Standard or heavy barrel 223? Make a Difference?

[Dan71]

I was wondering is there an accuracy difference (223) with a heavy barrel vs a standard barrel? Friend of mine has a Howa Ranch rifle in 223 and it's very accurate on ground hogs.

Just like to know if it's worth the extra bucks for the HB vs the standard barrel?

Thanks, Dan

 

[Mr_Brass]

Re: Standard or heavy barrel 223? Make a Difference?

to me if you're going to be making a lot of heat with rapid shots yes its worth it but one shot here and there not going to make a difference in my exp.

 

[boomfab]

Re: Standard or heavy barrel 223? Make a Difference?

If you are going to suppress it, I'd probably go for a heavier profile barrel for less barrel droop.

 

[Dan71]

Re: Standard or heavy barrel 223? Make a Difference?

Just looking for rifle to shoot at ground hogs with on the property. No plans on a suppressor and I doubt I will get off enough shots that the barrel would get hot.

Primary varmint within 100 yards and maybe longer, not looking for a target rifle.

 

[coldboremiracle]

Re: Standard or heavy barrel 223? Make a Difference?

I like em heavy, just built two of them 1.300 straigh taper barrels.

 

[fiveoshooter]

Re: Standard or heavy barrel 223? Make a Difference?

For what you plan to do with it, a standard barrel is fine - unless it shoots like shit.........

 

[doubs43]

Re: Standard or heavy barrel 223? Make a Difference?

Given the option, I'd opt for the heavy barrel if all else were equal. In general, the HB will do better when shooting enough rounds to heat the barrel up good. The light barrels heat quicker and will often change POI to a greater degree than the HB.

Are there exceptions? Oh yeah.... and I have exactly that in a pair of CZ-527 rifles in .223. I have the standard light barrel model and also a HB Varmint version. The standard rifle is not only more accurate but still shoots better even when it's hot. The Varmint rifle will shoot sub-MOA but not as tight as the standard light barrel rifle. Odd maybe, but true.

 

[Alderleet]

Re: Standard or heavy barrel 223? Make a Difference?

I prefer the extra weight. it makes my subtle wiggles/shakes less noticeable.

but then again, im going for accuracy, not weight

 

[Dan71]

Re: Standard or heavy barrel 223? Make a Difference?

Looking around at the different manufactures, thinking of a Savage Steven, Howa, and or a H&R. Remington is out of the price range I want to be in.

 

[signal5]

Re: Standard or heavy barrel 223? Make a Difference?

I have an old savage model 110 in .223 with a heavy barrel and it is my most accurate rifle. I love shooting that thing.

 

[samnev]

Re: Standard or heavy barrel 223? Make a Difference?

For the relatively small difference in price the heay barrel offers a lot of advantages over a light barrel. I'd go heay barrel.