I recently picked up a Ballistic Advantage Premium series 18" SPR profile barrel chambered in .223 Wylde during their Labor Day sale for 30% off. I decided to change some parts on my current AR15 to more of an SPR type build. Parts list:

1. Ballistic advantage lower
2. Aero precision complete upper reciever
3. Toolcraft nitride BCG
4. Midwest Industries SLH 15"
5. B5 stock and MOE grip
6. PA 4-14x44 ACSS HUD DMR 5.56
7. Warne xskel mount
8. Magpul bipod

I hadn't found very many reviews of this barrel so I thought I'd write at least a very brief initial impression including some shooting.

The fit and finish is rather nice but nothing truly amazing, just a matte bead blasted stainless look. The bore, crown, chamber and feed ramps looked really good. It was a very snug fit in the upper but nothing some grease and some tapping from a rubber mallet wouldn't fix.

I went the to the range today, I was really anxious to see how it groups. I brought along some Frontier 223 55 grain FMJ and some Hornady Black 75 grain BTHP. I used about 5 shots to see how the barrel would function, and it did with no issues. Brass ejected to about the 3:30-4 oclock position and the bolt locked open every time.

After dialing the scope in at 100 yards I began to shoot for groups. So as some of you may know, BA offers a sub MOA guarantee, but if you read the fine print on it it says a 3 shot group magazine fed or 5 shot group single fed at 100 yards using match ammo.

I don't think 3 shot groups are necessarily the best gauge of accuracy but as you can see in the pictures I was able to achieve the sub MOA groups they guarantee so I was happy about that. I was able to get a sub 1" group with the inexpensive 223 which I didn't expect. I will say that I was not able to do this every single time, and the rifle was more around 1 and 1.5 MOA normally.

This was also my first time using the Range Buddy app for measuring groups, which I found to be very accurate if you do your part.

Overall, I'm happy with the barrel for the price I got it. I don't think I'd pay full price for it honestly and would probably go for a Criterion, WOA or Larue barrel if I had the money.

I plan on testing more off the shelf ammo with this barrel in the future and will make a post on it. If you have any questions or think I missed anything let me know.

P.S I don't think I care for the Magpul bipod.

http://imgur.com/gallery/OYgDTtz