its the standard service rifle length anyway but nooooooooooo we can't do anything cool anymore.
I have 2 BA Hanson barrels that don't like steel ammo, after drilling the gas ports from a factory size of .068 to .082 they work perfect with steel and are slightly over gassed for 5.56 loads.
I'm no expert and just recently got into this hobby, both my wife's and my build have the Hanson barrels and I have no complaints about them. Next build will be a blackout 300 just thinking of barrel length and brand. Truly enjoy watching the videos
For 300 Black out you may as well go with a 9" barrel and get a suppressor. Otherwise there really is no point to 300black out. You can go shorter than 9" but its optimized for a 9" barrel and 9" is pretty short even with a suppressor.
I don't know where that is coming from. Had three over the years and each one absolutely worked. Nobody is perfect and there will be mistakes from every brand.
@@Patriotusa44 Apparently some have had issues with their gas port hole being too small resulting in under gasing. I haven't experienced it. I've had 5 BA Hanson barrels between 2017-2023 Like you said anything can happen but for the money, especially on sale, BA Hanson barrels are really nice. Also, not making excuses but too small a gas port hole is better than too big. Can always enlarge it a little but I do think it should be done right before reaching the customer.
I love my 12.5” mid length kak barrel. Gets good velocity and very accurate for the $100 price tag I paid for it. Shoots sub moa with Hornady frontier 68 and 75 grain bthp. And every fmj I’ve tried has been under 2moa. Haven’t had one issue in the 5-600rds I’ve shot through it. My favorite barrels are the faxon match series. My 18” 6.5 Grendel shoots very good. Actually by far my most accurate rifle have a couple had loads that shoot .2-.3 moa regularly and even shoots almost all off the shelf ammo well under 1moa. I’ve had several b/a barrels but I’ve never had one that was extremely accurate but definitely accurate enough usually around 1.5 1.75 moa. BCM also makes great barrels. I’ve never tried any of the high end barrels like gieslee, dd, noveski and such. But only because I’ve found a $200 barrel shoots plenty good enough for me.
I have a 18in rosco purebred barrel. I was able to do just shy of 1 MOA at 200 with 1-6 lpvo. I'm by no means a great shooter, so the fact that I pulled off a grouping that tight at 200 is very good for me. I have no doubt that someone who's much better at shooting than I am, could easily do half MOA at 200 with it.
Kak did use green mountain blanks awhile back. I bought my 10.5” 308 barrel from them and it stayed at the bottom of the barrel page it was made with green mountain blanks. My favorite barrel so far has been v7
Borescope a GM barrel and you'll see they are near the worst. They made 200 for me and I had to send them back to have the chambers polished. They are one of few companies that still use high speed reamers that dull after 40-50 chambers, everyone else changed to carbide reamers 15-20 years ago.
I’d take an FN or FN blank barrel from HDSI over anything in this list except for maybe a Criterion. Also BRT and Centurion both make barrels that rival Criterion.
I own a couple of BA barrels. They are definitely good quality and you get more than your money’s worth compared to higher priced barrels. Mine all shoot .75” groups or less at 100yards with good ammo. I just have a hard time spending 3 or 4 times more money for a barrel that gets .25” smaller groups. But that’s just me and I don’t shoot off of a lead sled trying to get one hole groups
I have a 410 SS Ion bonded barrel from BCM that I think Criterion OEMs for their SS barrels. I think BCM does the gas port sizing it and is more on the reliability side rather than the soft side. Most accurate barrel I have with .6 moa with 77gr AAC match ammo.
Geissele finally sells a 13.9"...company says no word on if/when they'll make a 13" rail for it, however. Never worried much about profiles. Govt profile was always ok with me until I held/shot a similarly set up 13.9" rig with a Criterion Core. I now look down my nose at other profiles. Too bad they recently bumped up the $289 price to now $330
They used to make a 13” rail but stopped, they did a collaboration with SOLGW and brought back the MK8 to sell as an SOLGW complete upper…which was crazy expensive😢.
Faxon is pretty good mid tier. My 16" 223 Wyld gunner is very accurate and unusually light weight. BA and Roscos are very high value. I plan to pick a 14.5 7.62x 39 KAK, because a pin and a weld 7.62x39 sound pretty cool...
I have one of the Mid-Weight/Mid-Length 16" Barrels and I feel like for their quality, the casual AR Shooter may not know about what they have to offer. May not be the best for everyone but Centurion is the best for the way I run my guns.
From my sampling of exactly one, I have a Stag .308 chrome lined 16" barrel that groups extremely well. I would def consider them in the future. And they've been around since before the ban, good company. I realize that most watching this video weren't building ARs during or immediately after the ban which ended in 2004, but I was, and Stag Arms was there throughout all of it and they are good and worth considering. Stag pushed through the ban and deserves some consideration.
I've ran several criterion barrels and I love em. On the cheap end I've had good luck with bear creek! Honestly for Sub 100 bux they make pretty decent stuff.
I agree. I got real lucky with two BCA barrels. Craziest thing is is they shoot good with PMC bronze and they are a laser beam with the AAC 77 gr...oh ya I paid 60 bucks each for them!!!
I have a 16" Criterion Core and it shoots lights out. I'd also add DD to this list as my DD Block 2 M4A1 upper from Brownells with the "SOCOM" profile barrel is very similar to my Criterion in terms of accuracy and it is not over gassed like older DD barrels apparently were. I've been thinking about getting a Geissele 11.5" upper and registering a lower as an SBR for when I get my first suppressor. I have heard really good things about their uppers. I would've just bought a complete gun from them because it comes with many of the features I'd add anyway but seeing as how if I bought it as a pistol I'd have to replace the buffer tube anyway...I may as well just build my own lower with parts that I buy on black friday and take the $200 or so I save altogether and buy my tax stamp for the sbr lower.
Green Mountain. Specifically the GM-M17. Looks boring and ordinary, but it produces groups better than most stainless SPR barrels I've shot. I have a GM-M8 as well, but I have yet to shoot it.
I'm sure its a one off situation but I have a friend who had really weird performance with a Green mountain barrel. The gun just wouldn't work right and he gauged everything and gas port was in spec, BCG was all in spec, Gas port was ALIGNED properly, gas block/tube/etc was all correct...it was just freaking weird. It refused to cycle. He put a can on it and now it works fine for some reason and we never figured out why it wouldn't work.
If you have around $300 to drop on a barrel and want to laser anything you point at, try a White Oak Armament barrel. After confirming zero, I tossed my rifle in a vice and tested groups out to 100 with a Hornady match and stacked 5 rounds out of the 9 string so well I thought I had missed the target lol. Ended up with a quarter inch group and a massive smile. As for life span, I'm around 4k rounds into it and I haven't really noticed the group open up enough for me to tell. I do know that if I do my job right, the gun will smack whatever I point it at out to 700y EZ...which means when I miss at 400y I have no excuse =(
@@joestoll4330 I used a BCM upper for the thermal fit (no idea if this actually helps accuracy but some people claim it does). For the barrel, 18 inch varmint barrel with 5/8x24 threading. I'm up to around 5.6k rounds now...match ammo aint cheap to buy or reload =(. Also, I found a 65gr or 70gr load runs the best.
@@sylvan47070 I honestly think that when it comes down to those three companies, the barrels are all near perfect. Krieger does make very nice 308 barrels
Got an ADM rifle with a Criterion 13"9 Core Barrel and its accuracy was surprising. You can definitely get sub MOA with the right ammo as my Herter's and Winchester target ammo was going 1.5MoA and under. Thinking about a .308 budget but premium AR10 with a Faxon barrel but you didn't mention Faxon.
Faxon is really good too. Criterion makes a great 308 barrel. I have the 22in heavy ss and i believe it's a 1-11 twist. Shoots great. Doesn't like the super heavy stuff tho.
I have the 20 inch 308 faxon match fluted barrel. I was disappointed in it. My 16 inch Aero Precision (ballistic advantage) out performs it. It does ok with federal premium, and DRT match 175's. (Only the heavies) Around 1 1/2 inch MOA. Sometimes an inch. The aero precision / Ballistic Advantage does very well with 165's and pretty good with 150's. I read somewhere that aero precision / ballistic advantage barrels are geared more towards the 150 grain bullets as that's what most bulk ammo is. Just something to think about. Because the Faxon only does good with expensive match heavy grain ammo. With bulk ammo, it's around 2 inch+ MOA. Just my opinion and personal experience.
In my opinion, faxon is over priced for what you get. I got my 308 match fluted barrel for around 250, but that was with a 35% off discount code. At full price, you could get a better barrel with a proven reputation.
The KAK 16" barrel was done by Dynamic Defense before. Around 2017 or so they did a 16" barrel and a 10.3" barrel also. The 10.3 also had a longer than normal gas system on it too. Unfortunately they never took off, even after Garand Thumb did a video about how soft the barrels shot. The barrels were made by Rosco.
5-6 years ago I got a KAK 12" .308 barrel and it shot 10"-12" sized groups at 50 yards. I contacted them and they let me send it back and refunded my money 100%, no questions asked, so I will give them credit for that. It could have been a fluke, but I bought a BA 12" barrel and was happy with it.
Im using a Criterion 18" core rifle length gas, its nice and light. Got it for sale for ~$230 its been a great barrel so far, maybe ill put some glass on the build and see how it groups with 77 gr otm
After reviewing the muzzle velocity of the various lengths of barrels, I keep wondering more and more why 18in is so popular. I have to, and I find myself wishing I got a 20 in and a 16. When going from 16 to 18 in the increase in velocity is nominal, especially when compared to the increase that is gained when going from 18in to 20. The same can be said for 14 1/2 and 16 in. 2in is not a lot of length you would have to worry about, I feel like be two extra inches going up to 20 in is a small price to pay.
Right now I'm big on Faxon. However I think you may have missed one. Sounds funny but BCA. Say what you want but their barrel's are damn accurate. I have 4 or 5 that are setup for hunting an they are just damn good barrels for hunting\ accuracy.
Criterion barrels are not CHF. Shoutout to Centurion as better than Geissele. Black River Tactical also makes excellent barrels with some having unique gas systems and have more conservative ports for gassing. Sionics are also a good choice.
Can you test Craddock Precision, White Oak Armory, Centurion, BCM, Larue, Douglas, and Rainer Arms? These are other barrels that rival Centurion in the $300-$400 pricepoint.
It’s krieger , Douglas and BA Hanson for me , have been using the 20” krieger in cmp for the last 20 years and it does shoot sub moa at 600 yards with 77 gr. Hpbt match ammo on a good day with no wind.
@@investigativeoutcomes9343 FN have them available through some comercial distributors, usually in all lengths and configurations for the AR platform ,if I’m not mistaken sadly none of them in s/s .🤔👍
The barrel to receiver fit and bolt head spacing is far more important for accuracy that the barrel material. I had a Noveske Infidel 13.7 with an “ok” fit & bolt that was no where near as good as my 14.5 Geissele Super Duty upper bc Geissele thermal fit the barrel & receivers. The Criterion guys have an excellent video explaining this.
Got a 18” criterion lightweight tapered barrel chrome lined that has been a decent performer for the $$$… other favorite is the BCM MK2 14.5” CHF ELW 😊
My BCM 14.5"(P&W setup) ELW BFH barrel is not particularly accurate. It's average I'd say. But I'm okay with it because that barrel handles so well. I really love my BCM uppers. Only malf I've ever had with a BCM upper has been a stuck casing with steel case ammo after shooting 400 rounds in one day and I don't really blame the gun in that case.
@@armorers_wrench yeah I love the way the BCM 14.5” elw handles but it’s not necessarily as accurate as some other set ups. I might get 1-1.5” MOA with expensive match ammo if the stars align and I’m lucky enough to have perfect marksmanship skills and given range day
@@joquin4618 Pretty much exactly my experience as well. It's alright though, it's accurate enough to do the job and the ergos of the whole setup make up for it to me.
Great observations for more budget oriented barrels for sure. My favorites thus far for AR platform ( not including AR10 ) are Noveske, DD, KAC, LMT, Centurion, BCM. Durable. I have yet to out shoot my guns with these barrels - and they are still combat effective out to 700+yards in the 12.5-16in variants even after 10k+ rounds each. I haven't seen any barrels do a better job of holding up to such abuse and use.
Criterion is best bang for your buck in my opinion. I've shot many of theirs never had one over .75 moa at 100. Got one with thousands of 4ounds through it and still holds true. I do clean my barrels though.
I've got two BA barrels that uave doen great and 2 Criterions that I absolutely love. I want to try out a Centurion arms, they have stainless and hammer forged options in good profiles though less options. I havent delved into match stainless barrels from the high end companies, but in 5.56 I don't feel the need over how well the criterions have done for my needs thus far.
I bought a DD S2W 18" barrel earlier this year and it came WITHOUT any dimpling. I had to dimple it myself. The cost of the barrel from the online store I got it from was about $318.
Have a Criterion 14.5 CORE and that thing is my favorite barrel. I try to shoot my other ones and I just end up going back to it. Curious to see what you think about the BRT barrels, specifically the Optimum CHF. Also, as others have said, try the Centurion CHF barrels, thats my second favorite. Almost as accurate as my Criterion, so close it doesnt matter with 77s
Chf is overrated. Criterion barrels are so high quality that they will last a very long time. I know cause a dude that worked at a full auto range said the ars with criterion barrels lasted like 50k rounds and that was mostly full auto fire as well
I didn't think Criterion Core or Hybrid barrels were CHF. I thought they were button-rifled chrome-lined barrels. In any case, I'm very partial to Criterion barrels myself. I also have BA Hanson and a Rosco Purebred barrel as well that have been impressive for GPR use. I just wish I had more money for more ammo and range/competition time.
I’m a big fan of the FN barrels, spikes and noveske CHF barrels are done by fn. noveske stainless are my absolute favorite for accuracy and velocity. Triarc makes very nice barrels too.
I thought Noveske barrels were actually made by Pac Nor? That's where John Noveske worked before he started his own company and they were geographically very close to Noveske's shop.
@@armorers_wrench If you watch interviews with the now deceased John Noveske in his shop at their own factory... they're making their SS barrels right there in their own factory. My vote is Noveske 416R SS barrels as well. My screen icon is a picture of a 0.4" five shot group i shot with my Noveske 18" SPR build.
Criterion for sure if you plan to shoot suppressed more than not. Very happy with mine but accuracy Wise definitely prefers lighter grain over heavy which isn’t ideal for a 556 spr lol
Geissele is my number 1 and if my memory serves me well I believe the Criterion chf is an FN but finished at Criterion but I believe they do their stainless barrels my number 2 is Spikes Tactical or BCM or FN lol number 3 Rosco all the way number 4 would be Noveske and number 5 is Ballistic Advantage great video!!!
My favorite barrel I’ve ever used is my 10.5 faxon socom govt. it came with a pinned gas block, i had to tune it a bit when i added a supressor but it’s my most accurate barrel. I haven’t got to use the 8.3 Hanson yet,maybe it will take the #1 spot.
Very interesting your experience with Criterion barrels being soft shooting and under gassed, my experience has been the exact opposite with 16” mid length and 18” rifle length barrels. Horridly over gassed with one 18” rifle gas barrel being down right dangerous. It had some internal issue that caused pressure spikes and blew countless primers and separated countless cases. Which they wound up replacing after going back twice.
I am willing to bet that had something to do with chamber dimensions. I had a rifle with a Criterion barrel that blew up. I mostly blame the lot of IMI ammo I was using that seemed to be loaded VERY hot, but I think the combination of that lot of ammo and the 223 wylde chamber caused the catastrophic failure. Before the rifle blew I was getting blown primers and had to mortar it several times to remove stuck cases. I only use 5.56 chambered barrels now and guage them every time.
Bartlein is the only replacement barrel I ever purchase. Hell there are some rifles that I've never even fired one shot out of and I've already taken the barrel off and replaced a bartlein
Best in what context ? Best SS ? Best Nitrided ? Best CHF Chrome lined ? Most accurate ? Longest lasting ? My Noveske 18" SPR, 416RSS barrel is getting me as small as 0.4" 5 shot groups and routinely 1/2 MOA with 77 grain OTM's. Hit a milk jug in 3 shots at 1,006 yards guessing on my DOPE for the first shot. Went 1/4 on a soda can at 760 yards with it. Hell, even my BCM, BFH chrome lined, with government profile, is getting me 3/4" 5 shot groups. My DD CHF S2W NITRIDED barrel in my early run of DDM4V11Pro's gets 3/4" 5 shot groups and has completed the JP challenge at 530 and 804 yards. What is the "CRITERIA" for BEST barrel ?
I tried a BA barrel. Premium black series, 16" midlength spr profile. It's overgassed garbage. Yeah it's pretty accurate but it isn't enjoyable to shoot, just feels like it's beating itself to death. Tried heavier buffers and switching to an A5 buffer setup to no avail. The gas port is enormous compared to my FN and Criterion barrels. FFS just gas it normally I didn't buy a "premium" barrel to shoot cheap ammo that needs a giant gas port to cycle.
16" barrel with rifle length gas system is a dissapator. They were first cobbed together by cutting down rifle length barrels. With the extremely short dwell, it's difficult to get them to work across a wide temperature range (short stroking at low temps) and so most dissies sold now have midlength low profile gas blocks and a FSB pinned on at the rifle length location. True rifle gassed 16" barrel is a solution for a problem that doesn't exist.
My top three favorite are Criterion Core, Daniel Defense, Ballistic Advantage Hanson. My Daniel Defense barrels are extremely accurate even with M855. It likes 68gr the best though. The taper profile on the Core & Hanson are my favorite.
I feel like centurion is the most accurate I've tested to date. Rosco and BA are both amazing for the money involved. Faxon seems to be in the middle both in pricing and performance. Expo is pretty decent but unless going for lifespan the rosco outperforms it when it comes to accuracy in my current testing. Still have tons of options to test on the market and my sample size is small. So any conclusions I get to with my handloads I take with a grain of salt.
@TheMasada05 Apologies for not replying sooner. You're correct they're manufactured by Rosco and it's very evident by the chamber dimensions I measured in my examples. The practical precision achieved with both barrels was a bit different however. CBTO w/ 75gr BTHP Expo 10.3" 2.932" Rosco 10.5" 2.932" CBTO w/ 50gr Vmax Expo 10.3" 2.965" Rosco 10.5" 2.967" I tested with 3 different handloads and 1 factory ammo. On avg the best 2 were the 50gr vmax and 75gr bthp handloads. Expo 10.3 Hornady 75gr BTHP 1.583" avg 5 shot 2329avg 52es 17sd Hornady 50gr Vmax 1.153" avg 5 shot w/ best being .541" and worst being 1.619" 2802avg 40es 12sd IMI M855 1.260" avg 5 shot 2493avg 210es 80sd Rosco 10.5" Hornady 75gr BTHP 1.236" avg 5 shot 2376avg 54es 18sd Hornady 50gr Vmax 1.348" avg 5 shot w/ best being 1.296" and worst being 1.424" 2837avg 54es 20sd IMI M855 2.525" avg 5 shot 2488avg 50es 17sd A fairly large difference is the profile being SOCOM on the Expo 10.3 and the material being Mil-Spec 11595E certified 4150 steel with chrome lining. Another large difference is the gas port size. The Rosco was a .073 and the Expo is a .069. This makes it more of a pleasure to shoot with full pressure 5.56 ammo. Especially when you run a suppressor. The biggest downside is the weight thanks to the profile and that gas port is too small for low pressure ammo like wolf 55gr 223 without a suppressor. So even though it's the same manufacturer the chamber reamer used seems to be the main consistency between the two.
@@scubamik3792 I used to work with an ex navy armorer that swore by FN components. I tend to agree. They're top notch like Colt and others with Mil Spec 4150, CHF, and proper chrome lining. I honestly don't have any experience with them personally. However I've been tempted to buy one for testing multiple times. I think it really depends on what level of precision you're trying to achieve and if the barrel you choose likes the projectile and component choices you've made. A criterion or centurion would more than likely have more precision but they can be more difficult to procure. White oak armament, lothar walther, and krieger barrels are all also top notch. No personal experience with those last 3 or criterion but you tend to only read or hear good things. Some of those only come in stainless options which of course won't last as long as the CHF FN 14.7, or a DD, or a CHF Centurion, etc. It's more difficult to get ultimate precision out of a chrome lined hard use barrel. Just like it's typically impossible to get stainless barrels to last as long as a hard use 4150 barrel. There's a decent amount of lot to lot variance and even enough variance in the same lot that barrel life is a tricky thing. Especially considering all the variables that go into barrel life.
@TheMasada05 No worries. I'm glad you found it helpful. Both did very well imo for a 100ish dollar barrel. I tend to go for the smaller gas port size and liked the Expo more for that.
I triple chrome line all my own barrels that I make from blanks and hand lap everything a will no stop testing and removing each barrel until it groups under .25" maximum with quality loads
You have a hard chrome plating setup and a etching rig??? .25" groups that are chrome lined? You must be the best gunsmith that has ever lived. Shooting targets hung from a fence and laying in the dirt shooting an AK.
I shoot a 14.5" 5.56mm Track 2.0 mid length gas from Triarc systems. I took a risk because a friend of mine who is a team guy said it's what he rolled with overseas. Told me give it a shot (yes pun intended) and so I did. I could not be happier. I honestly like how tight it is and like it better than both my geissele and Noveske. My colt socom 14.5 is unmatched but I will buy from Triarc again. I recommend it to everyone. But it's your money you do as you wish with your money.
I heard KAK and thought KAC then heard the words "affordable" and almost dropped a brick out of my ass
I guess if you put it in there, that could happen
KAK is a Southern California manufacturer and pretty decent on quality.
KAC is not Knight's Armament.
Yes it is?@@dhe777
@@dhe777Yes, it is.
KAK isn’t Knight’s, but KAC is
Criterion, DD, Noveske, FN
some of the consistent ones I have heard of
You can almost never get the LW profile and the only one's in stock (as of this post) are their gov profile with a FSB for DD.
Dd kac all kinda sucks as far full auto
FN makes the best barrels I have ever used.
It is an insult not having FN on this list.
Geissele
Criterion barrels are button rifled, not cold hammer forged.
They definitely make chf barrels lol
@@TheJoeml85ruclips.net/video/11pCSTWXuBg/видео.htmlsi=Sz20nJFTNyLf_Ekf
After shooting many, many, many, many barrels....1. Proof Research 2. V7 3. Criterion 4. Noveske 5. Geissele honorable mention FN
Bartlein barrels
@@hawaiiangunnerBartlein, White Oak Armament, Hodge HDSI, Compass Lake, Kreiger, Douglas
You are comparing apples and oranges ....chrome vs SS ? No...
@@peeeoii2738 can anyone prove that carbon fiber isn’t glorified plastic?
@@KamalasVACANTwomb For gun stuff? Can't prove. For car stuff, yeah, carbon fiber has been the baddest shit around since the early 80's in Formula One. Structurally and weight-wise its fucking great.
How well it actually maintains itself under immense, direct heat from long strings of AR fire and how well it maintains accuracy with a hot barrel, I couldn't say.
Another benefit of Criterion is that, because they OEM quite a bit, you can usually find an oddball profile you like, even if they don't have BA levels of options. That said, based on accuracy testing I've seen, I think BCM is a close runner up in terms of quality and accuracy. As well, people who are interested in heavier profiles should strongly consider looking at the Colt SOCOM barrels, whenever you can find them in stock. They're well reputed for being absolute tack drivers, albeit also very heavy.
Colt Socom barrels are awesome. Where can you find them?
@@DrunkDrynastyI've seen them on Brownells
I own 9 of the Ballistic Advantage Hanson Barrels 4 of the 11.3”, 4 of the 16” and 1 of the 12.3”. I absolutely love them. Never had a malfunction with any of those rifles. Lightweight, accurate, reliable and are always on sale for between $150-$170. Awesome video.
IMO BA 556N Hanson or 223W Hanson Premium Black Series Barrels are the absolute best bang for your buck no questions asked .
But why do you have NINE, brother? You have a very specific type of AR autism compared to the rest of us
Comes with a PINNED gas block too, the value is awesome on those barrels.
And they run awesome suppressed with a h2
@@Jrtowns1 On one of my main rigs I'm running BA 13.9 Hanson With YHM Turbo K on DA428 Adapter & Pinned Keymo Hybrid F.H. . I mainly run 223 55g FMJ . What works the best for me is Springco Blue Spring and Colt H2 Buffer . Another solid combination is SOLGW Complete VLTOR A5 Kit . It comes with Springco Green Spring A5H2 Buffer .
Both of these run super smooth with 3 o'clock ejection on my rigs paired with Turbo K and 223 FMJ .
When I'm not running a can which isn't all that much . It ejects over my right shoulder as lefty long gun shooter .
My SHTF setup is a Criterion CORE 16" with a Superlative Arms piston system.
Dude, your recoil management is next level. Nice to see that.
I've used a few Ballistic Advantage barrels on a few builds and can honestly say they're best bang for the buck, they perform well with good ammo and give expected results, but I never expect match grade performance. I will say I was surprised how light and high performing their Hanson series barrels have been.
I own a couple of BA barrels. They are definitely good quality and you get more than your money’s worth compared to higher priced barrels. Mine all shoot .75” groups or less at 100yards with good ammo.
I just have a hard time spending 3 or 4 times more money for a barrel that gets .25” smaller groups. But that’s just me and I don’t shoot off of a lead sled trying to get one hole groups.
@@lubrew5862 I have used BA barrels in the past. They aren't bad barrels, and they are very good for the price. But buyers should know that they only guarantee sub minute for (3 shot) groups, not 5. DD barrels are CHF. While they're over twice as expensive, I have one in a DD factory rifle and another in a rifle I built myself and the factory shoots 5 shots into 1/2" and my build shoots 5 shots into 5/8". I have shot 3 and 4 shot groups that were around 3/8" with both rifles, though they won't do that every time. One quarter inch isn't a lot at 100 yards, but at 600 yards and trying to shoot a 20oz water bottle on a first or second shot, there can be a difference. It just depends on how much accuracy and range you want out of a build.
Criterion is my go to barrel
I have one waiting to go on a bolt gun..cant wait
I could be wrong, but I’m pretty sure that Criterion barrels are not CHF. Usually I wouldn’t point stuff out, but that’s definitely a pretty notable difference
criterion is definitely the best out of those. geissele has very nice barrels ever since they stopped using that costing that rusted. my geissele does just under an inch with good hornady 68 grains
The HK chromelined barrel. Held submoa average for thousands, like 6-8K of 223. Still rocking it at 14K. I hope the next from barrel Lothar will be awesome, but it won't probably have a very long life.
I love my Geissele barrels. I especially love my LMT MRP barrel as well matched with Barnes 85gr
I did a Criterion Core 13.9" "accurized fighting rifle" build recently with a headspaced BCM bolt. Not only is the weight nicely balanced, the harmonics/vibrations consistent, and the barrel heat distribution is even, but I also got ~0.75" inch groups at 100 yards with two different cheap factory loads through a hot barrel, with two different shooters, shooting off sandbags & using a Primary Arms SLx 1-6 LPVO for testing. Not an ideal scope for super tight groups *but* you can get a plenty good idea of which ammo your gun likes.
Tested 6 or 7 factory loads to see what seemed to print consistently & swapped for a fresh target when we found two that it liked. We then shot multiple sub MOA groups using AAC 5.56 69gr (the cheaper option, not the SMK load) and Winchester 5.56 62gr open tip. I've since then zero'd an Aimpoint on a unity riser for the 69's at 36 yards, and began to stack the Winnie 62's for a rainy day since they have sealed primers.
Barrel was complimented with BCM upper parts (all steel or stainless steel - everything heats, expands and contracts at the same rate for your barrel, barrel nut, gas block & tube) and a BCM upper reciever too, which is a super tight fit.
Edit: Buffer system is intermediate length tube (BCM version) plus standard rifle spring, and i've used the 5 and a half ounce BCM intermediate buffer and a Vltor A5H4 (~6 and a half ounces?) and everything has cycled well including wolf brass .223 and hornady 62gr .223 loads and a myriad of 5.56. So far probably 500 rounds on it in the past month and a half and I made sure to run it hard and get it dirty for several hundred of those rounds after accuracy testing before cleaning/lubing. Also using 5w30 full synthetic for lube. Same oil my car takes. Its a fighting rifle. Needs to be able to run with what I can get my hands on, and it does.
What all bcm parts?
@@techti8792 BCM parts on my 13.9" build are the upper reciver itself, the handguard, the gas block, I got a stainless steel gas tube from them as well, and I got a blem BCM mk2 reciever extension (intermediate length buffer tube) and started with BCM's T2 buffer for testing. I've since ran Vltor's A5H4 buffer as well (over an ounce heavier, same intermediate length) and it cycles well too. Typically I like to run the heaviest buffer that allows my AR's to cycle reliably with what ammo i'm using.
The foregrip is a BCM vertical grip as well.
For rear grip I like the Magpul K2+ grip and the stock is a Magpul CTR. Lower reciever is an Aero M4e1. Lower parts kit is a Geissele standard lower parts kit with a maritime bolt catch and a Geissele SSA trigger. Radian safety, set to 90 degrees. Radian charging handle.
Muzzle device is a Surefire muzzle brake, pinned and welded to the barrel. Its a suppressor/blast can host for the surefire socom series suppressors or the surefire warden. I already picked up a warden for shooting around other people at indoor ranges. Outdoors the brake is not bad to be around from what i'm told.
I have a very similar build lol the Core barrels are sick!
My 14.5" criterion is a very solid choice. Took forever to get it once I ordered it directly from them though.
Man I wish I could've found a 14.5 Criterion. I don't mind doing pin and welds at all tbh. I just pick the barrel I want and the muzzle device I want. i wish I didn't have to do it but quite frankly 14.5" just feels very wieldy even though its not that much shorter than 16". Somehow it just balances differently. I think they should make it so 14.5" isn't an SBR anymore since its the standard service rifle length anyway but nooooooooooo we can't do anything cool anymore.
@@armorers_wrench never could, fix your government!
@@armorers_wrench Rooftop Defense always have them
I have 2 BA Hanson barrels that don't like steel ammo, after drilling the gas ports from a factory size of .068 to .082 they work perfect with steel and are slightly over gassed for 5.56 loads.
That sounds about right.
I'm no expert and just recently got into this hobby, both my wife's and my build have the Hanson barrels and I have no complaints about them. Next build will be a blackout 300 just thinking of barrel length and brand. Truly enjoy watching the videos
For 300 Black out you may as well go with a 9" barrel and get a suppressor. Otherwise there really is no point to 300black out. You can go shorter than 9" but its optimized for a 9" barrel and 9" is pretty short even with a suppressor.
@@armorers_wrenchmy 6in barrel cuts through small doorways like it’s nothing and out to 150yds the barrel length won’t matter between 6-10.5.
@armorers_wrench why 9 inches?
10'5'', the way a 300 should be, period!
Ballistic Advantage Hanson Series barrels. Everytime on everything.
Yuck 🤢 their QC is all over the place
you listen to to many as clowns on forums...you know how many people cant even shoot or setup there ar15 properly. @@josephsantana3094
I don't know where that is coming from. Had three over the years and each one absolutely worked. Nobody is perfect and there will be mistakes from every brand.
@@Patriotusa44 Apparently some have had issues with their gas port hole being too small resulting in under gasing. I haven't experienced it. I've had 5 BA Hanson barrels between 2017-2023
Like you said anything can happen but for the money, especially on sale, BA Hanson barrels are really nice. Also, not making excuses but too small a gas port hole is better than too big. Can always enlarge it a little but I do think it should be done right before reaching the customer.
@@HelenKellerDeniermy 12.5 barrel from them was gassed well if not a little overgassed. I don’t know whether to get the Hanson or solgw v2 14.5”
I love my 12.5” mid length kak barrel. Gets good velocity and very accurate for the $100 price tag I paid for it. Shoots sub moa with Hornady frontier 68 and 75 grain bthp. And every fmj I’ve tried has been under 2moa. Haven’t had one issue in the 5-600rds I’ve shot through it. My favorite barrels are the faxon match series. My 18” 6.5 Grendel shoots very good. Actually by far my most accurate rifle have a couple had loads that shoot .2-.3 moa regularly and even shoots almost all off the shelf ammo well under 1moa. I’ve had several b/a barrels but I’ve never had one that was extremely accurate but definitely accurate enough usually around 1.5 1.75 moa. BCM also makes great barrels. I’ve never tried any of the high end barrels like gieslee, dd, noveski and such. But only because I’ve found a $200 barrel shoots plenty good enough for me.
I have a 18in rosco purebred barrel. I was able to do just shy of 1 MOA at 200 with 1-6 lpvo. I'm by no means a great shooter, so the fact that I pulled off a grouping that tight at 200 is very good for me. I have no doubt that someone who's much better at shooting than I am, could easily do half MOA at 200 with it.
Kak did use green mountain blanks awhile back. I bought my 10.5” 308 barrel from them and it stayed at the bottom of the barrel page it was made with green mountain blanks. My favorite barrel so far has been v7
Borescope a GM barrel and you'll see they are near the worst. They made 200 for me and I had to send them back to have the chambers polished. They are one of few companies that still use high speed reamers that dull after 40-50 chambers, everyone else changed to carbide reamers 15-20 years ago.
GM barrels are very accurate
I’d take an FN or FN blank barrel from HDSI over anything in this list except for maybe a Criterion. Also BRT and Centurion both make barrels that rival Criterion.
I own a couple of BA barrels. They are definitely good quality and you get more than your money’s worth compared to higher priced barrels. Mine all shoot .75” groups or less at 100yards with good ammo.
I just have a hard time spending 3 or 4 times more money for a barrel that gets .25” smaller groups. But that’s just me and I don’t shoot off of a lead sled trying to get one hole groups
I have a 410 SS Ion bonded barrel from BCM that I think Criterion OEMs for their SS barrels. I think BCM does the gas port sizing it and is more on the reliability side rather than the soft side. Most accurate barrel I have with .6 moa with 77gr AAC match ammo.
FN makes their heavy and standard barrels and BA make their ELW barrels
Geissele finally sells a 13.9"...company says no word on if/when they'll make a 13" rail for it, however.
Never worried much about profiles. Govt profile was always ok with me until I held/shot a similarly set up 13.9" rig with a Criterion Core. I now look down my nose at other profiles. Too bad they recently bumped up the $289 price to now $330
They used to make a 13” rail but stopped, they did a collaboration with SOLGW and brought back the MK8 to sell as an SOLGW complete upper…which was crazy expensive😢.
Do you like the 13.9 I was thinking about getting a geissele 13.9 upper
@@TheJoeml85 Love it!
Faxon is pretty good mid tier. My 16" 223 Wyld gunner is very accurate and unusually light weight. BA and Roscos are very high value. I plan to pick a 14.5 7.62x 39 KAK, because a pin and a weld 7.62x39 sound pretty cool...
I don't have extensive use with alot of different manufacturers barrels but I really like Criterion's and Centurion's Barrel.
The best barrels are made by Centurion Arms. CHF/Chrome Lined sub MOA.
I have one of the Mid-Weight/Mid-Length 16" Barrels and I feel like for their quality, the casual AR Shooter may not know about what they have to offer. May not be the best for everyone but Centurion is the best for the way I run my guns.
One correction: Criterion barrels are not cold hammer forged
I'm also pretty sure Geissele barrels are 4150 not 4140. Where is this guy getting his info?
Yes they are lol it’s literally says it on there website
@@johnburpi8484 no, they aren't. your use of "there" instead of "their" leads me to believe you might lack reading skills.
@@johnburpi8484 Which barrel profile are you seeing that on? It isn't on all of them.
@@johnburpi8484no its not
Centurion, Geissele, Criterion, DD for general use AR barrels
Centurion is bomb, great receivers too
@@lawyerup1time785 amazing fit and finish on all their products
Faxon is super light for those style builds…
From my sampling of exactly one, I have a Stag .308 chrome lined 16" barrel that groups extremely well. I would def consider them in the future. And they've been around since before the ban, good company.
I realize that most watching this video weren't building ARs during or immediately after the ban which ended in 2004, but I was, and Stag Arms was there throughout all of it and they are good and worth considering. Stag pushed through the ban and deserves some consideration.
I've ran several criterion barrels and I love em. On the cheap end I've had good luck with bear creek! Honestly for Sub 100 bux they make pretty decent stuff.
I agree. I got real lucky with two BCA barrels. Craziest thing is is they shoot good with PMC bronze and they are a laser beam with the AAC 77 gr...oh ya I paid 60 bucks each for them!!!
Same here, I have a heavy profile 18" x39 barrel from BCA. It is heavy for sure, but it groups very well.
Yep. The most accurate AR upper I have is a BCA 20" stainless 223 wylde. Sub . 75" 5-shot groups with AAC 75gr OTM
i live 10 minutes from BA, wish they sold in person. I knocked on the door and tried though lol
I have a 16" Criterion Core and it shoots lights out. I'd also add DD to this list as my DD Block 2 M4A1 upper from Brownells with the "SOCOM" profile barrel is very similar to my Criterion in terms of accuracy and it is not over gassed like older DD barrels apparently were.
I've been thinking about getting a Geissele 11.5" upper and registering a lower as an SBR for when I get my first suppressor. I have heard really good things about their uppers. I would've just bought a complete gun from them because it comes with many of the features I'd add anyway but seeing as how if I bought it as a pistol I'd have to replace the buffer tube anyway...I may as well just build my own lower with parts that I buy on black friday and take the $200 or so I save altogether and buy my tax stamp for the sbr lower.
Green Mountain. Specifically the GM-M17. Looks boring and ordinary, but it produces groups better than most stainless SPR barrels I've shot. I have a GM-M8 as well, but I have yet to shoot it.
I'm sure its a one off situation but I have a friend who had really weird performance with a Green mountain barrel. The gun just wouldn't work right and he gauged everything and gas port was in spec, BCG was all in spec, Gas port was ALIGNED properly, gas block/tube/etc was all correct...it was just freaking weird. It refused to cycle. He put a can on it and now it works fine for some reason and we never figured out why it wouldn't work.
If you have around $300 to drop on a barrel and want to laser anything you point at, try a White Oak Armament barrel. After confirming zero, I tossed my rifle in a vice and tested groups out to 100 with a Hornady match and stacked 5 rounds out of the 9 string so well I thought I had missed the target lol. Ended up with a quarter inch group and a massive smile. As for life span, I'm around 4k rounds into it and I haven't really noticed the group open up enough for me to tell. I do know that if I do my job right, the gun will smack whatever I point it at out to 700y EZ...which means when I miss at 400y I have no excuse =(
I’ve been looking to build one from a complete white oak armament upper. What one barrel/upper did you get?
Another vote for White Oak. Amazing barrels at any cost. Krieger or Bretlein might be better.
@@joestoll4330 I used a BCM upper for the thermal fit (no idea if this actually helps accuracy but some people claim it does). For the barrel, 18 inch varmint barrel with 5/8x24 threading. I'm up to around 5.6k rounds now...match ammo aint cheap to buy or reload =(. Also, I found a 65gr or 70gr load runs the best.
@@sylvan47070 I honestly think that when it comes down to those three companies, the barrels are all near perfect. Krieger does make very nice 308 barrels
@@Zel_eo thank you! About to order parts!
Got an ADM rifle with a Criterion 13"9 Core Barrel and its accuracy was surprising. You can definitely get sub MOA with the right ammo as my Herter's and Winchester target ammo was going 1.5MoA and under. Thinking about a .308 budget but premium AR10 with a Faxon barrel but you didn't mention Faxon.
Faxon is really good too. Criterion makes a great 308 barrel. I have the 22in heavy ss and i believe it's a 1-11 twist. Shoots great. Doesn't like the super heavy stuff tho.
I have the 20 inch 308 faxon match fluted barrel. I was disappointed in it. My 16 inch Aero Precision (ballistic advantage) out performs it. It does ok with federal premium, and DRT match 175's. (Only the heavies) Around 1 1/2 inch MOA. Sometimes an inch.
The aero precision / Ballistic Advantage does very well with 165's and pretty good with 150's.
I read somewhere that aero precision / ballistic advantage barrels are geared more towards the 150 grain bullets as that's what most bulk ammo is. Just something to think about. Because the Faxon only does good with expensive match heavy grain ammo. With bulk ammo, it's around 2 inch+ MOA.
Just my opinion and personal experience.
In my opinion, faxon is over priced for what you get. I got my 308 match fluted barrel for around 250, but that was with a 35% off discount code. At full price, you could get a better barrel with a proven reputation.
The KAK 16" barrel was done by Dynamic Defense before. Around 2017 or so they did a 16" barrel and a 10.3" barrel also. The 10.3 also had a longer than normal gas system on it too. Unfortunately they never took off, even after Garand Thumb did a video about how soft the barrels shot. The barrels were made by Rosco.
5-6 years ago I got a KAK 12" .308 barrel and it shot 10"-12" sized groups at 50 yards. I contacted them and they let me send it back and refunded my money 100%, no questions asked, so I will give them credit for that. It could have been a fluke, but I bought a BA 12" barrel and was happy with it.
Im using a Criterion 18" core rifle length gas, its nice and light. Got it for sale for ~$230 its been a great barrel so far, maybe ill put some glass on the build and see how it groups with 77 gr otm
I have the same barrel and it stacks everything pretty tight. Favorite barrel I have
After reviewing the muzzle velocity of the various lengths of barrels, I keep wondering more and more why 18in is so popular. I have to, and I find myself wishing I got a 20 in and a 16. When going from 16 to 18 in the increase in velocity is nominal, especially when compared to the increase that is gained when going from 18in to 20. The same can be said for 14 1/2 and 16 in. 2in is not a lot of length you would have to worry about, I feel like be two extra inches going up to 20 in is a small price to pay.
@@chadwik4000 My barrel has a rifle length gas and an A5 buffer which is a softer shooting rifle and apparently less "wear and tear"
I have been very impressed with Proof Research.
Right now I'm big on Faxon. However I think you may have missed one.
Sounds funny but BCA. Say what you want but their barrel's are damn accurate. I have 4 or 5 that are setup for hunting an they are just damn good barrels for hunting\ accuracy.
Criterion barrels are not CHF. Shoutout to Centurion as better than Geissele. Black River Tactical also makes excellent barrels with some having unique gas systems and have more conservative ports for gassing. Sionics are also a good choice.
Can you test Craddock Precision, White Oak Armory, Centurion, BCM, Larue, Douglas, and Rainer Arms? These are other barrels that rival Centurion in the $300-$400 pricepoint.
The cmmg you used when you built my 300 blk is phenomenal it's extremely accurate...thanks by the way I'm extremely happy with my purchase
Great to hear!
Deep pockets playa.
It’s krieger , Douglas and BA Hanson for me , have been using the 20” krieger in cmp for the last 20 years and it does shoot sub moa at 600 yards with 77 gr. Hpbt match ammo on a good day with no wind.
Had a Douglas on a bolt gun..great barrel
odd that there are no CHF SS barrels available for AR15. lol
@@investigativeoutcomes9343 FN have them available through some comercial distributors, usually in all lengths and configurations for the AR platform ,if I’m not mistaken sadly none of them in s/s .🤔👍
@@18echo sniper rifles use CHF SS barrels, Remington 40X tactical CHF SS barrel.
certainly , both my REM 40x 24 “ and my Winchester heavy varmint 26”has (416r) s/s chf barrels .
The barrel to receiver fit and bolt head spacing is far more important for accuracy that the barrel material. I had a Noveske Infidel 13.7 with an “ok” fit & bolt that was no where near as good as my 14.5 Geissele Super Duty upper bc Geissele thermal fit the barrel & receivers. The Criterion guys have an excellent video explaining this.
I’ve got a V7 12.5 stainless fluted barrel that I’m in love with. Not cheap though.
Got a 18” criterion lightweight tapered barrel chrome lined that has been a decent performer for the $$$… other favorite is the BCM MK2 14.5” CHF ELW 😊
My BCM 14.5"(P&W setup) ELW BFH barrel is not particularly accurate. It's average I'd say. But I'm okay with it because that barrel handles so well. I really love my BCM uppers. Only malf I've ever had with a BCM upper has been a stuck casing with steel case ammo after shooting 400 rounds in one day and I don't really blame the gun in that case.
@@armorers_wrench yeah I love the way the BCM 14.5” elw handles but it’s not necessarily as accurate as some other set ups. I might get 1-1.5” MOA with expensive match ammo if the stars align and I’m lucky enough to have perfect marksmanship skills and given range day
@@joquin4618 Pretty much exactly my experience as well. It's alright though, it's accurate enough to do the job and the ergos of the whole setup make up for it to me.
Faxon is probably my favorite for the money.
The most accurate AR upper I have is a BCA 20" stainless 223 wylde. Sub . 75" 5-shot groups with AAC 75gr OTM. Pleasantly surprised
Great observations for more budget oriented barrels for sure. My favorites thus far for AR platform ( not including AR10 ) are Noveske, DD, KAC, LMT, Centurion, BCM.
Durable. I have yet to out shoot my guns with these barrels - and they are still combat effective out to 700+yards in the 12.5-16in variants even after 10k+ rounds each. I haven't seen any barrels do a better job of holding up to such abuse and use.
Criterion is best bang for your buck in my opinion. I've shot many of theirs never had one over .75 moa at 100. Got one with thousands of 4ounds through it and still holds true. I do clean my barrels though.
I have only had good experiences with Criterion.
Im really happy with my 2 Odin Works barrels.
I just got a Rosco 13.7 223 wylde from primary arms last month. I was going for the most accuracy for the cheapest price 😅
I found the Geiselle braided spring with H2 runs well with this barrel 🍻
@derek3154 Thanks for the info. I'll definitely try this out
@@totoytacticool yezzir
Noveske ,centurion arms , proof, and the criterion Core series …. All are 4-800 range
I've got two BA barrels that uave doen great and 2 Criterions that I absolutely love. I want to try out a Centurion arms, they have stainless and hammer forged options in good profiles though less options. I havent delved into match stainless barrels from the high end companies, but in 5.56 I don't feel the need over how well the criterions have done for my needs thus far.
Geissele is #1 in my book. And I have a shirt that matches that statement
My favorite AR gun barrel is whichever one i am currently holding🤔😉
-And Rosco💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥
Im 99% sure Criterion Barrels Are NOT CHF. id love to have one if they make one
I just got then Rosco 13.9” bead blasted SPR barrel - bit heavy but looks sweet😎.
Mine would be
Centurion
DD
FN-Hodge BCM Noveske
Rosco
Criterion
I bought a DD S2W 18" barrel earlier this year and it came WITHOUT any dimpling. I had to dimple it myself. The cost of the barrel from the online store I got it from was about $318.
yep, some super expensive barrels aren't dimpled.
I just recently bought a DD S2W 18" rifle gas barrel and it was fine and shoots amazing.
@@bobbymah2682 They aren't cheap, but for a DMR build they shoot great!!!
What about the sionics 12.5 mid? It's chrome lined chf and 199. I'm considering it
I will be using Faxon from here on out very accurate barrels and 5R rifling is a major plus for the money.
I have Ballistic Advantage, Rosco and Daniel Defense barrels and they’ve all been very good, but Geissele is next on my list!
Geissle, Daniel Defense are my go to for $230
Have a Criterion 14.5 CORE and that thing is my favorite barrel. I try to shoot my other ones and I just end up going back to it. Curious to see what you think about the BRT barrels, specifically the Optimum CHF.
Also, as others have said, try the Centurion CHF barrels, thats my second favorite. Almost as accurate as my Criterion, so close it doesnt matter with 77s
Exactly. I set up 13.9" rig with a Criterion Core and the feel and performance had made it the go-to.
Black River Tactical barrels are fantastic. Well gassed and actually CHF. Criterion barrels are not CHF
Chf is overrated. Criterion barrels are so high quality that they will last a very long time. I know cause a dude that worked at a full auto range said the ars with criterion barrels lasted like 50k rounds and that was mostly full auto fire as well
My preference:
1) Criterion
2) FN
3) Krieger
4) Rainier
5) Daniel Defense
Awesome video very detailed information that is not easy to find.
you not know how to get to the manufacturer's website? lol
🍿
Let's say you Mike !
@@joesapienza8121he won't until he gets payment from any sponsorships.
Iam getting ready to....... assemble several 5.56 & 7.62 uppers. So where does Faxon throw into this mix? Kinda surprised no mention of them?
I didn't think Criterion Core or Hybrid barrels were CHF. I thought they were button-rifled chrome-lined barrels.
In any case, I'm very partial to Criterion barrels myself. I also have BA Hanson and a Rosco Purebred barrel as well that have been impressive for GPR use. I just wish I had more money for more ammo and range/competition time.
You are correct . Criterion is button cut and hand lapped C.L. , Nitride or S.S. Barrels . They are NOT HF Barrels
I thought Criterion made there barrels using button rifling?
They are button rifled.
I’m a big fan of the FN barrels, spikes and noveske CHF barrels are done by fn. noveske stainless are my absolute favorite for accuracy and velocity. Triarc makes very nice barrels too.
I thought Noveske barrels were actually made by Pac Nor? That's where John Noveske worked before he started his own company and they were geographically very close to Noveske's shop.
@@armorers_wrench their stainless blanks are pac nor but their chf are from FN.
@@armorers_wrench If you watch interviews with the now deceased John Noveske in his shop at their own factory... they're making their SS barrels right there in their own factory.
My vote is Noveske 416R SS barrels as well. My screen icon is a picture of a 0.4" five shot group i shot with my Noveske 18" SPR build.
Any issues with your Noveske CHF barrels being overgassed?
(looks closely) is that a BE Meyers 249f?
Criterion for sure if you plan to shoot suppressed more than not. Very happy with mine but accuracy Wise definitely prefers lighter grain over heavy which isn’t ideal for a 556 spr lol
Ive had two criterions and theyre great suppressed
Geissele is my number 1 and if my memory serves me well I believe the Criterion chf is an FN but finished at Criterion but I believe they do their stainless barrels my number 2 is Spikes Tactical or BCM or FN lol number 3 Rosco all the way number 4 would be Noveske and number 5 is Ballistic Advantage great video!!!
My favorite barrel I’ve ever used is my 10.5 faxon socom govt. it came with a pinned gas block, i had to tune it a bit when i added a supressor but it’s my most accurate barrel. I haven’t got to use the 8.3 Hanson yet,maybe it will take the #1 spot.
Please do a similar report on. 308 Ar10 barrels please.
Faxon and Criterion are probably the most widely recommended. Ballistic Advantages have a reputation for being undergased.
Very interesting your experience with Criterion barrels being soft shooting and under gassed, my experience has been the exact opposite with 16” mid length and 18” rifle length barrels. Horridly over gassed with one 18” rifle gas barrel being down right dangerous. It had some internal issue that caused pressure spikes and blew countless primers and separated countless cases. Which they wound up replacing after going back twice.
I am willing to bet that had something to do with chamber dimensions. I had a rifle with a Criterion barrel that blew up. I mostly blame the lot of IMI ammo I was using that seemed to be loaded VERY hot, but I think the combination of that lot of ammo and the 223 wylde chamber caused the catastrophic failure. Before the rifle blew I was getting blown primers and had to mortar it several times to remove stuck cases. I only use 5.56 chambered barrels now and guage them every time.
@@Deltaworks23what 5.56 barrels do you use then?
Bartlein is the only replacement barrel I ever purchase. Hell there are some rifles that I've never even fired one shot out of and I've already taken the barrel off and replaced a bartlein
On a budget, Ballistic Advantage.
Solid performance: Criterion.
Best option: Noveske.
Criterion also makes great match barrels.
Best in what context ? Best SS ? Best Nitrided ? Best CHF Chrome lined ? Most accurate ? Longest lasting ?
My Noveske 18" SPR, 416RSS barrel is getting me as small as 0.4" 5 shot groups and routinely 1/2 MOA with 77 grain OTM's. Hit a milk jug in 3 shots at 1,006 yards guessing on my DOPE for the first shot. Went 1/4 on a soda can at 760 yards with it.
Hell, even my BCM, BFH chrome lined, with government profile, is getting me 3/4" 5 shot groups.
My DD CHF S2W NITRIDED barrel in my early run of DDM4V11Pro's gets 3/4" 5 shot groups and has completed the JP challenge at 530 and 804 yards.
What is the "CRITERIA" for BEST barrel ?
Thank you for this video very informative
i c the northtac shirt. it should say 'we only honor life time warrenty when we feel like it'!
What are your opinions on LWRC twisted barrels?
They are great but not the most accurate. I own two lwrcs and I love them.
I tried a BA barrel. Premium black series, 16" midlength spr profile. It's overgassed garbage. Yeah it's pretty accurate but it isn't enjoyable to shoot, just feels like it's beating itself to death. Tried heavier buffers and switching to an A5 buffer setup to no avail. The gas port is enormous compared to my FN and Criterion barrels. FFS just gas it normally I didn't buy a "premium" barrel to shoot cheap ammo that needs a giant gas port to cycle.
16" barrel with rifle length gas system is a dissapator. They were first cobbed together by cutting down rifle length barrels. With the extremely short dwell, it's difficult to get them to work across a wide temperature range (short stroking at low temps) and so most dissies sold now have midlength low profile gas blocks and a FSB pinned on at the rifle length location. True rifle gassed 16" barrel is a solution for a problem that doesn't exist.
Love my 14.5 triarc track 2.0 barrel
Made by Ballistic advantage it’s a Hanson profile barrel
@@iricharddrake1692 huh?
My top three favorite are Criterion Core, Daniel Defense, Ballistic Advantage Hanson. My Daniel Defense barrels are extremely accurate even with M855. It likes 68gr the best though. The taper profile on the Core & Hanson are my favorite.
I've had good luck with expo arms barrels , wish I knew who made them
expo usually gets good oems. I know their nicer bcgs are microbest (same oem as bcm)
I enjoy the rosco barrels mostly because there made in r.i that being said there all good they will all shoot better then you can
Short answer Noveske boom!💥🤯🔫
I feel like centurion is the most accurate I've tested to date. Rosco and BA are both amazing for the money involved. Faxon seems to be in the middle both in pricing and performance. Expo is pretty decent but unless going for lifespan the rosco outperforms it when it comes to accuracy in my current testing. Still have tons of options to test on the market and my sample size is small. So any conclusions I get to with my handloads I take with a grain of salt.
What are your thoughts on FN barrels? My local store only has a 14.7 Fn CHF and I am debating ordering something or going witht that
@TheMasada05 Apologies for not replying sooner. You're correct they're manufactured by Rosco and it's very evident by the chamber dimensions I measured in my examples. The practical precision achieved with both barrels was a bit different however.
CBTO w/ 75gr BTHP
Expo 10.3" 2.932"
Rosco 10.5" 2.932"
CBTO w/ 50gr Vmax
Expo 10.3" 2.965"
Rosco 10.5" 2.967"
I tested with 3 different handloads and 1 factory ammo. On avg the best 2 were the 50gr vmax and 75gr bthp handloads.
Expo 10.3
Hornady 75gr BTHP 1.583" avg 5 shot
2329avg 52es 17sd
Hornady 50gr Vmax 1.153" avg 5 shot w/ best being .541" and worst being 1.619"
2802avg 40es 12sd
IMI M855 1.260" avg 5 shot
2493avg 210es 80sd
Rosco 10.5"
Hornady 75gr BTHP 1.236" avg 5 shot
2376avg 54es 18sd
Hornady 50gr Vmax 1.348" avg 5 shot w/ best being 1.296" and worst being 1.424"
2837avg 54es 20sd
IMI M855 2.525" avg 5 shot
2488avg 50es 17sd
A fairly large difference is the profile being SOCOM on the Expo 10.3 and the material being Mil-Spec 11595E certified 4150 steel with chrome lining. Another large difference is the gas port size. The Rosco was a .073 and the Expo is a .069. This makes it more of a pleasure to shoot with full pressure 5.56 ammo. Especially when you run a suppressor. The biggest downside is the weight thanks to the profile and that gas port is too small for low pressure ammo like wolf 55gr 223 without a suppressor.
So even though it's the same manufacturer the chamber reamer used seems to be the main consistency between the two.
@@scubamik3792 I used to work with an ex navy armorer that swore by FN components. I tend to agree. They're top notch like Colt and others with Mil Spec 4150, CHF, and proper chrome lining. I honestly don't have any experience with them personally. However I've been tempted to buy one for testing multiple times.
I think it really depends on what level of precision you're trying to achieve and if the barrel you choose likes the projectile and component choices you've made. A criterion or centurion would more than likely have more precision but they can be more difficult to procure. White oak armament, lothar walther, and krieger barrels are all also top notch. No personal experience with those last 3 or criterion but you tend to only read or hear good things.
Some of those only come in stainless options which of course won't last as long as the CHF FN 14.7, or a DD, or a CHF Centurion, etc. It's more difficult to get ultimate precision out of a chrome lined hard use barrel. Just like it's typically impossible to get stainless barrels to last as long as a hard use 4150 barrel. There's a decent amount of lot to lot variance and even enough variance in the same lot that barrel life is a tricky thing. Especially considering all the variables that go into barrel life.
@TheMasada05 No worries. I'm glad you found it helpful. Both did very well imo for a 100ish dollar barrel. I tend to go for the smaller gas port size and liked the Expo more for that.
I triple chrome line all my own barrels that I make from blanks and hand lap everything a will no stop testing and removing each barrel until it groups under .25" maximum with quality loads
You have a hard chrome plating setup and a etching rig??? .25" groups that are chrome lined? You must be the best gunsmith that has ever lived. Shooting targets hung from a fence and laying in the dirt shooting an AK.
Lmao sure you do, buddy.
I've done that for 20+ years without quality loads. One up that one.
I shoot a 14.5" 5.56mm Track 2.0 mid length gas from Triarc systems. I took a risk because a friend of mine who is a team guy said it's what he rolled with overseas. Told me give it a shot (yes pun intended) and so I did. I could not be happier. I honestly like how tight it is and like it better than both my geissele and Noveske. My colt socom 14.5 is unmatched but I will buy from Triarc again. I recommend it to everyone. But it's your money you do as you wish with your money.
I think the Thompson Center barrels are just fine for my purposes.