Ballistic Advantage 18” .308 Hanson Contour Barrel - Accuracy issues

[Chris2752]

I have been working on a LR-308 build. Barrel as noted above with an AR Stoner compensator. The rest of the major components are AeroPrecision M5, Vortex viper scope and LaRue mount. Also using adjustable gas block. From day 1 have had accuracy issues. Torques verified, barrel bedded in, tried 147, 168 and 178 ammo. Finally shot today without the compensator and groups went from 5 MOA to 1.5 MOA. Looking to see if anyone has experience with this particular barrel and can recommend a compensator that is better suited. Considering a VG6 Epsilon.

 

any experiences would be appreciated

 

Thanks in advance 

[Armed Eye Doc]

The VG6 is what I have on my 308 build with a 20" Shilen barrel.  It shoots sub MOA.  

If your rifle shoots better without the muzzle device, I would definitely replace it first.  It sounds like you have verified many of the more common issues.

Are you using factory ammo or reloads?

[Chris2752]

I have run factory 147 in a range ammo, 168 Hornady black with ELD match, 168 ELD match and 178 ELD-X handloads with 3 different powder weights each. Hand loads were all running a standard deviation of 15 fps or less. Also, run the borescope and there is no obvious barrel defect. Forgot to mention in first post that I am running heavy buffer

[pnutty]

This is what scares me about purchasing a muzzle brake, I read that this is sort of thing can happen so I do all my development with just a muzzle protector installed. It’s unfortunate you spend 3 figures on a muzzle device just to get pie plate grouping.

[shooterrex]

How about trying some factory match ammo? Gold medal match or M118.

Not saying  your handloads are the problem. Just trying to remove variables.  147 ball usually isn't anything but blasting ammo.