Ballistic Advantage Barrels
Ballistic Advantage is based out of Apopka, Florida and was founded in 2008 by Adam Wainio as a manufacturer of high-end rifle barrels and components. By combining old-fashioned craftsmanship with state-of-the-art manufacturing, they have managed to own the sweet spot where superior quality meets affordability. Made 100% in America, a Ballistic Advantage barrel is one that you can be proud to shoot and own!
Someone once said “Only accurate barrels are interesting”. By that yardstick Ballistic Advantage barrels are very interesting! From design to materials, manufacturing and quality control, a Balistic Advantage barrel is made to perform. Available in the Modern Series, Performance Series and the Premium Series, all are shooters and come with a sub Minute of Angle (MOA) accuracy guarantee. See Accuracy Guarantee below.
Made from the same 41V50 Chrome Moly Vanadium steel used in MIL-SPEC barrels, these barrels are designed and manufactured to a level far surpassing MIL-SPEC. After being precision cut, each barrel is fully treated with a corrosion resistant QPQ salt bath nitride finish. This finish does not alter the dimensions of the barrel which allows the precision tolerances to carry through to the finished product.
By treating the barrel and the M4 barrel extension separately prior to installation, proper torque value is maintained throughout the life of the barrel. Muzzles feature a flat crown with chamfer and threading. In the end, a Modern Series barrel is an economically priced barrel attached to an MOA guarantee.
This video describes the Modern Series:
"Ballistic Advantage barrels are broken down into three categories. The Modern Series, Performance Series and Premium Series.
To start with the structure, all Modern Series barrels are made from Chrome Moly Vanadium (CrMoV). Within this series you’ll find 5.56 NATO and 300 Blackout barrels for the AR15 platform as well as 308 Winchester for the AR10 DPMS pattern. Along with the material the barrel is made from, the coating is another defining feature of the series. With our modern series, we coat the barrels using QPQ, also known as Salt Bath Nitride. Our M4 extensions are also QPQ coated. We coat our barrels and extensions separately to ensure torque value is kept throughout the life of the barrel.
The last notable feature is a standard flat crown with chamfer at the muzzle. Hopefully this information will help you navigate through our site as you pick the right barrel for the job. In the end we offer an economically priced barrel attached to an MOA guarantee." – Clint Hanson
This series was designed to meet three criteria: Durability, Reliability and Precision. Like the Modern Series, these barrels also use MIL-SPEC Chrome Moly Vanadium steel and are finished in corrosion resistant QPQ salt bath nitride, but the similarity ends there.
All Performance Series barrels feature Nickel Boron coated M4 feed ramp extensions. This slick finish reduces friction, ensures easy cleaning and keeps the action smooth no matter how hot or gritty the conditions.
Finally, at the business end you will find an 11 degree recessed target crown to ensure these barrels are capable of surgical precision.
This video describes the Performance Series:
"Ballistic Advantage barrels are broken down into three categories. The Modern Series, Performance Series and Premium Series.
When selecting the right tool for any job, one must take all factors into consideration. With the Performance Series we needed to meet three criteria – Durability, Reliability and Precision. Achieving this goal starts with our unique proprietary processes and meticulous attention to detail. Beyond that, we’ve taken some extra measures so that we can be sure to exceed our goals and continue to raise the standard.
Available in 556 NATO and 300 Blackout, all Performance Series barrels are made from Chrome Moly Vanadium (CrMoV) and coated using QPQ, also known as Salt Bath Nitride. We do this to ensure the structure is durable enough for the most demanding shooter.
To help with reliability we coat our M4 extensions in Nickel Boron. We chose Nickel Boron for its lubricious qualities that keep the action smooth no matter how hot or how gritty the conditions. Lastly, at the business end of all Performance Series barrels you’ll find an 11 degree recessed target crown to ensure these barrels are capable of surgical precision.
In the end these barrels will continue to live up to their name with exceptional durability, reliability and overall performance." – Clint Hanson
These top-of-the-line barrels are precision machined from 416 stainless steel – a favorite of precision shooters – and feature an attractive bead blasted finish. They have a reliability enhancing Nickel Boron coated M4 extension. At the muzzle is a protected 11-degree target crown. Whether you are controlling the critter population, plinking steel, big game hunting, or just punching holes in paper, a Premium Series barrel is the best there is.
This video describes the Premium Series:
"Whether you are controlling the critter population, plinking steel or big game hunting, precision is the desirable end result. But if you truly want to get the most accuracy out of your rifle, look no further than the Ballistic Advantage Premium Series. This lineup covers four calibers here at BA from 223 Wylde and 300 Blackout for the AR15 to 308 Winchester and 6.5 Creedmoor for the AR10.
All Premium Series barrels come with an 11 degree recessed target crown and are made from 416R stainless steel for the most demanding marksman. The last feature to note is all Premium Series barrels come with a uniform bead blasted finish.
In the end, the options contained in this series force one common problem for all who shop barrels at BA, which barrel do I select? Well, if that’s the case, why not buy two?" – Clint Hanson
A BA Hanson barrel exemplifies the quality and accuracy you have come to expect from Ballistic Advantage. BA Hanson Profile barrels feature a shoulder-less design, symmetrically limiting barrel “whip” and allowing the barrel to quickly return to its home position. This is extremely beneficial for follow up shots at a high rate of fire or full auto fire. Lightweight feel without the lightweight limitations, it is truly ideal for how an AR-15 is designed to perform. These barrels include a salt bath nitride finished low-profile gas block and are pre-milled for the included coil pin.
Photo courtesy of Ballistic Advantage:
This is a video review of the BA Hanson barrel:
Your Ballistic Advantage barrel is guaranteed to perform!
Ballistic Advantage is committed to providing products that meet, or exceed, the expectations of the most discerning customers. They stand behind that commitment. From the moment you unwrap one of their barrels, as you configure it with your receivers and handguards, and as you fire it on the range or in the field, they want you to experience the unique elegance and uncompromising quality crafted into every barrel.
BA also stands behind their commitment to performance. All Ballistic Advantage barrels are guaranteed to give sub Minute of Angle (MOA) accuracy with match grade ammunition.1
If you are not completely satisfied with the form, fit, and finish of any of their barrels, please first consult the Troubleshooting Guide on their website. If you find that your BA barrel is not performing at the high standard of sub MOA accuracy, visit Contact to discuss your concerns. Usually, their armorers are able to resolve any issues over the phone. If the issues are not resolved they ask that the barrel be sent to them for inspection.2 They will either correct the problem, replace the barrel, or reimburse the purchase price of the barrel.
1 BA defines sub MOA as a group size of 1 inch or under at 100 yards with a 3 shot magazine fed group, or 5 shot single loaded group.
2 The customer is responsible for the initial return shipping costs of the barrel. If any defects are found, BA will reimburse the shipping costs and either replace or refund the original purchase price of the barrel.