Which barrel length for 450BM

[dawgball]

Here's another vote for the 16" barrel. It's lighter and handles quicker in the brush. I'm easily getting 2,200 fps with the 250 grain FTX, so what do I need with the extra 4" of barrel Actually if I had my preference it would be an 18 inch barrel with a little faster twist, maybe an 18 or 20, because I'm really into the 300 grain cast lead.
BD

Is this with Hornady's factory ammo or a special load using the 250 gr. FTX?

Thanks,
Nate

[Siringo]

Using 37.0 grs of LG -- I get 2200+ fps out of my 16". That is using WSR primers. 35.1 grains yields 2050 fps. Both show 1 1/2 in groups easily. The 37 gr load being a little more accurate. In fact, I consider this my best load outside of factory ammo.

I vie for the 16 inch. I carry the carbine across my chest when hunting and the 16 inch barrel is not dragging in the snow (if there is any).

[Hoot]

YMMV

[BD1]

I finally broke down last summer and bought a couple of boxes of factory ammo. It chronied an average 2190 out of my 16" barrel, with an ES of over 100 fps. My usual load of 40 grains of WC297 under the 250 grain FTX in cut down .284 brass averages 2200, 40 grains of H110 under the 250 FTX averages 2209. That's why I say it's easy to get 2200 out of a 16" barrel. YMMV as each and every rifle is a law unto it's self. The only way to accurately determine velocity loss/barrel length is to start with a long one and cut it down in steps, checking velocity using the same lot of ammo at each barrel length. I have run the 297 up to 2280 with excellent results, but my target velocity with the 250 FTX is 2200 as that matches the ballistic reticule on my scope very closely out to 300 yards.

BD

[45r]

I put in an order for a DAC custom build with 20 inch MRW barrel,Ross MB,samson handguard,AR performance locking system,midlength gas tube and LAR side charge receiver.Cost more but like custom barrels and the side charge would be better to me on a big-bore AR.I think I'm going to like the 450 a lot so I'm going whole hog on the upper.

[dawgball]

Wow. Great info guys. All the more reason i could care less what length i get. My main purpose will be whacking and stacking these Michigan Whitetail. And of course Fall Bear hunts when i am lucky enough to draw a permit. I Just need one!!

[smason8]

I had the same question. I have a 16" on backorder. I figure it makes no sense to buy a 20 inch long range rifle barrel for a short range cartridge. If anything I should have got my 5.56 in 20 inch.

BTW I'm Scott and it's nice to meet you all.

[45r]

I think the 20 inch barrel will be better by getting a free 125 fps,muzzle blast farther away,good thing with a MB,better powder burn with the powders the 450BM likes,(lil-gun,296) and maybe less sooting on the brass.I will have a ergo 93 stock.I don't walk any more than I have to so the longer barrel won't weigh me down much.I'd go with the 16 inch if I was into beating the brush but I hunt my own property so the 20 won out.

[Al in Mi]

Wow. Great info guys. All the more reason i could care less what length i get. My main purpose will be whacking and stacking these Michigan Whitetail. And of course Fall Bear hunts when i am lucky enough to draw a permit. I Just need one!!

where abouts in Mi are you located?

[BD1]

"I think the 20 inch barrel will be better by getting a free 125 fps,"

??? Where does this come from?. And, if true, what does 125 fps really mean for a 250 grainer at 2,200?

BD