Aero Precision 8.2" 300BLK barrel

[SwissyJim]

Been wanting to change out my barrel on my 300BLK SBR. Why? I picked a lousy time to build it, over last winter. Wanted a Noveske 8.2" - yea, right. AAC 9"? No way. Everything was OOS, and as soon as I got the email it was IN stock, it was gone before I either got the email or in a few cases, before I could complete the order and click submit. Frustrating. So I found an 8" barrel at a local gun show, believe it or not. Branded with a local gun shop name, it was all I wanted - 8", 1:7 twist, pistol gas, .750" gas block.... but I could not get any other info - who made it, gas port diameter, rifling, etc. But I got it as it was the only thing I needed so I could at least do some shooting. It shot decent enough, but not knowing the specifics has always bugged me. Plus the feed ramps were not to my liking - they did not have a smooth transition between the barrel extension and the upper (Aero) and I'm thinking that it partially the reason I am having issues with cast bullet shooting - jacketed stuff is fine, but cast is an issue. I thought of polishing them, but if that was an issue, what else was? Long story, I know

So enter Aero Precision and their new line of barrels. And once they became a sponsor here, I got some info I really liked on them in their welcome thread. They were out of the 8" and the 8.5", but I found a dealer that had some in stock (so their site said). After ordering, I called and they actually did not have any, but drop ship from Aero. He said it would ship the next day so I kept the order, and it did ship. Strangely enough, Aero's website says 8" and 8½" barrels, but no mention of 8.2", yet my paperwork clearly states 8.2"

Specs:
Chamber: .300 Blackout
Length: 8.2"
Twist: 1 in 7
Material: 4150 Crome Moly Vanadium
Finish: QPQ corrosion resistant finish both inside and out
Profile: Government
Gas Block: .750
Gas System Length: Pistol
Weight: 18oz
M4 Barrel Extension
HP and MPI Tested
gas block dimple


I've already headspaced it to my bolt, and will be swapping barrels this week. I'll update as I go with range reports, photos and so on. First impressions are very favorable - I see nothing but a well made barrel - no blemishes, smooth finish, but then I'm just your average joe blow. We'll see how it installs and shoots soon enough.

[WHSmithIV]

Good luck with it Jim

It should be fine. Aero makes good stuff.

[SwissyJim]

I'll just drop these right here...

[six8]

That was fast

[tact]

Where'd you order from? I need one too!!

[UWone77]

Reminds me a bit of the medcon barrel from Rainier's Select line. They took material off the front. Nice.

[SwissyJim]

Where'd you order from? I need one too!!

I did a LOT of Google-Fu'ing... by name, and SKU. I finally found the link to Badger State Ordnance,. As I said, their webpage does not seem to be a 'live' database, but after ordering and calling, I had one shipped to me direct from Aero.

[tact]

Thanks ....I appreciate it!

[toolboxluis00200]

I'll just drop these right here...

looks cool

[Gaspipeshooter]

I definitely like that barrel profile!

[voodoo_man]

woooo

[GOST]

Looks great, getting a new barrel is always a cool feeling.

[SwissyJim]

Sooooooo... finally found the spare time a couple of days ago to install the new barrel. Pulled the original one off, removed the SLR Sentry adjustable gas block, cleaned everything up and went to work. The Aero barrel was dimpled for the gas block. but only a single. So I added a second, which was easy to mark with the gas block on and held one by the first dimpled set screw. Screwed them down with a drop of rocksett, and the barrel fit very snug in the upper. Checked the gas block by adjusting the gas port opening all the way closed, and I could not pass an ounce of air thru the barrel with it plugged on the other end. Nice, tight fit it seems - I had to do a tiny bit of tapping to get it all the way on. After torquing the barrel nut down, the BCG slid in like a champ, no adjusting the gas tube was needed (yay!).

So today was range day. Took some hand loaded subs and supers with me, that I had chrono'd and recorded. First things first - adjust the block. That went super easy... a couple of adjustments and I had subs locking the bolt back on empty without the suppressor attached. So then the chrono... I was surprised that I was getting 925 fps, whereas with the other barrel, same loads and (I'm pretty positive) the same gas block setting I was getting 1050 fps. Must be the different gas port size? Although I would think the adjustable gas block would regulate that, as long as it was on the same setting as before. Either way, the bolt locked back so I'm happy. I've gotten probably 250 rounds loaded so I may hold off loading an more until I revisit my loads with the new barrel... I wasn't expecting that big of a change! At least they didn't go super on me.

I never did chrono the supers- I added the longer handguard and with the suppressor removed the barrel is recessed too far in to attach my magnetospeed chrono. I may put the shorter rail on just to chrono the supers, but they ran fine, locked the bolt as needed, and rang the steel out to 50 yards without hesitation.

As far as accuracy, it seems to be pretty darn good. I'm running a unmagnified Primary Arms red dot, but at 50 yards at a paper target I was getting at least 1" groups. When I replace the rail with the shorter one and do some chrono work, I'll put my scope on it and really test the accuracy. But with the red dot/50 yards combo, I had no flyers, no 'oops' holes and everything was nice and clean - no keyholes are tumbles.

Overall, at this point, I'm happy with the barrel. I like knowing that I have a quality one on the SBR, whereas the previous one was an unknown issue. All the points made in the Aero thread here on WEVO made the choice for me, and so far so good.

[toolboxluis00200]

pics of you blowing up pumpkins

[SwissyJim]

pics of you blowing up pumpkins

that could be fun... there may be a few on sale around here. And I have some tannerite left! ideas, ideas...