Good .223 Wylde barrels brands/models/specs/price points

[john_marsten_1873]

What brands/barrels or minimum price points do folks like for .223 Wylde barrels?

Have you had to replace one or many yet? Which barrels brands/models, how many rounds?

For myself, I have 5.56 on my [non-HD] defense rifles but like .223 Wylde for training and competition.

 

[Gromann]

Is there actually any functional accuracy detriment in going with Wylde over .223 or 5.56?

 

[john_marsten_1873]

Is there actually any functional accuracy detriment in going with Wylde over .223 or 5.56?

Wylde (but I only have Criterion barrels in Wylde) is definitely tighter groups from my experience, especially at distance. 5.56 has the highest tolerances. That's why I use them on my [non-HD] defense rifles.

 

[Jimi Jah]

Criterion is a great chrome lined barrel. I have several Wylde AR's here. Some are nitride, no chrome.

 

[Deadcoyote]

Only Wylde cut chamber I have is on white oak upper. It’s really great accuracy.

 

[RustVendor]

There's no actual standard for what 223 wylde is, but generally it's 556 headspace with a 223 throat but they are all gonna be different depending on who makes it. But I've had 223 wylde barrels that are clearly different like Criterion has a very tight chamber so I have to be very careful with my reloads, I've seen some folks online say that they get pressure issues with Criterions but who knows what that means. Ballistic Advantage 223 Wylde on the other hand is not tight at all. I have around 2000 rounds on a criterion and the same on a 556 geissele and I don't find a huge difference in accuracy between them, but I don't slow fire for groups either. I have bolt actions for that. Carbine matches are designed for the accuracy of a carbine so I don't sweat it too much. There's no reason to spend more than 300 bucks on a barrel and you can also go really far with a cheaper nitride barrel, it just won't last as long but you can certainly run matches and train with a 150 dollar barrel without much downside

 

[hectoke]

Matters how much you want to spend? I got a bear creek arsenal in 223 wylde and it produces better grouping then my mossberg barrel in 556. I paid $220 out the door

 

[newgen5]

These 5.56 barrels have worked great for me and they're on sale: https://www.rainierarms.com/rifle-parts/barrels-main/rainier-arms-barrels/select/223-5-56/