Barrel Length ??

[cole]

I am looking at buying an AR (.223) and have been looking at a few different styles with different length barrels.  The first one has a 16 inch heavy barrel, then there is one that has a 20 inch heavy and the final one has a 24 inch heavy barrel.

All of the guns cost about the same and are the same brand. What I am looking for is any input on the following:

-Accuracy and Distance

I will be using this for predator hunting and prarie dogs.

Thanks,

Cole

[Go Big Red!]

Assuming they have a 1-in-8 twist:

The 16" and the 20" will shoot almost the same with factory loaded ammo.  I have shot a 20" with Black Hills Ammo and it was right on.

The 24" is more barrel and with that, more twist.  It's best if you shoot a heavier bullet, usually hand loaded ammo. 

Personally, I go for the fit of a gun first and figure out the details later.  Good Luck!!!

[Uplander]

If you are looking at exclusive varmint use, then personally, I would go with the 20" HB (heavy barrel) barrel for an AR platform based on your criteria. All else being equal, the 20" will give you a velocity advantage over the 16" and thus an accuracy & distance advantage once you have it dialed in with ammo that it likes. Plus it would still be fairly comfortable to carry.

Unless you are always only going to go right from your truck to a benchrest, I feel a 24" HB is just too, well, heavy for my liking and the length can be a bit cumbersome. True, the 24"will give a slight velocity edge over the 20", but I feel it won't ultimately make much difference in distance or accuracy vs. the 20" with the .223.  For varmint hunting, in all practicality, the .223 is about a 600 meter cartridge (give or take depending on ammo & critter) regardless of what barrel you shoot it out of.

I think ammo has more effect on velocity, accuracy, etc. than barrel length. Ultimately, regardless of barrel length, find a rifle configuration that you feel comfortable with in your price range and try a variety of loads thru it until you find the one that gives the most consistent best accuracy. A dialed in 16" will outshoot a 24" that isn't.

Here's an interesting .223 article on barrel length vs. load vs. velocity vs. accuracy: http://www.accuratereloading.com/223sb.html

The AR platform is nice because you can always buy (and sell) different upper assy's without needing a FFL to build different rifles for different applications and needs.

[GRIZ]

Uplander

Thanx I looked at that site an it didn't make anything clearer than what I already knew. That info was for handloaders but anyway. With that it appears not much has changed they left out some important factors such as velocity. I guarentee that 10" barrel is burning half it's powder after the bullet has left the barrel. Thus losing velocity and range even though the moa is still decent.

cole

will you be handloading or factory ammo? If you handload you can do what ever you want but as someone mentioned make shur the gun fits. You can have a gun built and then build a lod to match it.

Not much different if you use factory ammo except most factory ammo is designed for standard rifles. I don't know what the factories consider standard for a 223 as I don't own one.

I have a 22 hornet and a 220 swift w/bull barrel. The swift comes factory with a longer barrel than most (any) standard 22 cal as the casing holds more powder.

Well I'll just quit with the other mumbo if your going to be shooting factory ammo just get the standard length barrel.

There are also odd ducks like my swift. It should like heavier bullets but seems to like them 50 grainers. Every gun is different.