Question about what barrel for hunting build

[sfsmedic]

I am building a 6.8 for hunting (pig and deer) only and have been trying to figure out what barrel to use. So far I've learned that the 6.8 doesnt benefit really from length for velocity but what about accuracy?

I would appreciate suggestions on barrels and please state why this is your suggestion (what length, coating, flash hider or target crown etc). I am already leaning towards ARP combos. I appreciate everyones experience and assistance.

[68WJ]

Start here: http://68forums.com/forums/showthrea...g-Here!/page19

[bowhuntr09]

I placed my order yesterday for an ARP 16". I was considering the 18" but I have hunted with a 16" before and it is just a dream in the woods and in treestands. The 18" is only going to get you 50-60 extra fps and from what I have seen here all of the ARP barrels are accurate. I went with the ITS MCD 4x4 because H said that was his recommendation for a hunting gun so I took his word for it.

[sfsmedic]

Thank you bowhunter. Gave me a direction to head. Also thanks 68WJ.

[zerodown]

I hunt with an 18" target crown and it has sub-MOA accuracy with both handloads and SSA commercial. I went with an 18 because I like a heavier stock and it balances better for me. If you were going with an A2 or collapsible I would recommend the 16 so it isn't nose heavy.

[tbready]

16'' all the way. My rig goes to the swamps in Florida all the way to snow covered South Carolina. Whetter it's spot and stalk or sitting in the stand I would not want anything longer than 16''. Nice and compact but still fantastic range.

[sfsmedic]

Thanks for everyones input, it has helped tremendously. What is the advantage of the stainless steel over the nitro-carburized and vice versa? That seems to be the last thing I need to figure out as to which way I am going.

[tbready]

Thanks for everyones input, it has helped tremendously. What is the advantage of the stainless steel over the nitro-carburized and vice versa? That seems to be the last thing I need to figure out as to which way I am going.

Nitro carb will last up to 3x longer than stainless and just as accurate.

[Boaz]

I've got two, one Stag 7H 20", and ARP 16" socom extream, I've cronoed both the stag is only 80-100 fps faster. The more I use them the more I reach for the ARP 16"! While the Stag is not a slouch in accuracy, the ARP trumps it! Bullet placement always beats velocity, and the deer don't seem to notice the 100 fps loss! I just love the nitro barrel, I'm sure I'd like the ss also, however their is not as long a wait, and the deer don't notice the difference.

[ArtFWTx]

Thanks for everyones input, it has helped tremendously. What is the advantage of the stainless steel over the nitro-carburized and vice versa? That seems to be the last thing I need to figure out as to which way I am going.

Stainless steel.. corrosion resistant and a little less cost than barrels NC'd.

NC chrome moly.. corrosion resistance at or beyond SS levels. Surface conversion hardness extends bore and chamber life. May allow extra velocity.

S-Carbed SS (also offered by ARP) is basically a NC stainless steel.

For hunters and most civilian purposes, a stainless barrel works well. When was the last time you wore out a barrel? The NC process extends barrel life and corrosion protection and may help with extra velocity because it is slick. I know H has mentioned his 16" NC barrels velocity compares to some 20 inch 6.8 barrels.

I like the NC or S-Carb barrels, but H's stainless barrels are very competent as well. I didn't help much did I?