how much velocity do I lose with my 16 inch barrel?

[Phil]

When compared to say a 20 inch model? I really like the 16, it's very handy to get around with.http://photos.imageevent.com/philbee/huntingphotos/websize/P1010003_1.JPG

[TinMan]

I did a bunch of tests some years back, over my Chrony with GI 55gr ball ammo in 20 HBAR, 16 CAR, a HK 53, 14 T/C and several bolt actions out to 26". Bottom line, the velocity change was 29fps/inch of length change. So, you should lose around 120fps.

[Phil]

but as of yet we haven't shot either one of them over the chrono. Had been wondering about it. These AR's are a real hoot.

[tsiero]

http://www.accuratereloading.com/223sb.html . They cut a barrel and did load testing after each cut.

[Bayou City Boy]

All barrels are different, but 30-40 FPS/inch is probably very realistic. And it will vary with bullet velocity as well as with each individual barrel.

I find the 16" barel handier to use and I don't worry about a little velocity loss in the 223 Rem AR. I doubt I'll be shooting a 223 Rem AR over 300 yards regularly anyway, so any ballistic difference is going to be nil for the most part.....if you can see it at all.

-BCB

[Oleman]

Take a look here for the information you're interested in.

http://www.accuratereloading.com/223sb.html

[samspade]

You need to remember that it also has to do with the burning rate of the powder. In the chart above those are fairly fast burning powders in the 223.