The Aero Precision AR15 Upper Receiver is available in several variations and I chose an 18″ .223 Wylde Fluted Complete Upper Receiver w/ ATLAS R-ONE Handguard. I had wanted a lightweight .223 Wylde for a while, and Aero Precision builds some of the most accurate receivers you can buy. When the Labor Day sale came around, it was time to get serious about the configuration. I wanted a lightweight upper but at least an 18″ barrel. Aero Precision’s fluted barrel shaved 8 ounces off the weight a regular barrel and the slender ATLAS handguard saves a few more. I have to say the $100+ savings were part of the decision too.
The .223 Wylde Chambering
The .223 Wylde is a hybrid .223/5.56 chamber designed by Bill Wylde that results in the better accuracy of the match .223 Remington commercial chambering, but without pressure issues when using high velocity 5.56 NATO ammunition. The .223 Wylde achieves better accuracy by having a chamber throat that is tighter than 5.56, but will still function reliably with military 5.56 ammunition because the case dimensions are the same. The .223 Wylde will give me better accuracy when predator hunting with .223 Remington ammo or 5.56 NATO ammo, and will be more forgiving with high-pressure loads.
Aero Precision AR15 Upper Receiver Arrives
Right out of the box it is easy to see the Aero Precision Upper is a cut above the average AR15 upper receiver. My unit came fully assembled with a flash suppressor and carefully packaged in a ridged and padded box but without a bolt carrier group (BCG) or charging handle. I used my S&W BCG and handle and it worked without any issues.
The first thing I noticed when I took it out of the box is the lightweight and slim handguard. The combination of the fluted stainless barrel and the slim ATLAS handguard truly saves a lot of weight and feels great in the hands. I chose the M-Lok handguard (Key Mod also available), which has a Picatinny top rail the total length. No M-Lok mounts came with the upper so I ordered a couple of M-Lok mounts and a QD sling attachment.
The dimensions of the upper fit my S&W lower receiver perfectly and look really good, but the best thing is that it functioned perfectly, and has never had any misfires or failures with any ammo. I have run NATO 5.56, several brands of factory ammo and several different handloads through it, and it gobbled it all up and spit out tiny groups with all of it.
Range Testing the Aero Precision .223 Wylde
I mounted a Leupold VX-R 3×9 scope to the upper for testing. Not a great target scope but my go-to scope for hunting hogs and predators. It balances well with the new Aero upper and this scope works very well for “swine purging”. The testing was out to 200 yards so 9 power is enough to check hunting accuracy.
I tested several factory loads from 40-55 grains, a few NATO 5.56 rounds and a couple of different handloads using 55 grain Vmax & Nosler 60 gn Ballistic Tip bullets. Everything functioned well and shot 1 MOA or better.
The standout load of the day was Fioche .223 with 40-grain V-max bullets. This load shoots 1/2 MOA and clocked 3260 fps through the chronograph from the 18″ barrel. The photo to the left is my last 3 shots of the Fiocche ammo at 200 yards. This ammo has proven to be very accurate in several rifles. It is available loaded with premium V-max bullets in several weights for about $25 for 50. That is match grade hunting ammo for 50 cents around!
After some accuracy testing and chronographing loads, I mounted the Sightmark Wraith Night Vision Scope for a video. After getting zeroed it was pretty easy to hit the small plate at 200 yards.
Chronograph Results with 18″ Aero Precision
Fiocche 223 40 gn V-max 3250 fps
Fiocche 223 55 gn V-max 2870 fps (very disappointing velocity)
Dogtown 223 53 Nosler Varmint 3050
Handload 60 gn Nosler BT /26.5 Varget 2925fps
Handload 55 gn V-max 26.0 H335 3150 (max load- hot)
Handload 60 gn Nosler BT /27.0 CFE123 2980
Handload 55 gn Barnes TSSX /23.5 H335 2825 (very disappointing velocity)
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Hunting With 223 Wylde Aero Precision Upper
The Aero Precision 223 Wylde Upper receiver with their fluted barrel was great for hunting for two reasons- lightweight and deadly accuracy. Below are a few videos using a Pulsar Thermion XP38 Thermal Scope from Outdoor Legacy Gear. Doug put the smack-down on a lot of pigs and coyotes over the last month.
I later attached my Sightmark Wraith Night Vision Scope to the upper for zeroing and night coyote hunting. I hope to have some video soon.
Aero Precision M4E1 Upper Specifications
Includes:
- M4E1 Threaded Assembled Upper Receiver
- ATLAS R-ONE Handguard of choice
- 18″ .223 Wylde Fluted Rifle Length Stainless Steel Barrel
- Low Profile Gas Block and Rifle Length Gas Tube
- Product comes assembled
- This complete upper does not include BCG or Charging Handle. These products may be selected as add-ons under the FINISH YOUR BUILD tab
M4E1 Threaded Upper Receiver Features:
- New enhanced forging that gives the upper receiver a “billet look”
- New Picatinny profile that blends seamlessly with our Enhanced Series Handguards
- M4 Feed ramps
- .250 takedown pin holes
- Laser engraved T-marks
- Includes port door and forward assist installed
ATLAS R-ONE Handguard Features:
- Full top Picatinny rail for optional attachments
- Quick disconnect sling socket at the 3, 6 and 9 o’clock positions
- Compatible with low profile gas blocks
- 1.3” Inside diameter
- 1.5” Outside diameter
- Compatible with mil-spec AR15 upper receivers and barrels
- Learn More about our NEW ATLAS Handguards
18″ .223 Fluted Stainless Steel Rifle Length Barrel Features:
- .223 Wylde 18″ Rifle Length Barrel, 1/8 Twist
- 416R Stainless Steel
- Bead Blasted Finish
- .750 gas block journal
- Rifle length gas system
- M4 Feed Ramp Extension
- HP and MPI tested
- Standard A2 flash hider
- ALL NEW Fluted Design
- Barrel Weight: 28 oz
