Noveske SS 5.56 barrel

[SKS Guy]

So I bought a rifle with a noveske SS leightweight barrel. I haven't shot for groups. Through research I've found the regular SS barrel is .750 at muzzle. The LW is .685 at the muzzle. It appears the regular barrel is .750 behind the gas block and the LW is .725. My question is how much difference in accuracy can there be in less than one tenth of an inch in diameter. I have found no side by side comparisons. I need to get some 77 grain match ammo but haven't decided if this one is a keeper yet. Anyone with experience with both barrels please comment.

 

[Frank]

Just the dimensions won't tell you which is more accurate or how much difference in accuracy between the two. Inside dimensions/uniformaty and how well the chamber was cut/centered and crown have a lot more to do with the accuracy than the external numbers. You got it, shoot it and see just how accurate it shoots.

 

[SKS Guy]

Your right I need to shoot this thing with some match ammo. I believe the barrels are exactly the same internally. Noveske Contours the LW down a little. Just curious as to if anyone has shot them side by side and was able to see if the countour affected groups after a little heat was applied

 

[Strykervet]

Light barrels whip more (ever seen it slow motion? the barrel moves like a wave, very elastic). But I can't see how that little difference would be that big of a deal. Like was mentioned, the individual cut would lend more to accuracy.

However, ounces add up, and shaving a bit off the weapon may be desirable. I plan on using heavy bull barrels up to the gas block, .750 after, and I'm having the barrels fluted deep and wide to get the weight down to 1 pound. Should retain a good bit of strength to boot. BTW, these are on order with Satern, not sure who else cuts 'em like he does.

I like the KAC dimple method a lot (from the looks of it) to reduce weight while maintaining structural integrity of the barrel, as there are no lines that force or warping can be delivered along. I could be wrong though.