New old school build- Criterion 18" barrel carbine .233 Wylde (best, cheap, range)

[Threerun]

Several years back I horse traded a guy a TC Encore with an extra barrel for an AR he had custom built, using a lot of Yankee Hill something another parts on an older Bushmaster lower. The unit was HEAVY.. Like 12+ pounds with a full free float, steel 1 piece tactical hand guard,- yadda- you get the picture. Fun for the range, not fun in the field.

So my experience is service related. My issue was an A2 open sights circa Desert Storm 1. I also was on our shooting team, so I was able to use a Colt HBAR as a competition rifle- all open sights.

I wanted to build up a new upper to use this AR as a coyote truck gun and a plinker. I want it service weight or less. So I talked to some friends I know and they recommended Criterion for new barrel. They really like their hybrid contour barrel that offers HBAR like consistency without a lot of added weight. PLUS- it's a Wylde chamber to boot- so .223/5.56 interchangeable. Twist is 1:8, kinda tweener rate, and I went with an 18" barrel length. The price was pretty reasonable so I ordered and found some other Frankenstein parts to build the upper.

I just got a chance to break in the barrel today. I'm pretty finicky on barrel break in, so it took me all day to fire about 20 shots, stating with the fouling shot and cleaning, then another 3 series single shots and cleaning, followed by groups of 3 and cleaning in between.

I'm pretty impressed with this barrel. The first 9 shots of the day were break in and battle sighting at 25m. Actually got around .75" using cheap reloaded bulk ammo.

Second phase got a lot better. Moved out to 50m and shot 2 groups (3rds each) of the cheap stuff and did okay with one flyer or bad round, then I used some home loaded 72gr and they clover leafed the bull.



I think it likes the heavier bullets, lol.

Not bad for an old school, carbine length AR. It is only 1" or so longer than my Marlin guide gun .45/70- so it is a handy length and weight.

[Threerun]

Oh and it weighs 8.13lbs. My guide gun is 7.4lbs. I like that adjustable comb stock, but I could shave some weight by adding a different stock.. Meh- not worth it.

And note- home rolled rounds were 75g Hornaday BTHP's. I shot from a standing position, sandbag over the hood of the truck.

[TrapperL]

FWIW, my 5.56 Wylde chambered 18" 1:8" twist standard weight Wilson barreled AR shoots the 62gr bullets best. I have about 20 ARs that I load for for the family and friends. Those with the 1:8" twist all shoot the same load in a tiny hole at 100 meters. Might give the 62's a try at a max load. H335 works pretty decent in the gun. I would strongly suggest unless you have a bore scope, avoid any Varget reloads in that cartridge. Varget has a tendency to build combustion deposits at the leade and it can not be removed with common gun solvents.


Considering shooting conditions, that's pretty decent shooting.

[Threerun]

Originally Posted by TrapperL

FWIW, my 5.56 Wylde chambered 18" 1:8" twist standard weight Wilson barreled AR shoots the 62gr bullets best. I have about 20 ARs that I load for for the family and friends. Those with the 1:8" twist all shoot the same load in a tiny hole at 100 meters. Might give the 62's a try at a max load. H335 works pretty decent in the gun. I would strongly suggest unless you have a bore scope, avoid any Varget reloads in that cartridge. Varget has a tendency to build combustion deposits at the leade and it can not be removed with common gun solvents.


Considering shooting conditions, that's pretty decent shooting.

I’ve got several loads worked up, so I’ll play around to see how it does, but good advice- thx!

[Threerun]

Whacked 5 prairie dogs today.

She’s on.