AR10 -308 16" or 18"

[Coach_Koon]

im working on a new build, and i can't decide which barrel length to go with.

i plan on exclusively shooting with a can, so i'm leaning towards a 16 but could be convinced on the 18"

both barrels are bsf carbon fiber barrels, both are the same price, the 18 weights 1.3 oz more.

any input is much appreciated

 

[mac86951]

im working on a new build, and i can't decide which barrel length to go with.

i plan on exclusively shooting with a can, so i'm leaning towards a 16 but could be convinced on the 18"

both barrels are bsf carbon fiber barrels, both are the same price, the 18 weights 1.3 oz more.

any input is much appreciated

Great barrel choice; they're light for sure, so the can will have some point of impact and load tuning shifts.

That said, ARs are all about the gas systems and I'd highly recommend a full length system for a can, and an adjustable gas block. 18" barrel with rifle length if it's available, is my recommendation.

-Mac

 

[6ShotsOr5?]

I agree with the above unless you plan to use it in a blind that’s on the cramped side, then I would go 16”.

 

[Coach_Koon]

Mac makes a good point. I wasnt even thinking about dwell times and such. The rifle length system in the 18" should make for a softer shooter.

 

[Coach_Koon]

The can i had my heart set on was the dead air nomad ti,

 

[troupe]

I have mine up for sale now, but I went with a 18" rifle length. Rifle length gas is the way to go for sure, then add a can, you may consider an adjustable gas block since it will be suppressed. I only fired 37 rounds in mine for sight in and velocity checks. I had 125gr bullets for deer hunting, but never done any hunting with it. I was getting 3000 fps with that light 30 cal. bullet in the 18".

 

[6ShotsOr5?]

I have 18” w/ rifle length gas system and an adjustable gas block, a pretty stiff barrel from Rainier Arms but I’m not sure what they call the profile, and I use a Dead Air Sandman-K with it. Seems soft shooting and quiet to me, but I use plugs and muffs too.

 

[mac86951]

Oh, and BTW; i just finished a BSF build with a 20" barrel. Get a light weight bolt carrier. Darn standard LR-308 carrier is made of lead i think...

I'd also recommend a JP HP bolt up front; i know BSF has their recommendations; though most standard bolts have dirt clearance for the firing pin; reliable? Yes; problems with primer cratering / piercing? Possibly.

-Mac

 

[6ShotsOr5?]

I originally had a very heavy SS bolt carrier from Rainier but had a lot of trouble with it. Now I’m using the JP bolt and a much cheaper (and lighter) bolt carrier from DPMS but it works well.