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AI AW 308 in 20" or 26" barrel

81sfo

81sfo

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Minuteman
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    • Aug 5, 2008
    2,808
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    USA HOU TX
    #1
    Im looking for any AI AE/AW 308 owners using the factory fluted and or plain 20" barrel.What kind of velocities are you guys getting out of the 155 senars,168 smks,and 175smks?
    I dont know which AI rifle and barrel lenght to purchase, i realy want the 20" fluted on the AW but wondering if the 155 scenars will be able to get the right velocity with the short barrel.Ive had short aftermarket barrels like Rock on rem700 actions and i didnt see a problem when using Rld15.Ive never had an AI much less a short barrel one.I want to buy the right one the first time.

    please advise AI owners only,oh and thanks DesertHK for the info you provided.


    AW006_Right.jpg



     
    #3
    Re: AI AW 308 in 20" or 26" barrel

    I have an AIAW 20" fluted and got the following out of Black Hills 175 SMK at 10' on the chrono:

    2420 FPS
    2626 FPS
    2573 FPS
    2584 FPS
    -----------
    2550.75 FPS avg

    My vote is for the 20" fluted because I prefer the heavy contour. I only shoot 175gr though.
     
    #5
    Re: AI AW 308 in 20" or 26" barrel

    I would also save the 500 and get a longer barrel if it were me, but hey if you really like the 20" whats 500 more when you are buy an AW. Its a big investment , make sure you get exactly what you want.

    I just cant belive a 26" barrel with brake is 500 less then a fluted 20". Those flutes must be tricky to cut?

     
    #6
    Re: AI AW 308 in 20" or 26" barrel

    Its hard to make up my mind on what to get, i like short barrels but if an aftermarket barrel is a better route then ill buy the cheaper rifle and rebarrel?
     
    #7
    Re: AI AW 308 in 20" or 26" barrel

    Agreed on the extra cash for the shorter barrel. But with a AI that is something you can always change later. Your not stuck with one barrel.

    Just get the 26" for now since it's cheaper and save up for the other barrel for later. No worries.

    Cut
     
    #8
    Re: AI AW 308 in 20" or 26" barrel

    I have the 26 inch barrel. I'd say that you would give up about 50 fps if you cut it back six inches. I might put an Ops Inc 3rd on mine. It would be about the same length.
     
    #9
    Re: AI AW 308 in 20" or 26" barrel

    You don't <span style="font-style: italic">need</span> a 26". As Lowlight has said time and time again, 18~22" barrels are perfectly fine for .308.

    If saving money is important then don't get a folding stock. That knocks another $400 off. Couple that with the long barrel and you're saving $900 over the 20".

    I'd recommend the 20" folder or a 26" fixed with Bauer cheekpiece screws. The ultimate answer depends on your needs and budget.
     
    #10
    Re: AI AW 308 in 20" or 26" barrel

    Also keep in mind that the two rifles pictured above differ in rail mounts. One has an 11mm AI dovetail and the other a Pic rail. The Pic rail adds about $250 if you want one.

    I'd recommend the dovetail.
     
    #11
    Re: AI AW 308 in 20" or 26" barrel

    The pics are just visual aids,lol.Yes one has to campare rifle to rifle,plus options. the 26" also has a brake which ads to the price,flutes on the 20" too.
    Money isnt a factor,im only concerned about velocitiem out the factory 20" barrel. I absolutely love the heavy short fluted look.
     
    #12
    Re: AI AW 308 in 20" or 26" barrel

    There's no denying that the 20" fluted looks friggin' sweet. That played a big factor in my decision to get the AW over an AE II (along with the dovetail, double-stack mag, epoxied receiver, and bolt safety... lol).
     
    #13
    Re: AI AW 308 in 20" or 26" barrel

    If velocity is a factor in your book, in mine as well, because I want to drive the 155 scenars, then go with the 26". I thought long and hard about the 20" barrel, which is very appealing, but I am concerned about the velocity. The chrono data that Modifier got is about what I would expect for a 20" barrel. I spoke to Stacey about the barrel length issue before, and he said that if you need to get the 155 scenars up to where it performs best, then go with the long barrel. Again, you can always get another barrel. At least you know what the 26" barrel can do. One thing for sure, I have shot out to 1200 yards with consistency using the 26" barrel for the 155 scenars. Don't think you are going to be able to drive that bullet fast enough with a 20" barrel. Just a thought
     
    #14
    Re: AI AW 308 in 20" or 26" barrel

    Id just like to atleast get 2600fps on the 175s ,that should get me to 1000yds,but the scenars prolly need 2850 fps to fly consistent beyond 1k. I shoot at 600yds every other weekend and every once in awhile drive out to a friends ranch to shoot at 1250yds and beyond. I wont expect the 308 in a 20" 1-12 twist to do impresive things beyond the 1k mark. Plus the nut behind the trigger needs tweaking too so?
     
    #15
    Re: AI AW 308 in 20" or 26" barrel

    If you want at least 2600 fps on the 175 pills, you will most likely need the 26". I just chrono my new AIAW 09 model and it got about 2650's. Interestingly, my 07 AIAW model got up to 2750 fps. It could be my chrono too. But for sure you will need longer than 20" to push the 175 SMK at 2600 fps.
     
    #17
    Re: AI AW 308 in 20" or 26" barrel

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: modifier</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have an AIAW 20" fluted and got the following out of Black Hills 175 SMK at 10' on the chrono:

    <span style="color: #CC0000">2420 FPS
    2626 FPS</span>
    2573 FPS
    2584 FPS
    -----------
    2550.75 FPS avg
    </div></div>

    That's a hell of a spread.
     
    #19
    Re: AI AW 308 in 20" or 26" barrel

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 81sfo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Really out of the 26" ? what powder are you using and what load load ? </div></div>

    IMR 4064 at 44.2 grains, win case, fed 210 primers, original OAL was 2.900" for the 07 AIAW model, now I have to change to 2.875" for the 09 AIAW.
     
    #21
    Re: AI AW 308 in 20" or 26" barrel

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jasonk</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: modifier</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have an AIAW 20" fluted and got the following out of Black Hills 175 SMK at 10' on the chrono:

    <span style="color: #CC0000">2420 FPS
    2626 FPS</span>
    2573 FPS
    2584 FPS
    -----------
    2550.75 FPS avg
    </div></div>

    That's a hell of a spread.</div></div>
    Agreed. It could have been the chrono or the Black Hills. 2550~2575 seems reasonable though and that's all I was checking that day. I plan to check again soon.
     
    #23
    Re: AI AW 308 in 20" or 26" barrel

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tucsondave</div><div class="ubbcode-body">DHK,we need to get together so you can get behind my DTA. I think you will be pleaseantly surprised </div></div>

    Definitely, I am itching to do that. But I am very affraid that I may be addicted to your DTA, then it's going to hurt my wallet. LOL.
     
    #24
    Re: AI AW 308 in 20" or 26" barrel

    Hey Guys,
    I just shot my AW308 26" at a 1000 yard match for the first time last weekend at Thunder Valley.
    My 3 5 shot groups on the first day were: 5.75, 6.5, and 8.375. The weather unfortunately went to shit on the second day and my shots were not all on paper.
    Throughout my load development I went through over 1000 155 Lapua Scenars with no real favorable accuracy results. Velocities with my most consistent load averaged 2975.
    The best accuracy and the load I shot the match with were the 175 SMKs. Velocity for the 175s is averaging 2745 with my load.
    I couldn't be happier with my decision to get the AW with the 26 inch barrel!
     
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