Difference in Velocity: 18 inch vs. 16 inch AR Barrel| Gun Talk

Published on May 17, 2018
Duration: 2:42

This video compares the ballistic performance of 16-inch and 18-inch .308 AR-style barrels. Testing revealed an approximate 100 fps velocity increase with the 18-inch barrel over the 16-inch. While this difference is considered negligible for most hunting scenarios, it might offer a slight advantage for extreme long-range shooting.

Quick Summary

An 18-inch .308 AR barrel averaged 2530 fps with 175-grain OTM ammo, while a 16-inch barrel averaged 2423 fps. This 100 fps difference is generally negligible for hunting but may offer slight advantages for extreme long-range shooting.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: Barrel Length Velocity Test
  2. 00:21Test Rifles & Ammo
  3. 00:5616-inch Barrel Velocity Results
  4. 01:3518-inch Barrel Velocity Results
  5. 02:12Conclusion: Is the Difference Significant?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical velocity difference between a 16-inch and 18-inch .308 AR barrel?

In testing with 175-grain OTM ammunition, an 18-inch barrel achieved an average velocity of 2530 fps, while a 16-inch barrel averaged 2423 fps. This represents an approximate 100 fps increase for the longer barrel.

Does barrel length significantly impact hunting performance for .308 AR rifles?

For most standard hunting distances, the approximately 100 fps velocity difference between 16-inch and 18-inch .308 AR barrels is considered negligible. The benefits of the longer barrel are more likely to be seen in extreme long-range scenarios.

Which rifles were used in the barrel length velocity test?

The test featured two Stag Arms rifles: the Stag 10 with an 18-inch barrel and fixed stock, and the Stag 10S with a 16-inch barrel and adjustable stock. Both were chambered in .308 Winchester.

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