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Posted: 12/5/2020 5:41:56 PM EDT
[#1]
8” to 9” barrels are the most common. But you can go shorter or longer.
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Posted: 12/5/2020 8:37:47 PM EDT
[#2]
To give you a general idea of barrel length to velocity I'll post my reload data.
But please do your own work up, this works in my guns. 110 gr Barnes Tac-TX bullet 18.3 gr of Lil Gun powder 2.250" OAL 9" barrel Velocity was 2100 FPS 12.5" barrel Velocity was 2288 FPS |
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Posted: 12/5/2020 10:50:33 PM EDT
[#3]
This should help you with your deliberations:
https://youtu.be/4VNl7QXykUY |
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Posted: 12/6/2020 1:04:54 AM EDT
[#4]
So Barnes claims that their 110gr VOR-TX/TAC TX projectile has a minimum velocity of 1300 fps. Out of a 10.5" barrel, it should reach that at 330 yards with their factory loaded stuff. (give or take)
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Posted: 12/6/2020 10:46:51 AM EDT
[#5]
Thanks for the info and links. Just looking at maybe building a high cap PDA with more punch than a pistol cartridge. Would like to go no longer than 8", and have seen 6.5" barrels offered.
Would a short barrel .300 have less shock and awe to the shooter than a 5.56 shorty? |
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Posted: 12/6/2020 11:26:35 AM EDT
[#6]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Thanks for the info and links. Just looking at maybe building a high cap PDA with more punch than a pistol cartridge. Would like to go no longer than 8", and have seen 6.5" barrels offered. Would a short barrel .300 have less shock and awe to the shooter than a 5.56 shorty? Yes. Also....10.5 if I wanted best short barrel super performance. 8” is my favorite though |
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Posted: 12/6/2020 1:18:25 PM EDT
[#7]
With my loads, in my pistol (8.5" barrel), the muzzle energy of the 110gr TAC-TX is roughly equivalent to a .44 Mag (want to say 250gr load) out of a 6" barrel.
You do seem to give up around 5% of potential velocity using factory ammo, if that's a concern. That's going to vary from gun to gun of course, but you'll also find an old velocity chart floating around that was apparently made before better suited powders came along, and shows fairly significant reductions in velocity over what is possible now with the short barrel (funny, as I don't think 16" velocities have seen the same changes, so it can lead people to believe the 16" barrels are doing better than they really are). Probably inconsequential for close in work, but as range increases, velocity is going to matter, because with very low sectional density, and expansion at pretty low velocity, penetration is likely to become questionable. I've tried to find video of folks testing these bullets at 2-300yds into ballistics gel, but I didn't. I'd like to see if my expectation of loss of penetration is accurate. It's a fun pistol to shoot, I don't think it's too blasty or anything. |
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Posted: 12/6/2020 3:39:44 PM EDT
[#8]
Would a short barrel .300 have less shock and awe to the shooter than a 5.56 shorty? Oh helles yea. Would also lose less velocity relative to long barrel performance. |
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Posted: 12/6/2020 9:40:29 PM EDT
[#9]
I wouldn’t go less than 8”. Let the powder do its work in the barrel. Plus depending on your size it is possible for handguard length to be too short. Accessories might need real estate too.
The round was developed for a 9” barrel. From a 9” barrel the 110 grain vortex bullet holds up nicely to a 14.5” M4 with M855 from muzzle to about 400 yards (In terms of kinetic energy over range, the .30 always makes a bigger hole). With one drawback being a less flat trajectory. If you suppress, a longer barrel with a shorter can is usually the better trade off. I usually use 20 rnd mags in my blackouts as the rounds weigh about twice as much as M193 in 5.56. My short , high cap PDW is a CMMG 5” barrel radial delayed blowback FN 5.7. It’s flat to 100 yards, MV about 2200 FPS with SS198. Max harassment range about 200 yards. Good luck finding ammo available that isn’t priced as ransom though. Might try to reload it if I can find suitable light bullets. Doesn't look favorable though. |
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Posted: 12/6/2020 10:04:55 PM EDT
[#10]
So, looks like an 8-8.5" barrel then. Since I have no interest in subs or suppressing it, will try to optimize it for supers.
I saw a Ruger 57 the other day at Field & Stream, lack of ammo kept me from seriously considering it. |
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Posted: 12/6/2020 10:10:19 PM EDT
[#11]
I have a 9" and 12.5". A buddy has an 8". All of those are fine. I wouldn't go shorter than 8, and I still chose 9" as my shortest.
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Posted: 12/6/2020 10:30:34 PM EDT
[#12]
With a standard Carbine receiver extension, 10.5” balances well and allows you to run a 9” hand guard, similar to a mid length gun.
 Attached FileIf you want practical PDW... 8” barrel with 7” hand and UCIW receiver extension guard, is what I feel to be as compact as you get without throwing ergonomics out the window:  Attached File |
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Posted: 12/6/2020 10:32:35 PM EDT
[#13]
Quote HistoryQuoted: With a standard Carbine receiver extension, 10.5” balances well and allows you to run a 9” hand guard, similar to a mid length gun. https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/481323/CDB1192F-2B5C-4E0D-BB4F-26E156EDAE0F_jpe-1718697.JPG If you want practical PDW... 8” barrel with 7” hand and UCIW receiver extension guard, is what I feel to be as compact as you get without throwing ergonomics out the window: https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/481323/EDDC94FB-8FA2-4406-8821-01DD00AEE828_jpe-1718698.JPG The second one looks awesome. |
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Posted: 12/6/2020 10:35:14 PM EDT
[#14]
Suggest the 8-9" range. IMHO, once you exceed 10" you might as well go 5.56mm. Any less than 8" and suppressor options get very limited.
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Posted: 12/7/2020 12:20:43 AM EDT
[#15]
IMHO, once you exceed 10" you might as well go There, fixed it for ya 
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Posted: 12/7/2020 12:38:56 AM EDT
[#16]
Quote HistoryQuoted: There, fixed it for ya I guess I don't get out much. Would this 300 Ham'r be effective in a 8" barrel? |
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Posted: 12/7/2020 1:45:37 AM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I guess I don't get out much. Would this 300 Ham'r be effective in a 8" barrel? It would, but being it holds more powder than the 300 AAC it will benefit from more steel to burn that powder. Talkin' supers. |
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Posted: 12/7/2020 6:09:15 AM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I guess I don't get out much. Would this 300 Ham'r be effective in a 8" barrel? *IMO* (but backed up by what data I've seen) the Ham'r doesn't come into it's own until around 10"or so. Below that, Blackout is so efficient that the gains are minimal, if existent at all, with the Ham'r. And at the 10" length and up, you should also consider 6 ARC or 6.5 Grendel, as that will extend your reach a significant distance, but trade bullet weight for that reach (edit: somewhat...grendel will push bullets up to 140grs) As always, decision relies on your expectations. |
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Posted: 12/7/2020 10:34:19 AM EDT
[#19]
8.x" is the correct barrel length for 300 blk
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Posted: 12/7/2020 11:18:46 AM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryQuoted: *IMO* (but backed up by what data I've seen) the Ham'r doesn't come into it's own until around 10"or so. Below that, Blackout is so efficient that the gains are minimal, if existent at all, with the Ham'r. And at the 10" length and up, you should also consider 6 ARC or 6.5 Grendel, as that will extend your reach a significant distance, but trade bullet weight for that reach. As always, decision relies on your expectations. And for my input on the OP's question I'd go somewhere between 8-10" if you're looking for ideal performance from the supers. 9 is a great choice but anything in the 8s is great too if a little shorter is important. |
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Posted: 12/7/2020 11:28:15 AM EDT
[#21]
I don't know the "optimal performance" barrel length for 300 Black Out, but I would not want less that 7-8" due to wanting at least 5-6" of rail space for a light, etc and my hand to fit comfortably, likely with a handstop.
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Posted: 12/7/2020 4:01:42 PM EDT
[#22]
Quoted: Assuming we're talking about supers here, with the 6.5 Grendel you may well be shooting heavier bullets compared to the TAC-TX or other lighter .300BLK bullets that people prefer for supersonic use. A Grendel spitting 120-130gr bullets is totally normal. Yes, vs. the Blackout that is true, with the Ham'r not quite as much. Blackout really excels with the 110 TAC-TX (in velocity anyways) in short barrels, where the Ham'r will push 125-150's quite a bit faster with a bit more barrel. And I've seen some using 140's in the Grendel, so there is that. Even the 6 ARC pushes the 108-110gr bullets. Just with more velocity as barrel length increases, Grendel upping the bullet weight a bit more. Not disparaging any of them. They all do things slightly differently. ~8" barrel, Blackout is pretty hard to beat in the 110gr bullet range. FWIW, the Blackout can/will push that 110gr TAC-TX to 2200FPS, most of Hornady's published 108-110gr (gas) 6ARC loads in their 12" barrels are running very similar velocities. IOW, +4 inches to gain 50-100FPS. |
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Posted: 12/7/2020 9:59:26 PM EDT
[#23]
Recommendations for 8" barrel makers?
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Posted: 12/7/2020 10:08:15 PM EDT
[#24]
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Posted: 12/7/2020 10:09:12 PM EDT
[#25]
I have a bolt action and an AR with 8.3-8.5" barrels. Seems to be sweet spot.
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Posted: 12/8/2020 8:32:25 AM EDT
[#26]
I've not shot mine for groups, but I can't really complain about my PSA 8.5" complete upper.
Glad I didn't spend a ton, I'll probably for the most part transition to 6MM ARC, but it is fun to shoot, and can easily hit stuff out to 100, the farthest I've taken it. Obviously it would go much further, just haven't played around at longer measured distances. No malfunctions of any sort, that were the guns fault. |
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Posted: 12/8/2020 9:43:53 AM EDT
[#27]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Yes, vs. the Blackout that is true, with the Ham'r not quite as much. Blackout really excels with the 110 TAC-TX (in velocity anyways) in short barrels, where the Ham'r will push 125-150's quite a bit faster with a bit more barrel. And I've seen some using 140's in the Grendel, so there is that. Even the 6 ARC pushes the 108-110gr bullets. Just with more velocity as barrel length increases, Grendel upping the bullet weight a bit more. Not disparaging any of them. They all do things slightly differently. ~8" barrel, Blackout is pretty hard to beat in the 110gr bullet range. FWIW, the Blackout can/will push that 110gr TAC-TX to 2200FPS, most of Hornady's published 108-110gr (gas) 6ARC loads in their 12" barrels are running very similar velocities. IOW, +4 inches to gain 50-100FPS. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Assuming we're talking about supers here, with the 6.5 Grendel you may well be shooting heavier bullets compared to the TAC-TX or other lighter .300BLK bullets that people prefer for supersonic use. A Grendel spitting 120-130gr bullets is totally normal. Yes, vs. the Blackout that is true, with the Ham'r not quite as much. Blackout really excels with the 110 TAC-TX (in velocity anyways) in short barrels, where the Ham'r will push 125-150's quite a bit faster with a bit more barrel. And I've seen some using 140's in the Grendel, so there is that. Even the 6 ARC pushes the 108-110gr bullets. Just with more velocity as barrel length increases, Grendel upping the bullet weight a bit more. Not disparaging any of them. They all do things slightly differently. ~8" barrel, Blackout is pretty hard to beat in the 110gr bullet range. FWIW, the Blackout can/will push that 110gr TAC-TX to 2200FPS, most of Hornady's published 108-110gr (gas) 6ARC loads in their 12" barrels are running very similar velocities. IOW, +4 inches to gain 50-100FPS. |
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Posted: 12/22/2020 9:00:46 PM EDT
[#28]
Picked up an 8" WC barrel.
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Posted: 1/12/2021 11:24:28 PM EDT
[#29]
Just a data point: if you use a suppressor, check with the manufacturer to see what the minimal barrel length is. Mine was 8" so I went with that.
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