Barrel Options for a SBR 308 rifle?

LilGucci · Oct 21, 2024

I'm not building this right away, in fact I'm 3 years away from doing this project because I'm doing my 14.5 6.5 Creedmoor build next year, but I was doing some research into short barrel rifles on the AR10 platform. I saw a video of a 13.5 LMT hitting targets past 1000 yards and it got me interested in the idea.

I'll be building it in an Aero m5 Upper and handguard, and was wondering what my options for barrels are for an SBR 308 rifle?

I'd prefer 13.5-14.5. I was looking at Craddock Precision but they don't have anything less than a 16". Same with Criterion. What barrel makers, twist rate, and gas length would you all suggest for such a build?

Clayman · Oct 21, 2024

Noveske is making a 14.5 soon

SOLGW has a 14.5 mid length 1-9.7 twist

As far as more custom stuff I've been pleased with MOSTEK. They will make you whatever you want. As far as what your should choose for profile, twist, etc I'm not sure.

Clayman · Oct 21, 2024

If you're shooting suppressed I like low dwell length but on 308 I'm not sure what port size on like a 14.5" intermediate 308 should be. Also depends on the silencer used

LilGucci · Oct 21, 2024

Clayman said:
If you're shooting suppressed I like low dwell length but on 308 I'm not sure what port size on like a 14.5" intermediate 308 should be. Also depends on the silencer used

The suppressors I'm intending to get in 2026 are the Deadair Sandman S, Deadair Nomad L, Huxwrx Flow, TBAC Dominus, and TBAC Ultra 9. I already have my 556 suppressors, so my 308 suppressors are planned for 2026.

LilGucci · Oct 21, 2024

Clayman said:
Noveske is making a 14.5 soon

SOLGW has a 14.5 mid length 1-9.7 twist

As far as more custom stuff I've been pleased with MOSTEK. They will make you whatever you want. As far as what your should choose for profile, twist, etc I'm not sure.

I think I'll wait for Noveske then, I really appreciate it man, thank you so much. I'll check out Mostek and talk to their customer reps.

Overwatch260 · Oct 21, 2024

I just picked up a 13" mid length Criterion from Midwest Industries, 10 twist, black nitride finish with an M118LR spec chamber. Not sure if they're specifically made by Criterion for Midwest since I didn't see anything on the Criterion site about them. It's a nice looking barrel for the money, I'm waiting on a new receiver set before I'll be able to give any feedback on how it shoots. Also going to pin gauge the gas port later this week to get a better idea on how it should be gassed.

https://midwestindustriesinc.com/criterion-13-308-1-10-nitride-barrel/

kthomas · Oct 21, 2024

Noveske has 12.5" .308 barrels now. They also make 13.7" .308 barrels, but out of stock according to their website.

Cascade Hemi · Oct 21, 2024

308 Win 12.5" MLGS( AR-15)

Cascade Hemi · Oct 21, 2024

Clayman said:
If you're shooting suppressed I like low dwell length but on 308 I'm not sure what port size on like a 14.5" intermediate 308 should be. Also depends on the silencer used

Suppressed only would probably work with a .055" port.

LilGucci · Oct 23, 2024

Cascade Hemi said:
Suppressed only would probably work with a .055" port.

Hey I appreciate the tip. I'll try to confirm it with a brand rep of whoever barrel I choose to go with.

Deepwoods · Oct 24, 2024

V7 has a 14.5" .308 option. Semantics aside as to whether that--pinned--is a short barrel. I have a fluted one (that as converted to LMT barrel extension) with a pinned HUXWRX brake. It handles nicely, though the light weight of the barrel is sort of offset by mounting it with/ too a heavier platform.

That would match nicely with your planned Flow purchase...

Cascade Hemi · Oct 24, 2024

LilGucci said:
Hey I appreciate the tip. I'll try to confirm it with a brand rep of whoever barrel I choose to go with.

It's unlikely you will see a port that small unless it is custom spec'd. The 12.5" barrel in the picture above started as a 16" MLGS and has a .0715 port. That is a pretty standard size port, and considered correct, despite being too large. If you're planning on a custom barrel you should be able to spec your own port. If I was going to run a 14.5" barrel I'd stick with a RLGS.

LilGucci · Oct 25, 2024

Cascade Hemi said:
It's unlikely you will see a port that small unless it is custom spec'd. The 12.5" barrel in the picture above started as a 16" MLGS and has a .0715 port. That is a pretty standard size port, and considered correct, despite being too large. If you're planning on a custom barrel you should be able to spec your own port. If I was going to run a 14.5" barrel I'd stick with a RLGS.

I'm liking the 13.7" 308 from Noveske, but I'm not sure if it's RLGS or a MLGS. I'll reach out to them.

LilGucci · Oct 25, 2024

Deepwoods said:
V7 has a 14.5" .308 option. Semantics aside as to whether that--pinned--is a short barrel. I have a fluted one (that as converted to LMT barrel extension) with a pinned HUXWRX brake. It handles nicely, though the light weight of the barrel is sort of offset by mounting it with/ too a heavier platform.

That would match nicely with your planned Flow purchase...

That's another option I'll have to take a look at. Can such a lightweight barrel take a bit of abuse from rapid fire?

Overwatch260 · Oct 25, 2024

For reference my Criterion 13" mid length gauged at .076 on the gas port... Might be a good thing I got a Rubber City adjustable gas key BCG since it will be run suppressed 99%of the time. Don't believe a Superlative GB will fit under my Centurion CMR so I'll try the gas key route first.

Cascade Hemi · Oct 26, 2024

LilGucci said:
I'm liking the 13.7" 308 from Noveske, but I'm not sure if it's RLGS or a MLGS. I'll reach out to them.

You'd have to ask them. Probably either AR15 mid length or AR10 carbine length. Frankly I'd go custom 14.5" RLGS. 308 needs less dwell than 223; too much dwell too soon and it'll eat your brass. 12.5" MLGS is pretty good for dwell, suppressed/unsuppressed, LMOS/FMOS, top of the max pressure. All of it works.

TonyTheTiger · Oct 26, 2024

LilGucci said:
I'm liking the 13.7" 308 from Noveske, but I'm not sure if it's RLGS or a MLGS.

A 13.7" RLGS would have the gas block pretty much flush with the muzzle, so I'm certain it's not that.

corey4 · Oct 26, 2024

I had an aero m5 pistol i put together a few years ago. It was the heavy barrel 18" RLGS i had cut to 14.5". Saker 762 can, SLR agb, KAC buffer spring. It was a pussy cat to shoot. I needed money so i sold the receiver set. I still have the barrel and have been thinking about doing another but SBRing it this time.

higginsworksforme · Oct 28, 2024

I have a 12.5" ballistic advantage barrel and I'm waiting on the KAK downventing bcg and the new Otter Creek silencer.

Deepwoods · Oct 28, 2024

LilGucci said:
That's another option I'll have to take a look at. Can such a lightweight barrel take a bit of abuse from rapid fire?

I am not an expert on barrels, or abuse, but... maybe it depends on what you mean by taking the abuse, and how much rapid fire.

LilGucci · Oct 28, 2024

Deepwoods said:
I am not an expert on barrels, or abuse, but... maybe it depends on what you mean by taking the abuse, and how much rapid fire.

With my precision AR15's, I like to shoot a round and wait a minute or so before taking the next shot to let the barrel cool a little. I'm shooting WOA, and Craddock Precision and CLE barrels with them and I'd like to see these 3 barrels last me a long time, especially the CLE one since they are no longer selling barrels. But with my BCM, I don't necessarily mag dump it but I do shoot it fast and pay no mind to its barrel life as I don't mind replacing its barrel very soon.

I'm also a beginner shooter, and I don't know too much about AR10's or 308 barrel life, but I read its somewhere between 5000-8000 rounds for the 308 caliber. I would like my 308 SBR to last at least 6,000 rounds without losing accuracy, but I'd like to treat it more like my BCM and let it get a little hot without being concerned about it. So I don't know if a lightweight barrel is the route for me to go.

Romeo458 · Oct 28, 2024

Overwatch260 said:
For reference my Criterion 13" mid length gauged at .076 on the gas port... Might be a good thing I got a Rubber City adjustable gas key BCG since it will be run suppressed 99%of the time. Don't believe a Superlative GB will fit under my Centurion CMR so I'll try the gas key route first.

How's the adjustable gas key work on that?

I had a 10inc 308 at one point. It was fun, but still loud with a can. I'm looking at doing a 13inc 308, I'm leaning towards a FAL though.

Overwatch260 · Oct 28, 2024

Romeo458 said:
How's the adjustable gas key work on that?

Best way I can describe it is it has an adjustment screw in the rear upper portion of the gas key to choke down on the amount of gas allowed through the key and into the carrier. Another set screw locks the adjustment into place once you get it adjusted where you need it. Kinda seems a bit like an adjustable gas block but on the other end of the gas tube. Probably not quite as much adjustment as a true AGB though.

Merle · Oct 28, 2024

Why you all feeding the troll?

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