LMT 308 stainless barrel question / advice

[problemchild]

My rifle is in the shop and I am being told it needs a new barrel under warranty. Something was out of spec. So I asked if I could buy the SS barrel for the difference of chrome vs SS and they said OK.

I know this is a good deal and I wonder if the barrel will work for my shooting style. I shoot mostly 155/168grs at 100-200yds(range limited). I can also shoot the 175gs up to 600 at another range that is twice as far to drive and more crowded.

My optics for now are the Acog TA11-H. I am able to print fairly small groups using the post under the horseshoe dot.

So here is my question. Is the SS barrel worth the $270 additional I will pay to upgrade? Would I get any benefit? I dont shoot barrels out so I figure either barrel will last me a lifetime.

Opinions?

 

[dmg308]

Re: LMT 308 stainless barrel question / advice

Nope

 

[problemchild]

Re: LMT 308 stainless barrel question / advice

So the 11.25 twist wont work with 155/168's?

 

[dmg308]

Re: LMT 308 stainless barrel question / advice

Yes it will but the 10 twist CM barrel is fine for what your doing.I see no advantage for the stainless using an Acog and shooting at 600 yds and in.

 

[MtGoat]

Re: LMT 308 stainless barrel question / advice

The advantage to the stainless is that it is available in 18" and 20" as well as the 16". I haven't been keeping track but the CM only came in a 16" for a long time.

The 18 and 20" have the longer gas system (which to me is an advantage).

Pat

 

[dmg308]

Re: LMT 308 stainless barrel question / advice

CM is available in 20". I don't think the tube length is near the issue people think.All the MOD guns are short GT's.Mine runs like a sewing machine with every round I've put through it.

The port pressure will be lower but I have to believe companies like LMT have considered this when engineering the platform.

 

[problemchild]

Re: LMT 308 stainless barrel question / advice

How much weight does the 18 and 20 add? The gun is already heavy enough.

 

[MtGoat]

Re: LMT 308 stainless barrel question / advice

I have not weighed them but not much and it is out front. Additionally I tend to like the longer gas tubes which both the 18" and 20" have.

Pat

 

[problemchild]

Re: LMT 308 stainless barrel question / advice

Will the 18" 11.25 shoot 155/168/175gr projectiles or is it just for 175's?

 

[Oakland Tactical]

Re: LMT 308 stainless barrel question / advice

All three should work with it, I have the same twist in my Rock Creek barreled bolt gun. Same barrel except shorter. Mine shoots 1/2 moa with all three, It was also the barrel many GAP bolt guns had.

 

[RG in Idaho]

Re: LMT 308 stainless barrel question / advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MtGoat</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

The 18 and 20" have the longer gas system (which to me is an advantage).

Pat </div></div>

This would sway me if given the same option.

 

[problemchild]

Re: LMT 308 stainless barrel question / advice

So the longer gas system of the 18" gives what benefit?

 

[fiveoshooter]

Re: LMT 308 stainless barrel question / advice

Less pressure reaching the bolt carrier, slightly slower cycling, less violence during extraction and ejection - all equaling more reliability........

 

[FromMyColdDeadHand]

Re: LMT 308 stainless barrel question / advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: problemchild</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My rifle is in the shop and I am being told it needs a new barrel under warranty. Something was out of spec. </div></div>

What was out of spec? What did the gun do that made you return it?

 

[problemchild]

Re: LMT 308 stainless barrel question / advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: FromMyColdDeadHa</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: problemchild</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My rifle is in the shop and I am being told it needs a new barrel under warranty. Something was out of spec. </div></div>

What was out of spec? What did the gun do that made you return it? </div></div>

I was having a random FTJ

 

[samnev]

Re: LMT 308 stainless barrel question / advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dmg308</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Yes it will but the 10 twist CM barrel is fine for what your doing.I see no advantage for the stainless using an Acog and shooting at 600 yds and in. </div></div>
+1

 

[problemchild]

Re: LMT 308 stainless barrel question / advice

Well I had them install the SS barrel. The 18", which I wanted, was not available. I stuck with the 16" SS barrel, the 20 is too dang heavy. At some point I might get a USO scope so I wanted to have the right barrel for the future. Plus the price is right so I went with it. I will post a range report in a week or so.

Thanks for all the advice.