2x BCM ELW Barrels, Do They Shoot the Same? 100-Yard 30-Shot Groups

Published on May 28, 2025
Duration: 18:02

This video provides a detailed comparison of two BCM ELW (Extreme Lightweight) barrels, examining their manufacturing consistency and on-range performance. The presenter conducts thorough bench inspections, including gauging, weighing, and borescope analysis, highlighting potential manufacturing variations. Live-fire testing involves 30-shot groups at 100 yards with various ammunition types to assess accuracy, velocity, and consistency, offering insights into the practical performance of these lightweight barrels.

Quick Summary

Two BCM ELW barrels were tested for consistency and accuracy at 100 yards. Bench inspections revealed potential manufacturing variations, including radial tool marks and uneven throats. Live-fire testing showed Barrel 1 generally outperforming Barrel 2 with premium ammunition, while both struggled with bulk FMJ loads.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: BCM ELW Barrel Series
  2. 00:10Barrel Specifications & Features
  3. 01:16Bench Inspection: Gauging & Headspace
  4. 02:55Weight & Exterior Dimensions
  5. 03:46Borescope Examination
  6. 05:54Radial Marks & Crown Inspection
  7. 06:04Range Setup & Protocol
  8. 07:21Ammunition Selection
  9. 07:56Group 1: Winchester M193 55gr FMJ
  10. 11:04Group 2: Frontier 68gr BTHP (.223)
  11. 14:01Group 3: Federal Gold Medal 77gr SMK
  12. 16:39Overall Results & Comparison
  13. 17:08Open Class Leaderboard & Final Thoughts

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key specifications of the BCM ELW barrels tested?

The BCM ELW barrels are cold hammer forged from 4150 chromoly vanadium steel, feature a chrome-lined chamber and bore, have a 5.56 NATO chamber, a 1:7 twist rate, mid-length gas system, and a 0.625-inch gas block journal. They are designed with a continuous taper for balance.

How did the two BCM ELW barrels compare in terms of accuracy?

Barrel 1 generally shot tighter groups and achieved better AET scores with premium ammunition like Federal Gold Medal 77gr and Frontier 68gr BTHP. Barrel 2 performed competitively with the Frontier load in 10-shot breakdowns, but Barrel 1 showed a slight edge overall.

What were the findings from the borescope inspection of the BCM ELW barrels?

The borescope revealed radial tool marks throughout the bore on both barrels, with some deepening towards the muzzle. Barrel 2 exhibited rougher rifling edges and potential deformation near the crown, while both had tool marks in the chamber and uneven throat cuts.

How did the BCM ELW barrels perform with Winchester M193 55gr FMJ ammunition?

The BCM ELW barrels performed poorly with Winchester M193, producing large 30-shot groups (6.3 MOA for Barrel 1, 5.9 MOA for Barrel 2) and ranking near the bottom of the leaderboard for this ammunition type.

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