Alright, I've done research and have some questions based off of that. There's so much conflicting info out there, it's unreal. I'm trying to build a somewhat long-range gun.

1. I understand you can shoot .223 in 5.56, but not 5.56 in .223. However, what I can't find out is if I get a 5.56 barrel, are there any accuracy issues shooting .223? I would think there must be, otherwise all barrels would just be chambered to 5.56, right?

2. Any issues with chrome-moly barrels? I'm looking at a 24" from Model 1.

3. Pretty much all the chrome-moly barrels are 1:9 twist, although it seems 1:7-1:8 would be better for 55-62-69 grain. Good/bad/ok?

4. Other than looks, any reason for/against fluted/threaded/welded muzzle brake barrel?

5. Any major accuracy differences between the "heavy" and "extra heavy" bull barrels?

Basically, I'm wanting to build a 24" barrel version of the green one below:

http://store.a51tactical.com/images/AR-15.jpg

The only thing that I have to add is that if you are planning on hunting with the AR-15, a 24 inch extra heavy barrel is going to be heavy to drag around the woods.

I have also heard complaints about so much length on a non-bench gun (heavy to carry, hard to get into and out of vehicles, front heavy). The only thing you can gain from that much length is a bit of muzzle velocity - unless you want a bit more energy at ranges beyond your ability to hit, it is overkill IMO.

I have a Rock River upper, which will shoot both .223 and 5.56 - and with a 16" SS barrel, it is a hell of a lot more accurate than I am. And it has the 1:8 twist rate that you (and I) prefer. Here is something you might be interested in:

http://www.rockriverarms.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=271

I would go with flutted just to save weight. since itll be a long range rifle, i doubt youll be doing mag dumps... but flutted would help disipate heat.

24" is fairly overkill for a AR15.... even if you are building a precision rifle. im guessing you can get the same results from a high quality 18" barrel. What type of ranges are you trying to reach out and touch?

I wouldnt bother with anything over 20"...heavy will do all you want it to.

optic only? then free float handguard and no front sight base on the gas port block.

I will recommend some sort of muzzle brake.

range...up to 600 yards. It won't get used for hunting, ever. The only place it's getting carried is from the safe to the pickup, and the pickup to the bench at the range. A guy at work has one with a heavy 24", A2 stock filled with lead, shoots well. He competes at 600 yards and wins often, so the setup can't be too bad.

Yes, it will be optic only, with a free float handguard and no front sight base.

1. I understand you can shoot .223 in 5.56, but not 5.56 in .223. However, what I can't find out is if I get a 5.56 barrel, are there any accuracy issues shooting .223? I would think there must be, otherwise all barrels would just be chambered to 5.56, right?
shooting factory 223 ammo out of a 556 chamber will be less accurate then factory 223 out of a 223 chamber. All factory 'match' ammo is 223. If you will be handloading it really wont matter. All 'match' barrels I have seen are 223

2. Any issues with chrome-moly barrels? I'm looking at a 24" from Model 1.
not good quality ones. most match barrels are stainless

3. Pretty much all the chrome-moly barrels are 1:9 twist, although it seems 1:7-1:8 would be better for 55-62-69 grain. Good/bad/ok?
69 might be a bit much in a 1:9. In a later post you mention 600yrds. That mean 80-100g and THAT means 1:7

4. Other than looks, any reason for/against fluted/threaded/welded muzzle brake barrel?
fluting saves weight and offers more area for heat disipation. heat does effect barrel harmonics and bullet path, even on a 20rd string. I would go threaded just so you can change the muzzle device.

5. Any major accuracy differences between the "heavy" and "extra heavy" bull barrels?most heavies are .75 from the gas block to muzzle. EH are .95 (or maybe its .99)

If you are serious about a long range AR, look into something like a White Oak barrel with matching bolt and then some form of match trigger.

If you are not that good of a shooter then don't spend the money on a top end barrel yet, I know the DS heavy stainless 20-24" barrels shoot nice.
When you start noticing the accuracy drop off, then go for the WOA.

THanks for the advice. I'll be giving you a ring to see what you have before I order anything.

Here's a little info on the difference between .223 and 5.56

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.223_Remington

Thanks, that helped. I *think* I know what I want...

Houge grips, a2 stock, OD green

24" krieger stainless barrel (duracoated black or green, not sure which yet)

1913 gas block

my dpms lower/cmmg parts kit

asa side charging flat top upper

versa-pod

no clue on optics yet, want to get the base gun done before I worry about it. I may be throwing sights on the rails for a bit just to use it.

I forgot about this post.

Here is how it sits now, I haven't made up my mind on what kind of sights I want yet. I was going to go for a scope, but changed my mind due to comp rules.

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f56/chevyman_57/IMG_2400.jpg

good lookin shootin iron....

I forgot about this post.

Here is how it sits now

Same specs from the above post?

Same specs from the above post?

Except for the fact it's a wilson barrel, not a krieger.

any updates on this rifle?? im thinking of picking up a similar rifle.....would like to get some more insight before i jump in....

2. Any issues with chrome-moly barrels? I'm looking at a 24" from Model 1.




I wouldn't bother with anything longer than 20". A 20 inch barrel pretty much uses up the available potential of the .223 cartridge.

any updates on this rifle?? im thinking of picking up a similar rifle.....would like to get some more insight before i jump in....

Sorry, missed this. I haven't had a chance to shoot it, probably not until spring. I haven't done optics yet, either. I know somebody that might ditch their sites for some $4-500 set, so I'm waiting to see about their old ones.

I think I have 5 rifles that need sighted in now.:shaking:

I wouldn't bother with anything longer than 20". A 20 inch barrel pretty much uses up the available potential of the .223 cartridge.

i agree, 24 inch is over kill for the 5.56 round,