I've heard a lot of complaints about muzzle blast from 5.56 SBRs -- presumably because the standard loads are designed for longer burns in the longer mil-spec barrels. I've also heard anecdotally that 6.8mm doesn't have this problem as much. Can anyone with SBRs in both calibers confirm whether 6.8 is a relativley more subdued round from the shorter barrels?
SBR muzzle blast: 6.8 vs 5.56
1 - 6 of 6 Posts
Joined
·
6,835 Posts
6.8 SPC has much more blast than 5.56, in both 16" and SBR. My 11" 6.8 SPC almost feels like it is burning the hairs on my arms when I shoot it. It is very manageable but you definitely know you are shooting something bigger than 5.56. The PWS muzzle break really helps out lots. I know people don't like to stand to my side when I shoot it. I also have a 5.56 barrel in 11".
Huh, well that doesn't seem like a good feature to have -- especially since SBRs are designed for confined spaces!
Are there faster-burning loads in either caliber that reduce muzzle blast, or do other rifle calibers work better in SBRs?
Are there faster-burning loads in either caliber that reduce muzzle blast, or do other rifle calibers work better in SBRs?
Joined
·
6,835 Posts
I didn't say it doesn't work well. Have you ever fired an 11 inch 5.56? It has a bit of muzzle blast, hence the reason more LE/MIL are going to Supressors for CQB. I am not sure it is a component of powder burn as much as it is just that the muzzle is that much closer to you. Maybe I don;t know enough about the burn time and effect on muzzle blast. When I think of muzzle blast I think of the blast of air that I feel when I shoot, not a flame coming out of th eend. Like I said, the PWS muzzle brake makes it very comfortable.
Me, I wouldn't want to do any CQB stuff with an SBR on a daily basis unless it was supressed. Good thing my job description doesn't call for any of that. If I have to use it once or twice I will be just fine.
Me, I wouldn't want to do any CQB stuff with an SBR on a daily basis unless it was supressed. Good thing my job description doesn't call for any of that. If I have to use it once or twice I will be just fine.
Joined
·
23,375 Posts
I have two LWRC gas piston ARs....with 10.5" bbls on each. I can say without a doubt the 6.8 has WAY more muzzle blast (as in a giant, visible fireball in bright sunlight) and much more recoil than even my POF P-308 (which is admittedly very low).
I actually had a guy ask if I was shooting a .50 cal when I lit off a mag of 6.8, LOL. It's THAT loud and has that much percussion.
While this doesn't pertain to the XCR, it may be of some use to you.
HTH,
Sean
1 - 6 of 6 Posts
