Is there any real difference in 223 wylde 16" and 18" barrels?

[Jaytrigger]

In the market for a 223 wylde barrel and want to know if there is really any difference in the two?

 

[Laseredge]

Maybe 30 fps, give or take.

 

[Crosshair]

Less difference than going from 14.5 to 16. If you aren't going to be doing a whole lot of "carbine" type stuff, I'd say go with the 18 for a small but measurable gain in velocity and less muzzleblast. I guess that's mainly how people are differentiating a Recce from an SPR. Of course, barrel quality and twist makes bigger difference than 2 inch of length. I went with a 16" stainless Raineer match 1:8, and love am loving it. I'd probably jump to a 20 or 22 for a longer range upper.

 

[TimK]

With 18" you have the common option to have rifle length gas system. I don't know if that's available in 16" or if that might even be a consideration for your purposes.

I've used 18's with the thinking I could always cut them back if I hated it. Haven't yet.

 

[Jaytrigger]

i wanted a short but still want a precision rifle that will be good moa to 100-300 yards. i think the 16" should do for this purpose.

 

[Shoots 700's]

16" is plenty for shooting out to 300 yards

 

[TimK]

16" is plenty for shooting out to 300 yards

Agreed! .

 

[bm11]

2"

Fuck I can't even be a smartass on this new board, as "2"" does not meet the 10 character bottom limit.

 

[hermosabeach]

Here is some hacksaw data

BBTI - Ballistics by the Inch :: .223 Rifle Results