by Hoot » Sun Oct 15, 2017 7:41 pm
Welcome aboard OM.
If you never intend to reload, the longer barrel will net you more velocity but is not absolutely necessary as the factory rounds are plenty lethal even at reduced velocity. If your hunting scenario places you within 100 yds, any barrel will suffice. Since the bullets shed velocity as the range increases, the additional velocity afforded by a longer barrel might and that's a big might, help extend the killing range a little. I have two 20 inchers. they are plenty long for my needs and I'm a big proponent for rifles with rifle length barrels, not pop-guns. As for the gas system. I have had all three, carbine, mid and rifle length systems. By far, the mid-length system is the best choice IMHO. Regarding twist rate. With the factory ammo, anything from 1:16 and slower will deliver them point first. I don't hunt with 300gr or heavier bullets, so I'm fond of the 1:24 twist, such as the Bushmaster factory AR uppers come with.
Hoot
In Theory, there is no difference between theory and practice. In Practice, there is.