Optimum .223 barrel length

[John Ciccone]

I'll be shooting a .223 AR-15. The gun comes with a heavy barrel in a 1 in 8 twist. What is the best barrel length for accuracy with heavy bullets? 16, 18, 20 or 24 inches?

[TinMan]

If your intended use is long range shooting with heavy bullets, I would go with the longest barrel you are willing to carry. The higher velocities from a longer barrel will work better for long range. My own experience with 55 FMJ ammo reveals right at 29 - 30fps per inch of barrel length from 8 inches to 26 inches (both autos and bolt guns used). A 55gr bullet is not heavy, but it should give you some idea of how much velocity you would give up with a shorter barrel. Short barrels are also a fair bit louder.

[FVA]

Accuracy isn't a matter of barrel length though balance,velocity, and muzzle blast are. My son has a heavy barreled AR15,1in 8, 20" long that shoots tiny clusters and is about as long as I'd want to go balance wise on a AR15.

[Sav-1Shot]

I'll be shooting a .223 AR-15. The gun comes with a heavy barrel in a 1 in 8 twist. What is the best barrel length for accuracy with heavy bullets? 16, 18, 20 or 24 inches?

...If shooting from a bench or bipod at varmints I'ld say 24"..A walk around hunter 20" like was said..It has better balance....;)

[Terry N.]

I agree with what's been posted above. A 24" HB makes for a VERY muzzle-heavy rifle, and one that's not much fun to tote around. A buttstock weight makes it balance better, but then the gun is even heavier!

For the bench, a 24" HB is okay, for carrying I'd like a 22" fluted HB - only problem is that nobody that I'm aware of offers one.

[dtech]

The 22" fluted bull profile is by far my most popular barrel length. I have used 20" fluted bull barrels for years for varmint, but the next one I build for myself will be a 22"

The fluting makes a huge difference on balance. With the 22" barrel you will shed just a shade over a pound of weight, but it all comes off of the front of the rifle. It changes the balance immensely!

[Catfish]

I have a heavy barrel upper with a 24 in tube on it. It is not muzzle heavy with 6 lbs. of lead in the stock, but it weights just over 16 lbs. before you put in the clip. :eek:

[mwatson]

I would prefer the 20" for all purposes. My Ar's both have 16" and shoot better than I can.
Mike