I’m going to be competing in a tactical division next year which requires you shoot either .308 or .223. The Open division has all the hot rods like the Creedmoors, 6GT/Dasher/etc etc.

My current 16” Ultramatch barrels are fantastic but I want to step it up a notch for velocity’s sake. Currently, I’m pushing 75gr Hornadys around 2650fps. 4” extra would probably add somewhere around 80-100fps, and I think I’m going to start using 73gr ELDs for said matches, so all in I want to be closer to or hitting 2800fps, which is definitely doable

I also have a ton of 77gr TMKs which would be greatly accelerated as well....my load for them is in the low 2600s but they’re darn accurate. Of course I’d be re-working my loads

I’m getting off track.

I’ve been looking at quality barrels and the two I’m comparing to start with are:

20” Rainier UM Mod 2 SDM ($380)
https://www.rainierarms.com/rainier-...sion-20-satin/

1/2x28 threads
1:7.5
Fluted
.750 gas block seat
2lbs 6oz

20” Criterion 223 Wylde ($340)
https://www.brownells.com/rifle-part...prod84773.aspx

1/2x28 threads
1:7.5
Fluted
.750 gas block seat
2lbs 3oz


They’re VERY similar all the way around and both have good reputations.

I checked WOA barrels and the ones I liked were either unthreaded or 5/8x24.


Any other sub $400 barrel worth looking at? The corresponding Lilja barrel I liked was $500