Reply With QuoteNot as much as you might think. Usually you will only get a extra 50fps per 2". Most guys who choose a 18" it is because they want to balance their rifle. As for me i have a 16" for stalk hunting and a 20" for blind hunting.
18 or 16 inch?
Hey everyone,
I just started my first 6.8 build. I got a good deal on an Aero precision stripped upper to start. I know similar questions have been asked but I'm debating wether to get a 16 or 18 inch Wilson combat barrel. This will be a hunting rifle so my question is does the extra 2 inches make a real difference for extra power on game? Is it worth the extra weight?
Last edited by md1005; 05-20-2012 at 06:03 PM.
Not as much as you might think. Usually you will only get a extra 50fps per 2". Most guys who choose a 18" it is because they want to balance their rifle. As for me i have a 16" for stalk hunting and a 20" for blind hunting.
Next time you go to the range make some money. Just catch or retrieve your 6.8 brass and sell it.
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From all that I have read you will only lose from 50 to 75 feet per second by dropping to a 16 inch barrel. I am getting ready to start on my first 6.8 build as well so I have asked myself the same question. I think in an open field the 18 doesn't add enough boost to really factor in. However, I think in the thick stuff like I have to hunt in after Hurricane Ivan came through losing the two inches and going with a 16 inch will be a good move for getting around in tight quarters. These are just my thoughts.
If you don't plan of clearing rooms the 2" will not make a differance.
Yeah, the others are right. It just depends on if you want that little extra UUMPH at the end &/or slight lesstrajectory (I'd say less than an in. out to 400yrds, wild guess)
Last edited by WVHunter1s1k; 05-20-2012 at 07:08 PM.
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I went through this exact debate in my own head a few months ago when I ordered my Bison upper. Ultimately I decided the 50fps (M/L) wasn't worth the extra 2" inches. I went with a 16" barrel.
I'd offer you that your terrain will help you. Thick under brush, or wide open spaces? If an SBR were legal in my State, I've have a 12" barrel on my 6.8. So, law dictates I have at least a 16".
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Where I'll be hunting a 100 yd shot would be unlikely. Pretty thick brush/ swamp. I'm looking to make it as light as possible but I want to take full advantage of the round. If I'd only be losing 50 fps I'll probably go 16. I want it to balance well also
Last edited by md1005; 05-20-2012 at 07:43 PM.
I have both 16 and 18 inch in 6.8 and I love both. In tight brush I'd go with the 16 but the difference will be small either way imo.
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As RD said, Open vs. brush. Your scenario is the same as mine. Go with the 16. It will swing better if your in tight areas trying to keep a low profile and not move any surrounding cover.Originally Posted by md1005
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