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Posted: 8/1/2011 6:02:26 PM EDT
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I am thinking of starting the process for my first SBR soon, and was starting to do some research. I am trying to build a low weight AR15 build that I can carry around my property. However, I still want the barrel to be long enough to get reasonable velocity out of. What is a barrel weight that has a good balance between velocity and weight (I'm going with a lightweight barrel profile also). I was thinking 12.5, simply because it is right in the middle of the spectrum. Any advice is very welcome. Also, is there a difference in function and reliability with the different barrel weights? I'm sure this is asked a lot so sorry but I did a search and didn't pull up anything.
Thanks, Gabe |
Barrel length changes weight very little when using a lightweight barrel. What will matter is when you put a suppressor on it, how far out that suppressor is. So while a 16" and a 10.5" won't affect weight very much, hanging a suppressor on a 16" will matter a lot. I'd go with a 16" or go with a 10.5". Go short or go home. 
ETA: Excellent page regarding velocity at different barrel lengths. http://www.accuratereloading.com/223sb.html |
| I'm a big fan of 11.5" barrel length. It has decent velocity and the weapon still runs reliably and is less punishing on a suppressor, compared to a 10.5" barrel. The 12.5" barrel has become popular recently and is a good choice also, has a little more velocity, but is also an inch longer, so slightly less handier. |
| if you ever what to use a reflex type supperssor then the 12.5" is a good choice. I really like my 12.5" have handled a 11.5" and it I could not tell any difference between it and the 12.5". For my money I would consider the 11.5" the lowest that I would go in a 5.56mm. You what to go below that then I would consider the 6.8mm or the 300blk. YMMV |
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