Performance differences between 18.6" and 16" HBAR?

Re: Performance differences between 18.6" and 16" HBAR?

with the 18" you'll get another 50-75 yards for fragmentation to occur with ball ammo due to added velocity. accuracy wise they will be about the same.

when it comes to handling the 16 thin barrel appreciably increased the handling of the rifle over the 18.6 heavy.

Re: Performance differences between 18.6" and 16" HBAR?

For target plinking and hunting would you recommend the 18 or 16? I won't be using it in combat situations so would you recommend the HBAR?

Re: Performance differences between 18.6" and 16" HBAR?

I dont think there is a difference in accuracy frankly. I could be wrong, I've not done a head to head test.

I guess if given the choice , I'd take the extra velocity. Thats NEVER a bad thing in the 556.

Re: Performance differences between 18.6" and 16" HBAR?

Much appreciated.

Re: Performance differences between 18.6" and 16" HBAR?

Jack A Sol said:

I dont think there is a difference in accuracy frankly. I could be wrong, I've not done a head to head test.

I guess if given the choice , I'd take the extra velocity. Thats NEVER a bad thing in the 556.

Click to expand...

Barrel length and accuracy is really not an issue at 100 yards. Now as it gets further, and the bullet slows down, the wind can push it around more.

Re: Performance differences between 18.6" and 16" HBAR?

What are you planning to hunt? If it is deer size you will need all the barrel you can get (as in 20 inches) for max velocity. I have hunted deer successfully with the .223, but shot placement is critical. For deer or hog I would go with the 6.8, 6.5 (not out yet), or 7.62x39. If you don't reload that leaves you with the 7.62x39. It would be adequate to about 200 meters with the 125 or 154 grain softpoint ammo that is readily available. :2cents: Hope this helps. 5.56/.223 is expensive and pretty much worthless for man or beast. Bet this post gets the hornets stirred up. >

Re: Performance differences between 18.6" and 16" HBAR?

Gosh! Where does that leave 38 Special?

Re: Performance differences between 18.6" and 16" HBAR?

Before the hornets start stinging indiscriminately, I advise people to hop over and read this. Some bashing but it gets pretty technical as you dive in.
http://www.worldaffairsboard.com/showthread.php?t=11947

I hadn't planned on hunting deer with the 5.56. I think I'll wait for the XCR-M for that. Duly noted for the other game.

Re: Performance differences between 18.6" and 16" HBAR?

That thread gave me a headache. :duh:

Re: Performance differences between 18.6" and 16" HBAR?

Terra, You are correct.... it gave me a headache too!!! I would HATE to take a bullet... any size bullet. If given the choice I would want it SMALL vs BIG bullet. When you are in a hurry (the other asshole is shooting at you) shot placement is questionable at best. In that case, as well as a well placed single round, bigger is better. After he is hit he most likely (unless he is well trained) will try to disengage. If your shot is well placed he may well bleed out fairly fast. :2cents:

Re: Performance differences between 18.6" and 16" HBAR?

In the end, I say that shot placement is the most important factor and secondly, the environment determines which ammo is best. Although I will say that if the 5.56 tumbles through the target like it is supposed to, those wounds are worse than some of the 7.62 stuff. I agree with gunner69. Getting shot would suck, period.