Texas Hunting Forum

16” vs 18”

Posted By: b weezy

16” vs 18” - 03/02/22 06:26 PM

I’m wanting to get a 300 blackout, I’ll use it for hunting pigs, maybe deer sometimes. Is there any different in the distance you can shoot with a 16 or 18” barrel?
Posted By: TLew

Re: 16” vs 18” - 03/02/22 06:50 PM

Personally, I wouldn't even go 16". Most 300BO shots should be <200 yards if you're using supers
Posted By: unclebubba

Re: 16” vs 18” - 03/02/22 06:59 PM

The difference in velocity will be so small that it won't make a difference.
Posted By: onlysmith&wesson

Re: 16” vs 18” - 03/02/22 07:15 PM

I've had a 16" with a 5R barrel 11 for years. I shoot 125 gr SST's about 2230 FPS and have not had a problem killing with it. Deer and pigs inside 150 yards, works great. I think I shot one pig about 175 yards once. I don't think 50 or so more FPS would make a difference worth it. To me, the whole point of an AR is mobility.
Posted By: QuitShootinYoungBucks

Re: 16” vs 18” - 03/02/22 07:19 PM

Originally Posted by TLew
Personally, I wouldn't even go 16". Most 300BO shots should be <200 yards if you're using supers


14.5" and pin it. up
Posted By: TLew

Re: 16” vs 18” - 03/02/22 07:30 PM

Originally Posted by QuitShootinYoungBucks
Originally Posted by TLew
Personally, I wouldn't even go 16". Most 300BO shots should be <200 yards if you're using supers


14.5" and pin it. up


Or SBR, pistol, etc.. I know ATF rules are changing, but I don't know how they are going to enforce it, and I personally think 9" is the sweet spot for 300BO
Posted By: Buzzsaw

Re: 16” vs 18” - 03/02/22 09:41 PM

Originally Posted by QuitShootinYoungBucks
Originally Posted by TLew
Personally, I wouldn't even go 16". Most 300BO shots should be <200 yards if you're using supers


14.5" and pin it. up

this
Posted By: DocHorton

Re: 16” vs 18” - 03/02/22 10:28 PM

The advantage of 300 BO is that you can go very short. I wouldn't go longer than 10.5". If you aren't using a suppressor then 16" is fine.
Posted By: b weezy

Re: 16” vs 18” - 03/03/22 12:04 AM

I will be using a suppressor… so y’all think 10” is the way to go?
Posted By: Greg

Re: 16” vs 18” - 03/03/22 12:13 AM

Originally Posted by b weezy
I will be using a suppressor… so y’all think 10” is the way to go?


Sounds fun…Make sure you don’t accidentally make an SBR out of it without first getting your stamp!

I’ve got a 10.5” in 6.8 and love the length, or lack there of. It would be sweet to shoot 300 B/O subs with a can… Hollywood!
Posted By: scottfromdallas

Re: 16” vs 18” - 03/03/22 12:28 AM

popcorn
Posted By: unclebubba

Re: 16” vs 18” - 03/03/22 01:32 PM

Originally Posted by b weezy
I will be using a suppressor… so y’all think 10” is the way to go?

If you are using a suppressor, then yes. 10.5 is the way to go IMO. Yes, you will notice the velocity loss more than 16", but you still should get around 2050 fps. 16" + another 7 or 8 inches for a suppressor and you are at 23 - 24 inches. I do have one rifle with a 24" barrel, and it is pretty unwieldy.
Posted By: QuitShootinYoungBucks

Re: 16” vs 18” - 03/03/22 03:51 PM

Originally Posted by unclebubba
Originally Posted by b weezy
I will be using a suppressor… so y’all think 10” is the way to go?

If you are using a suppressor, then yes. 10.5 is the way to go IMO. Yes, you will notice the velocity loss more than 16", but you still should get around 2050 fps. 16" + another 7 or 8 inches for a suppressor and you are at 23 - 24 inches. I do have one rifle with a 24" barrel, and it is pretty unwieldy.


I have a 16" 6.8 with an Omega 300, and while it's not bad, it's just a few inches too long in the truck or tight blind. For a 300 I'd go 8.5-10.5-12.5 if you don't mind the hassle of the SBR stamp.
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