Are you looking for the best .224 Valkyrie Barrel? If you are, then you're definitely in the right place. Finding a good quality barrel for a rifle that can fire the .224 Valkyrie cartridges is going to take some time but you'll easily be able to find the right one when you know exactly what to look for.
The .224 Valkyrie is perhaps one of the best long range performers currently in existence. In fact, it's considered to be one of the more formidable challengers against long-range threats like the 6.5 Creedmoor. Of course, you need a good rifle (whether manufactured or built from scratch) that can serve its purpose as a long-range weapon to be reckoned with.
If you're looking for a good upgrade for a Valkyrie rifle, stay tuned, because we have five of the best .224 Valkyrie barrels on the market that we'll be reviewing. First, let's give you a lesson on barrel twists and some tips on how you can choose a Valkyrie barrel of your own.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for 224 Valkyrie Barrel
- OUR TOP PICK: Brownells - AR-15 Barrels .224 Valkyrie Stainless Steel
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: BSF 20" .224 Valkyrie 1:7 Twist
- BEST 6.5 TWIST BARREL: Faxon Firearms Heavy Fluted Profile Barrel
Comparison of the Best .224 Valkyrie Barrels
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Barrel Length And Barrel Twist 101
One thing to know about barrel length is this: the longer the barrel, the faster the velocity. Of course, a longer barrel will also mean better accuracy. However, you can still nail an accurate shot from long-range if you were to install a 20โ barrel. The hit will slightly increase if you elect to go any longer.
If you're looking for a shorter barrel that is measured anywhere between 18 to 20 inches, odds are that you're using your Valkyrie rifle for home defense or possibly hunting. If you're a hunter, a shorter product may be ideal if you want to be as low-profile as possible. Likewise, a longer barrel will be sufficient if you're using your rifle for long-range shooting competitions. As mentioned, longer barrels will always be slightly more accurate.
224 VALKYRIE- Effect of barrel length on velocity (Source)
Speaking of barrels, youโll probably notice some markings on your gun. Weโll take a look at one part of it in particular that represents what is known as barrel twist.
For example, youโll notice a number that will say x/y (i.e.: 1/7). The barrel twist represents revolutions per inches. For example, a twist ratio of 1:7 means that there is one revolution every seven inches. So the โxโ in our formula is revolutions, while the โyโ represents inches. Keep this formula in mind as youโre looking for any other barrel for all your other firearms.
But what exactly is the purpose of barrel twist, anyway? It can be tied to accuracy. Having an adequate twist rate is key when you want the rounds you fire to be stable and able to hit the target with accuracy and precision.
How to Choose a .224 Valkyrie Barrel
If youโre a smart shopper, you know that grabbing the first barrel you see on the shelf or online and buying it is not the best thing to do. Buyerโs remorse will settle in and youโll be disappointed in a purchase that you didnโt even bother learning more about. There are some aspects that you need to consider before making your final decision. And itโs as easy as taking a look at the following listed below:
Barrel Twist
If you hold accuracy to a high standard, then youโll need to find a barrel that has a good twist ratio. One thing to remember though is the weight of the .224 Valkyrie cartridges that you fire. The weight will factor into which twist rate is appropriate for you. One rule to know about, the heavier the weight, the lesser the barrel twist. In other words, a Valkyrie cartridge at 63 grains in weight will be ideal to use if your twist is about 1:7.
Barrel Twist Rate Basics (Source)
Installation
Of course, if youโre looking for a barrel for your Valkyrie rifle, itโs important to find one that will be easy to install. This means finding a product that wonโt require any gunsmithing skills or enlisting the services of a professional gunsmith. Most are easy to install but will also take some adjusting to ensure a perfect fit. Remember, you can always rely on a professional blacksmith if you find the installation process a little intimidating.
Length
Believe it or not, length is one of the aspects you should consider prior to purchasing a Valkyrie Barrel. Most will purchase one that is measured anywhere between 18 to 20 inches. On the longer end, one of the most popular barrels is measured at about 24 inches. Barrel length can be associated with the overall accuracy and velocity of your rifle.
At the same time, a barrel at 18 inches in length can be used for purposes like home defense or hunting. That's not to say a longer barrel is useless for these applications. But a longer barrel maybe not as low in profile if you're using vegetation as cover while out in the field. At the same time, consider length as an aspect to consider in terms of storage space.
Review of the Best .224 Valkyrie Barrels
Below are the top five .224 Valkyrie Barrels currently on the market as of this writing. As youโre going through each one carefully, make a note of which feature(s) stick out to you the best. It may be something that may tick off a box or two on your wishlist of what to look for in a barrel.
Also, if youโre on a budget, you can be almost certain to find a product on here that will fit your finances. Even with money to play with, sometimes a budget option may be the best one youโll own. With that in mind, letโs get down to business and review our top five:
Best Overall:
Brownells - AR-15 Barrels .224 Valkyrie Stainless Steel
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
The Brownells 224 Valkyrie barrel is liked by its users for its aesthetics, accuracy and the impeccable price. It accepts a wide range of loads and can perform perfectly well under all shooting conditions. The barrel is also quite lightweight and doesnโt add much to the overall weight of the rifle.
Why it Stands Out to Us
First on the docket, we have the Brownells AR-15 Barrel for the .224 Valkyrie. If you have ever bought something from Brownells, you know that they have a good customer service team and will help you out if you get something that doesnโt turn out to be a good experience for you. Theyโll send replacements or send you the right stuff if you have missing parts or accessories. But we digress.
The Brownells barrel can accept heavy 224 Valkyrie loads and is capable of shooting sub-MOA even after prolonged usage. The medium contour design offers the right mix between weight and performance, plus the threaded muzzle allows you to add compensation and suppression devices.
Additionally, the barrels have a twist ratio of 1:7, which is designed to handle Valkyrie rounds that weigh around 55-grain or more. Remember, heavier ammo will likely work a lot better with barrel ratios like this than lighter rounds.
This product is made from stainless steel for overall toughness and the ability to handle the high-pressure rounds that your rifle can fire off. Easy to clean and tough as nails, the Brownells barrel is worth the deeper look.
Who Will Use This Most
This is perfect for hunters due to its weight and level of accuracy. It is made from 416R stainless steel and is quite durable to withstand harsh conditions, low maintenance and high rates of fire. It will also please people who donโt like cleaning their weapons after every shooting session.
Bottom Line
The Brownells 18-inch barrel is a good and inexpensive component for hunters and plinkers. The 1:7 twist rate delivers unmatching accuracy when combined with the amazing ballistics of the 224 Valkyrie. The barrel can handle heavier rounds so you might also give it a go for hunting.
Best For The Money:
BSF 20" .224 Valkyrie 1:7 Twist
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
The barrel performs exceptionally well in terms of accuracy and offers an amazing reduction in weight. The metal and carbon fiber wrap used are of exceptional quality. Plus it runs clean and maintains its accuracy even after being pushed hard. Another appreciated factor is the amazing aesthetics of the barrel which looks like artwork.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The 20-inch length is ideal for a 224 Valkyrie rifle that is used for general purposes and can be carried with ease. Moreover, this puppy is jacketed in carbon fiber that is finished in either blue or black. The carbon wrap optimizes the weight factor and adds to the aesthetics. The 1:7 twist ratio is perfect for accuracy even with heavy rounds, and the heat dissipation is just excellent.
No matter the purpose, you'll have a reliable product that will work wonders with your rifle. If you're looking for a barrel that is not going to drain your bank account, go with the BSF brand barrel.
Who Will Use This Most
While the barrel is perfect for all uses of a 224 Valkyrie, the ideal application will be for competitions. The 20-inch length is perfect for long-range shooting, which makes it useful for hunters as well. Needless to mention the reduced weight which reduces fatigue while carrying the rifle.
Bottom Line
The BSF 20-inch barrel is a lightweight and accurate choice for a 224 Valkyrie rifle. It doesnโt compromise on durability and is perfect for long-range shooting or competitions. In other words, it is an epitome of precision and design when a 224 Valkyrie barrel is concerned.
As tough as it is, it can last you years, or even decades. To make sure that happens, you should always clean your gun (including the barrel) as often as you can. A rule of thumb, after maybe a few hundred rounds. This is a great contender if you want a barrel that will give you an upgrade in accuracy at a price that you can afford.
Best 6.5 Twist Barrel:
Faxon Firearms Heavy Fluted Profile Barrel
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
The users seem impressed by the impeccable finish and the fluting precision of this barrel. This has a heavy profile. It has been appreciated for maintaining its accuracy in all climatic conditions. Another more liked factor is the fair price and prompt customer support from FF.
Why it Stands Out to Us
For the most part, we began by reviewing barrels that have a twist ratio of 1:7. Now, weโll be turning our attention to a new ratio. More specifically, the twist of the Faxon Firearms barrel is 1:6.5. Which means every six-and-a-half inches will equal one revolution. This is a heavy, fluted profile barrel measured at 20 inches.
The barrel has a heavy profile to deliver outstanding accuracy no matter what the rate of fire or climatic conditions are. Plus it has a twist rate of 1:6.5 which is slightly better than other barrels, especially when shooting heavy loads. The salt bath nitride finish makes it more resistant to damage and the fluting helps reduce its weight.
This is ideal for a day out in the field or a day out on the range. Youโll get a great deal of accuracy with this installed on your rifle, perfect for when you absolutely have to land a kill shot on a big game target or when the competition is on the line in a long-range shooting contest.
It doesnโt matter what the purpose is for your Valkyrie rifle, if accuracy is what you want, youโll get it with the FF barrel. If a slight adjustment in the barrel twist is what you look for, you canโt find a product quite like this.
Who Will Use This Most
This product is good for precision shooters, especially in a competition. Additionally, you can use it for hunting big game like deer and hogs, considering its good compatibility with heavy loads. However, this barrel is an all-purpose component for a 224 Valkyrie rifle and is not limited to any specific applications.
Bottom Line
The Faxon Firearms barrel is probably the best choice for you if you prefer less of a barrel twist. This may also come in handy if you have Valkyrie rounds that are a little heavier in weight.
The heavy fluted profile barrel is the best budget option in its class. It features a good finish and fluted for a significant reduction in weight to make using it more convenient. The low twist rate makes it ideal for heavy 224 Valkyrie loads.
Best 24-inch Barrel:
CMMG, Inc 24-inch Sub-Assembly Barrel
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Almost every user of this 24-inch barrel reported it to be exceptionally accurate over 1000 yards - hitting sub MOA groups. It works amazingly well with the Federal Premium 90 grain load. Users also implied that the barrel works great with high-quality ammo and not with cheap ones. Additionally, the customer support of CMMG also received significant commendations.
Why it Stands Out to Us
For our next product, weโll be taking a look at the best 24-inch barrel currently on the market for the Valkyrie rifle. The CMMG Sub-Assembly Barrel will take the nod for the best in this category.
The barrel is 24 inches in length with a twist rate of 1:7. This product will help you utilize the 224 Valkyrie ammunition to its maximum potential. It delivers superior long-range accuracy with the right ammunition and also lets you install a muzzle device.
This is designed to bring you a high-energy performance and better, more precise accuracy for each shot you take. On top of that, the CMMG is a durable barrel that is designed to take on every round you fire.
This is stained in a black finish to give your Valkyrie rifle a sleeker look. If youโre looking to buy a barrel for the sake of looks, get one that will blend in with your own rifle. Typically, black goes with pretty much any rifle you can think of.
The twist of the CMMG is 1:7 and will work with most Valkyrie cartridges and is designed to hit your targets with pinpoint accuracy and precision. Best of all, it is made for the shooter who wants not only the best in accuracy, but also in velocity. If you're looking for a barrel that checks off these items on your wishlist, the CMMG is your best possible option.
Who Will Use This Most
The barrel has been specially designed for long-range shooters a.k.a snipers. It can be used for competitions and target practice. Since the barrel is quite long(24 inches) and somewhat heavy(about 3 lbs), using it for hunting or defense is probably not a very good idea.
Bottom Line
If youโre looking for a barrel that is slightly longer than the normal 18 to 20-inch barrels that you see on the market, then youโll probably like the CMMG a lot. Despite it being a little weighty, it comes with the territory of being a longer barrel. But nonetheless, it still can perform just as well as the others.
The CMMG 24-inch barrel allows you to utilize the maximum range and potential of the 224 Valkyrie round. It features a good finish and works perfectly with high-quality heavy grain ammunition. A perfect choice for marksmen in competitions or practice.
5. PSA 18" Rifle-Length 1/7 Stainless Steel Barrel
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Users appreciate the quality and aesthetics of this barrel. The 18-inch barrel features a rifle length gas system and has a stainless steel finish. Another quite appraised factor is the prompt customer service from PSA in case you need any help.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Next on the docket, weโll be looking at the PSA 18-inch rifle-length 1/7 Stainless Steel Barrel. To begin, this has a barrel twist ratio of 1:7 and is measured at 18 inches long. This is perfect to have if youโre looking for a low-profile barrel that will also play a role in making your Valkyrie rifle a long-range force to be reckoned with.
This product features a rifle length gas system as well. It is quite easy to clean and is quite durable to handle pressure from firing successive rounds for long durations.
This will fit almost any rifle-length gas system. And it will also fit most rifles capable of firing Valkyrie cartridges. If youโre looking for a good barrel at a length that is usually standard for hunting or home defense, you wonโt go wrong with the PSA.
Who Will Use This Most
This is perfect for people looking to get a more generalized solution to all their shooting needs. This barrel can be used for practice, hunting and even home defense if the situation arises. The fair price point, low maintenance, and simple design make it a perfect choice for the 224 Valkyrie user.
Bottom Line
PSA has a reputation of manufacturing high-quality products, and this does not fall short of that expectation. The barrel doesnโt hurt your pocket and delivers optimal performance to help you get the most out of your 224 Valkyrie.
At its length, it doesnโt stick out like a sore thumb if youโre relying on vegetation for cover during a hunt. With that said, if youโre looking for an ideal barrel that can serve most purposes and deliver an overall performance like few others, the PSA barrel might be your best choice.
Conclusion
Finding the best .224 Valkyrie Barrel does take time and patience. But once you find the one thatโs right for you, youโll be excited to give it a whirl the next time youโre target practicing or hunting. Before you choose, be sure to get a good idea of what everyone else is saying.
Check out the gun forums available online and see what they say about the barrel of your choice. Aside from that, if youโre looking to turn your Valkyrie rifle into a long-range machine, a place to start is looking for a high-quality barrel.
People Also Ask
The 224 Valkyrie is a round specially designed for MSRโs and precision shooting. While the round is fairly new for shooters, it does show exceptional ballistics and range. Even the 224 Valkyrie is a reliable and accurate caliber, there are some general questions people seem curious about.
Is .224 Valkyrie Good for Deer Hunting?
Yes, the 224 Valkyrie is a good round for deer hunting. Given that you take the range of the target and the load of the bullet into consideration. The 224 Valkyrie uses heavy grain bullets effectively, and the Federal Fusion Soft Point 90gr bullets are just perfect for the job. Since the 224 Valkyrie is renowned for maintaining its velocity, it delivers a good punch to the game upon impact.
How Fast is a .224 Valkyrie?
The 224 Valkyrie has a muzzle velocity of approximately 2,700 fps and is rated at a top speed of about 1,758 fps. The best characteristic of the bullet is its ballistics since it stays supersonic past 1,300 yards. While other comparable calibers start tailing at 600-700 yards.
What is the Difference Between .223 and .224 Valkyrie?
The 224 Valkyries uses a .224 inch diameter bullet like the .223, but with a difference in case length and rim diameter. Additionally, a 223(62gr) bullet has a muzzle velocity of 2720 fps while a 224 Valkyrie(60gr) bullet has a muzzle velocity of 3300 fps. The 224 Valkyrie maintains supersonic speed beyond 1300 yards while the 223 doesnโt.
