Any advantage of 26 " or 28" bbl. over 20"

[Baddog0302]

I'm thinking about getting a longer barrel for my AR to shoot in F/TR match's, stock is 20".
20" or 26" would be the same barrel maker just different smiths
The 28" would be a CBI barrel and a different smith.
Any thoughts

Thank you

 

[Ned Ludd]

Big difference in the velocity that can be achieved with the longer barrel. More velocity means less wind deflection with a given bullet, all else being equal (i.e. precision). Most F-TR shooters are using 28" (minimum) to 32" barrels. The downside to longer and/or heavier contour barrels is the added weight.

 

[XTR]

In a dedicated target rifle I'm not so sure added weight is a downside. I really enjoy shooting my nearly 18# 223, recoil is, hmmm... I'll go with "mimimal".

To the OP. If you just want to get out and participate and shoot at an F class match then bring what you have, shoot in F-TR and have fun. On the other hand, if you want to compete at mid range then you need to understand that to be compeditive most days in mid range (600 yards) you need to average about 198 out of 200 and be able to put up cleans. The competition at 600 is very tight. The differece in a 20" and a 30" is probably going to be several points over two days.

 

[Baddog0302]

Thank you both , right now I'm just trying to get into a prone position. Something this 70+ year old body hasn't done in a very long time. I may need to sign up at the local collage for the old farts stretching classes so I can be ready for next year.
I'll see if I can run some speed {FPS] using the different bbl. lengths and Sierra & Hornady's service rifle data using their 80 gn. bullets

 

[mac86951]

For an AR; 26" length and beyond get to dwell issues with gas system. WHITE Oak Armament offer extended gas tubes.

Otherwise; run your ballistic calculator with bullet of choice. Approx; 20fps increase per inch longer from 20" for 223 with a 77-80gr with powders we typically use (n140, varget, h4895). That should give you a ball park estimate of change from your barrel length.

-Mac

 

[JohnKielly]

Closer to the target.

 

[Baddog0302]

For an AR; 26" length and beyond get to dwell issues with gas system. WHITE Oak Armament offer extended gas tubes.

Otherwise; run your ballistic calculator with bullet of choice. Approx; 20fps increase per inch longer from 20" for 223 with a 77-80gr with powders we typically use (n140, varget, h4895). That should give you a ball park estimate of change from your barrel length.

-Mac

Mac, thank you, , 20 to 26" and only 120 (+-) FPS increase, sounds like maybe , me thinks $$$ would be better spent on "glass" or $$$ bullets.

 

[mac86951]

Certainly $$$ on practice; however if you're going for 1000y; it can squeek you over the transonic region.

I'd recommend glass and practice.

-Mac

 

[TAJ45]

"Getting into position" - at 69.8 years, no problem getting down into position, it's the getting up. It only takes two young bucks to get me on my feet and unpretzelled.....

With winter coming on and maybe lessor no shooting weather available, think about a faster tw on a long bbl to handle the 90s.......?