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Posted: 1/18/2021 10:19:11 PM EDT
[#1]
8.5"
/thread (Edited to from 8" to 8.5". Mine is 8.5") |
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Posted: 1/18/2021 10:20:54 PM EDT
[#2]
I like my 10.3 over my 8. Somewhere around 9 inches should be good.
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Posted: 1/18/2021 10:22:30 PM EDT
[#3]
7-7.5" is my "just right" for home defense.
Have 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8.5, and 9" uppers |
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Posted: 1/18/2021 10:22:42 PM EDT
[#4]
Pick what you need for "at distance". Everything is going to be about the same @ 10ft
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Posted: 1/18/2021 10:22:59 PM EDT
[#5]
From what I’ve read, .300 BLK ammo is designed to be optimum out of a 9” barrel. So, anything around that should be fine. If you have an 8” or 8.5” barrel, you shouldn’t lose any meaningful velocity. I haven’t done a lot of experimenting, but I have an 8.5” barrel on mine.
When I say optimum, I mean the round is designed for full burn out of a 9” barrel. So, you are not gaining anything by going longer and you’re not losing a lot by going a little shorter. |
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Posted: 1/18/2021 10:24:11 PM EDT
[#6]
8.5-9" was kinda what I was thinking but I can't find it right now. I've been looking at PSA just because the reviews look good and they come available more often than other but they don't normally have the 8.5" or 9". Normally they have the 7.5" and the 10.5". Not sure what is going to happen in the near future so I was thinking I should just buy one of them. Thoughts?
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Posted: 1/18/2021 10:40:00 PM EDT
[#7]
110gr Barnes stays above the 1,350fps expansion threshold until 275yd from my 7" briefcase rifle. I don't really need a blackout to make shots longer than that, so I say 7".
 Attached File |
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Posted: 1/18/2021 10:42:43 PM EDT
[#8]
I like my 10.3 because it has a little more handguard room for running a light and it's more comfortable to shoot over my 8, IMO. For HD I don't think the extra 2.5 inches really matter. If I needed it to fit in my backpack, the 8 might be a better choice. Pick the one you think you'll like. Sometimes you just have to try stuff. I tried it and came to the conclusion that I'll never buy another barrel shorter than 10.3/10.5 regardless of caliber.
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Posted: 1/18/2021 10:45:14 PM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryQuoted: 8.5-9" was kinda what I was thinking but I can't find it right now. I've been looking at PSA just because the reviews look good and they come available more often than other but they don't normally have the 8.5" or 9". Normally they have the 7.5" and the 10.5". Not sure what is going to happen in the near future so I was thinking I should just buy one of them. Thoughts? Decent brass cased 300 ammo is $1.50/round at the moment. Unless your are sitting on a large stash, or have the components to reload. My thoughts are I wouldn't trust a PSA upper for self defense until it had >500 rounds through it. I have a bunch of PSA guns, not bashing them at all, but their QC is not upper end. I would trust a BCM or DD upper with a lot less rounds down range. With the amount of ammo I'd need to spend to trust a new gun it would be a better deal for me to spend more on the upper. |
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Posted: 1/18/2021 10:45:35 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote HistoryQuoted: 8" /thread This unless you buy a Q barre and then it’s 7” with a 1:5 twist |
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Posted: 1/18/2021 11:34:50 PM EDT
[#11]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I like my 10.3 because it has a little more handguard room for running a light and it's more comfortable to shoot over my 8, IMO. For HD I don't think the extra 2.5 inches really matter. If I needed it to fit in my backpack, the 8 might be a better choice. Pick the one you think you'll like. Sometimes you just have to try stuff. I tried it and came to the conclusion that I'll never buy another barrel shorter than 10.3/10.5 regardless of caliber. Absolutely agree 100%. 10.3" is the absolute minimum outside of extreme concealability IMO. |
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Posted: 1/18/2021 11:37:51 PM EDT
[#12]
Anyone saying 9" is enough for full burn or is what .300blk was specifically designed for should watch this.
 The Best 300BLK Barrel Length & All Things 300 Blackout Answered |
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Posted: 1/19/2021 12:29:58 AM EDT
[#13]
Good video...
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Posted: 1/19/2021 12:32:23 AM EDT
[#14]
Cal Ranch has Armscor brass .300 Blackout for $14.99 a box for anyone looking that has one in there area.
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Posted: 1/19/2021 12:34:53 AM EDT
[#15]
I'm building a 6" next.
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Posted: 1/19/2021 9:24:29 AM EDT
[#16]
If you plan to use subsonic ammunition primarily, 5.5" is plenty. I mostly use supersonic 110 Gr Barnes or Hornady V-Max. I primarily shoot supersonic and a key question is whether to suppress it or not. If no suppressor is to be used, I'd go with an 11.3" barrel. If you plan to use a suppressor, I'd go with an 8" barrel. I've experimented with 5.5", 6.75", 8", 9", and 16". Shooting suppressed, I have found that I gain roughly 135 fps going from a 5.5" barrel to a 6.75". I found I gained another 135 fps going from a 6.75" barrel to an 8" barrel. From 8" to 9" I gained about 35 fps, and from 9" to 16" it averaged out at roughly 35 fps per inch.
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Posted: 1/19/2021 9:46:36 AM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryQuoted: From what I’ve read, .300 BLK ammo is designed to be optimum out of a 9” barrel. So, anything around that should be fine. If you have an 8” or 8.5” barrel, you shouldn’t lose any meaningful velocity. I haven’t done a lot of experimenting, but I have an 8.5” barrel on mine. When I say optimum, I mean the round is designed for full burn out of a 9” barrel. So, you are not gaining anything by going longer and you’re not losing a lot by going a little shorter. The cartridge (supersonic) was designed to max out velocity efficiency at 16". Maybe not optimal for HD. I went with a 10.5" for my SBR. |
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Posted: 1/19/2021 11:15:02 AM EDT
[#18]
8"to 9" is what you will see the most, but anything from 7.5" to 10.5" is still really, really common. Some go shorter, some go longer...just depends on the build and usage.
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Posted: 1/19/2021 12:30:25 PM EDT
[#19]
Quoted: I've read a lot of stuff and I can't seems to figure out what a good balance of barrel length for home defense vs overall round performance at a distance would be for 300BO. I know that 300BO comes in a wide variety from sub 100GR to over 200GR and all would have different properties but hopefully someone can speak from experience on their preference. I'd like something that I can grab in a pinch if need be for home defense but would still like it to be effective at a decent range as well. Sub's or super's? Suppressed or no? It matters. |
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Posted: 1/19/2021 9:07:36 PM EDT
[#20]
PSA muzzle threads on .300 Blackout barrels generally have little shoulder, no thread relief cut, and often cause suppressors to mount a little cocked. Shorter barrels need shorter handguards so suppressors can clear handguard. If you have long arms and don’t plan to add a can then a 10” with a FH is really nice.
Shortest I’ve gone is 8”. That’s a solid 200 yard lethal range with 110grn Vortex blacktop. I wouldn’t mess with heavy subsonics unless you’ve got a can. Mid-weight 150ish grain loads are crap blasting ammo, and hardly worth current prices. |
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Posted: 1/19/2021 10:26:46 PM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I like my 10.3 over my 8. Somewhere around 9 inches should be good. I like my 10.3 too. It has the right amount of rail coverage. 7.5 winds up with too little rail, feel like I'd think the same on a 8.5, but I've never owned one. 10.3 gives enough space for a light, forward grip, other accessories. A shorter barrel limits your gripping options if you are running a handgrip. 300 BO might be optimized for an 8.5, I just like having a little more barrel, and a 10.3 SBR is a pretty compact package - I personally have a Daniel Defense. |
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Posted: 1/19/2021 10:29:49 PM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryQuoted: From what I’ve read, .300 BLK ammo is designed to be optimum out of a 9” barrel. So, anything around that should be fine. If you have an 8” or 8.5” barrel, you shouldn’t lose any meaningful velocity. I haven’t done a lot of experimenting, but I have an 8.5” barrel on mine. When I say optimum, I mean the round is designed for full burn out of a 9” barrel. So, you are not gaining anything by going longer and you’re not losing a lot by going a little shorter. Not true at all. The 300 BO is the commercial version of the 300 Whisper. The 300 Whisper was created by J.D. Jones for suppressed use by mil and pol. Barrels longer than 9", give or take, will allow the heavy bullet to go supersonic which defeats the purpose. That bullet will continue to gain speed out of 16" and more of barrel. So, you need to decide the purpose and then the barrel length. For hunting with super's, you can make use of all the barrel you can get. For subsonic use with heavy pills, suppressed, you need to keep MV under 1,125 fps + or - depending on elevation. |
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Posted: 1/20/2021 12:50:59 AM EDT
[#23]
Quote HistoryQuoted: 110gr Barnes stays above the 1,350fps expansion threshold until 275yd from my 7" briefcase rifle. I don't really need a blackout to make shots longer than that, so I say 7". https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/443986/i-T9ggQ4C-L_png-1785992.JPG Music to my ears. I'm using an 8" Wilson Combat and also shooting a Barnes 110gr. Have not done accuracy testing yet but your post and others have me quite optimistic. |
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Posted: 1/23/2021 7:39:24 PM EDT
[#24]
Hydra-shokz's comments are the same as mine.
My 8.5" is fine... but my 10.5 is much more suitable to my needs. |
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Posted: 1/23/2021 9:19:24 PM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I like my 10.3 too. It has the right amount of rail coverage. 7.5 winds up with too little rail, feel like I'd think the same on a 8.5, but I've never owned one. 10.3 gives enough space for a light, forward grip, other accessories. A shorter barrel limits your gripping options if you are running a handgrip. 300 BO might be optimized for an 8.5, I just like having a little more barrel, and a 10.3 SBR is a pretty compact package - I personally have a Daniel Defense. How long is your rail on your 10.3? I've had a few different configurations, but all of them run rails slightly longer than the barrel, with a KAK micro flash can on the end (I have a 9" rail, a 9.2" rail and a 9.5" rail). I do agree, too short of a rail can get uncomfortable. I've been keeping an eye out for an FDE MI 8" rail and a 7.5" Barrel to replace my 8.3" Hanson "backpack" weapon. I'm wondering how short an 8" rail will feel. |
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Posted: 1/23/2021 9:21:13 PM EDT
[#26]
Quote HistoryQuoted: 8.5" /thread (Edited to from 8" to 8.5". Mine is 8.5") FPNI |
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Posted: 1/24/2021 11:20:28 AM EDT
[#27]
I went 10.3" As above, you can do "normal stuff' on the rail. Magtech 200's chrono at 1040 (on that day) out of a Rugged Razor. I think it's the best all around length, outside of hunting 4 legged things. But as has been said already x10 - if your primary reason is in backpack for crims at 100 yards, get all Napolean on that barrels ass
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Posted: 1/28/2021 7:13:01 AM EDT
[#28]
10.5 for the rail length. Since my suppressor won't tuck under a slim handguard (which I prefer), I like the rail space that's available versus an 8.5. As others have stated above, it gives you a lot more versatility with lights, sling mounts, etc.
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Posted: 1/29/2021 8:20:20 PM EDT
[#29]
I understand that the caliber only need 8" or so for complete powder burn (contrast with 5.56 which needs 14.5 or so). I have a 10.5 and a 13.7". I like both for what they are. The 13.7 is actually very pleasant to shoot for most people who have shot it in terms of noise and recoil.
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Posted: 1/29/2021 11:31:49 PM EDT
[#30]
As far as rails go, it is easy get a longer rail.
9" rail with 8.5" barrel. KAK micro flash can  9.5" rail with 9" barrel. KAK micro flash can  Same 9.5" rail with 9" barrel (top) Bottom is 8.3" barrel with 9.19" rail. KAK micro flash can I'll be swapping this one out soon. Just trying to find the right barrel. Either an 8.5", 9", or 10.3/5". The 8.3" BA Hanson coupled with the Aero Atlas are a bad fit. I thought the Aero was 9"'s instead of 9.19"'s, so the barrel is a hair shorter than what I would like. Plus the thicker profile of the Hanson does not allow me to use the build in QD slot in the rail. Will probably go with a Faxson gunner profile. (either 9" or 10.5"). 
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Posted: 1/29/2021 11:37:56 PM EDT
[#31]
I've got an 8", 10.5" and a 16".
8" for suppressed subs. 10.5 and 16" for supers. Kills deer deader than shit!  Edited for shitty spelling. |
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Posted: 1/30/2021 12:07:27 AM EDT
[#32]
I understand that the caliber only need 8" or so for complete powder burn Not true. I don't know where that comes from but people keep repeating it. The short barrel was desired for the 300 Whisper to keep velocity below 1125 fps to shoot sub's suppressed. More barrel will result in more velocity, period. |
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Posted: 1/30/2021 1:27:52 AM EDT
[#33]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Anyone saying 9" is enough for full burn or is what .300blk was specifically designed for should watch this.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VNl7QXykUY.357 mag fired out of a 16” lever action has more velocity than out of a 4” revolver. That doesn’t mean .357 mag is optimized for or made for rifles. Also, FPNI |
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Posted: 1/30/2021 2:57:11 AM EDT
[#34]
Quote HistoryQuoted: .357 mag fired out of a 16” lever action has more velocity than out of a 4” revolver. That doesn’t mean .357 mag is optimized for or made for rifles. Also, FPNI Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Anyone saying 9" is enough for full burn or is what .300blk was specifically designed for should watch this. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VNl7QXykUY.357 mag fired out of a 16” lever action has more velocity than out of a 4” revolver. That doesn’t mean .357 mag is optimized for or made for rifles. Also, FPNI I don't see where I or anyone else suggested .300blk is optimized for 16" either. |
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Posted: 1/30/2021 3:01:53 AM EDT
[#35]
Quote HistoryQuoted: As far as rails go, it is easy get a longer rail. 9" rail with 8.5" barrel. KAK micro flash can https://i.imgur.com/QUss7qV.jpg 9.5" rail with 9" barrel. KAK micro flash can https://i.imgur.com/XURqDW1.png Same 9.5" rail with 9" barrel (top) Bottom is 8.3" barrel with 9.19" rail. KAK micro flash can I'll be swapping this one out soon. Just trying to find the right barrel. Either an 8.5", 9", or 10.3/5". The 8.3" BA Hanson coupled with the Aero Atlas are a bad fit. I thought the Aero was 9"'s instead of 9.19"'s, so the barrel is a hair shorter than what I would like. Plus the thicker profile of the Hanson does not allow me to use the build in QD slot in the rail. Will probably go with a Faxson gunner profile. (either 9" or 10.5"). https://i.imgur.com/CwjCeAL.jpg 10.3" barrel + 2.25" linear comp + crush washer = linear comp sits 1/16" proud of a 12" handguard.  
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Posted: 1/31/2021 10:29:59 PM EDT
[#36]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Decent brass cased 300 ammo is $1.50/round at the moment. Unless your are sitting on a large stash, or have the components to reload. My thoughts are I wouldn't trust a PSA upper for self defense until it had >500 rounds through it. I have a bunch of PSA guns, not bashing them at all, but their QC is not upper end. I would trust a BCM or DD upper with a lot less rounds down range. With the amount of ammo I'd need to spend to trust a new gun it would be a better deal for me to spend more on the upper. I have never considered this. Great point....and sadly true!! |
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Posted: 1/31/2021 10:52:37 PM EDT
[#37]
Quote HistoryQuoted: 110gr Barnes stays above the 1,350fps expansion threshold until 275yd from my 7" briefcase rifle. I don't really need a blackout to make shots longer than that, so I say 7". https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/443986/i-T9ggQ4C-L_png-1785992.JPG And yeah, 7"-9" is where it's at. Mine is 8.5" but I could just as easily do 6", really. I pretty much only shoot subs nowadays, and if I want speed I shoot a 556 or Grendel. |
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