What kind of accuraccy can i get out of a 24" AR15?

(Ronin)

(Ronin)

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I'm looking at getting a 24" free floated heavy barrel varmint upper for my AR,tired of the flashlights/lasers/foregrips and eotech crap
What kind of accurate distance can i reasonably expect out of it?
What are my range/accuracy limits with the .223 in a semi?
I'm looking at making this thing into a long range shooter,just want to know what to expect.
I'd like to hear from the guys that have these types of setups
 
I thought it doesn't, in fact degrades accuracy. Velocities maybe higher but bullet spends more time in longer tube as well. Plus longer barrel to be as stiff as shorter need to be much thicker. I never had a chance to compare side by side, so its just theoretically speaking.
 
On wiki,if you look up .223 you see the test 24' barrel has a higher velocity than the M4 carbine or M16
So the bullet must still be gaining speed
And you can't tell me a 7.5" upper will shoot the same groups as a 24",that just doesn't jive
 
24 versus 20 you won't get better Accuracy, but you will gain some meters per second of velocity. My understanding is that this added velocity, and thus added energy, means the round will deflect less due to wind and such.

So, not more accurate, but a hair (and the size of this hair is debateable) more consistent.

At least, that's my understanding. I could be off by a long way.
 
Accuracy is a function of barrel length. Velocity is what is important. Greater barrel lengths increase velocity which in turn creates a stable projectile for greater distances.

Shorter barrels are inherently more accurate than longer barrels due to their rigidity. They will not be as accurate as longer barrels at extended ranges due to the loss in velocity which directly affects the stability of the projectile.

The performance of the rifle depends on the shooter, the ammo, the glass, an d the weather. Will you out shoot the inherent accuracy of the rifle? I doubt it. Most shooters will never out shoot their rifles.

TDC
 
Generally stay away from AR's with barrels longer than 20"

The US tested 22" and 24" barrels when the SPR project was being born -- they found reciever flex actually impaired the accuracy and velocity...

I would not use anything longer than a 20" barrel in an AR platform.

KAC went to the 20" barrel on the SR-25 due to the law of diminishing returns with the 24"...

May not be an issue if your not going to use it extensively -- but you will wear out bolts etc quicker in that length.
 
(Ronin) said:
a 24" free floated heavy barrel varmint upper for my AR,,What kind of accurate distance can i reasonably expect out of it?
What are my range/accuracy limits with the .223 in a semi?
I'm looking at making this thing into a long range shooter,just want to know what to expect.
Click to expand...

In addition to what Kevin mentions,, be aware that many of the barrels that are marketed or advertised as "Varmint" barrels have a twist which is 1-9 or lower (some are 1-12 or 1-4). This barrel twist will limit your accuracy at the longer distances due to the fact that you will not be able to use the heavier/longer bullets. It may be a tack driver under 200m or at 100m when the wind is predictable, but your practical accuracy will be disapointing for any distance greater than that.

So,, you say you want a long range shooter in the AR platform?, then float a heavy barrel that is around 20", with a barrel twist of at least 1-8, and shoot the heavier match grade bullets. You will also need a nice trigger and decent optics of course.
 
anark said:
lol you gotta pick one side not both.
Click to expand...

Sorry a bit drunk last night.

Barrel length doesn't affect accuracy or group size, it affects velocity, by means of how much powder is burnt before the projectile exits the barrel. Higher velocities can mean the bullet can go longer ranges, but overall a gun's accuracy is affected by other things then length, such as barrel thickness, heat dissipation, consistent velocity loads...
 
I agree. BUT We've left one thing out here. That is the bull$hit factor. Long barrels don't look cool on the AR'S, shorter barrels do look cool. that has to count for something.

:)
 
The Armalite 20" SS Match Barrels are decent for the money. 1:8 twist, target crown (no F.H.). The only thing that sucks is they have a clamped gas block as opposed to pinned. Wolverine carries them.
 
A bit late in the thread perhaps, but my Colt 24" CAR can provide me with sub-moa groups if I do my thing.

Range at 100' up to 400'.
 
I actually prefer the clamped front sight/gas block over the pinned and so does Krieger barrels. Take a look at their web site for an explanation.

Scott
 
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