Re: AR accuracy and barrel length
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Scooter-PIE</div><div class="ubbcode-body">24.5gr RE-15 might be ok for a bolt gun, but that is over the max recommended for an AR-15: by 0.7gr for an 80SMK for example. In service rifle you have no choice on barrel length. But, if the OP has a choice of barrel lengths, are you suggesting he choose 20" instead of 26"? I would not see the point of use 20" if you could choose longer...and the point is it REALLY helps to use a longer barrel with this cartridge.</div></div>
First, I'm not shooting an SMK, 24.5 grains of Re-15 with the 80 grain Berger is not a problem for my gun. Second, shooting at LR with a .223, no matter what the barrel length, is ridiculous. There are other caliber choices, most of which will get any shooter better results. I mention shooting the AR based Service Rifle at LR as if you're going to be ridiculous why not do it with something that provides benefits. Service Rifle competition at LR does indeed have benefits, in fact, shooter/target analysis with the AR at LR will quickly reveal executing the firing task and knowing how to shoot are not synonymous. Service Rifle at LR demands shooter perfection that's hard for any to muster. Some are challenged by it, while others have no interest in getting into something that they perceive will embarrass them.
BTW, a longer barrel will usually assure higher velocity, translating to accuracy at greater distance, but at some point the bullet is still gonna begin to tumble, and that's where accuracy ends. But, think about this, put things in perspective, even the 14.5 inch M4 can get bullets from M855 to over 600 meters nose-on, meaning that for most needs out there in shooting land a relatively long barrel length may be moot.