So I admit to be a newb to this site, I searched and couldn't find an answer.
My question: What is the best barrel length for a .223 AR? I hear that a 24" barrel may add some stability and also lessen the report of the rifle. I've been leaning towards a 20" DPMS flattop.
However, I remember reading (don't remember where) that any barrel length over 16" on a .22 is counter-productive. The idea was that all of the powder and thus velocity was maximized/used up at around the 16" mark of the barrel, so any further travel in the barrel, past 16" would actually slow the bullet down. Also, after a day of plinking, residue would build up around the 16" mark and impact the accuracy as the bullet would hit a "constriction" in the barrel.
Now just because I read it doesn't make it true, but it sounds logical. Velocity can't increase forever in a barrel.
Thoughts?
My question: What is the best barrel length for a .223 AR? I hear that a 24" barrel may add some stability and also lessen the report of the rifle. I've been leaning towards a 20" DPMS flattop.
However, I remember reading (don't remember where) that any barrel length over 16" on a .22 is counter-productive. The idea was that all of the powder and thus velocity was maximized/used up at around the 16" mark of the barrel, so any further travel in the barrel, past 16" would actually slow the bullet down. Also, after a day of plinking, residue would build up around the 16" mark and impact the accuracy as the bullet would hit a "constriction" in the barrel.
Now just because I read it doesn't make it true, but it sounds logical. Velocity can't increase forever in a barrel.
Thoughts?