AR-15
What do you think about buying the Olympic .223 Plinker and then buying the free floating heavy stainless barrel upper for it. Do you think that would be a good investment?
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I feel pretty dumb but can anyone tell me what an AR-15 lighting link is I saw it on ebay and figured the best place to find out was here 0 -
Barrel length doesn't really equate to accuracy unless you plan on using open sights and mount the forward sight at the end of the barrel. That would increase your sight radius. Barrel length also has an effect on the barrel harmonics and a thicker barrel will vary less than a thinner barrel
Barrel length does allow for an increase in velocity so the round can go further.0 -
TEUFELHUNDE,
In a short barrel accuracy can be every bit as good. The difference obviously is that shorter barrels produce less velocity. Depending on how short you go, that can be a few hundred fps.
So, the difference in accuracy then is it takes more trajectory to hit at longer ranges, if both zeroed at one shorter range. With the slower bullet there is then more hang time which is more time for the wind to blow your bullet sideways. Not that the .223 is a great performer in any real wind, it's not, it just gets worse. Instead of getting on paper, you end up looking for where the shot went.
Again though, as far as actual accuracy, short barrels can be just as accurate as long barrels. Moreso, some say.0 -
My 16" pencil barrel carbine is just as accurate at 300yds. as my 20" heavy. Our range only goes to 300, so haven't tried at any longer. 0 -
The previous advice is correct. Mechanical accuracy has nothing to do with barrel length. Sight radius if using open sights is a factor. The shorter barrel gives lower velocity which in turn increases wind drift. 0 -
Thank you for your answers. I am surprised to fine out that the length has less impact then velocity. Does that mean the 5.56 is more accurate then .223 or do I misunderstand that difference as well? I have a scoped SKS I could put all 10 rounds into a playing card at 200 yards.
About 30 years ago a friend introduced me to reloading and the .243. We spent about three months and 50 different load combinations to find the most accurate load for my .243. And I will say it has been excellent as a hunting load for me. I have made head shots on deer at 400 yards and night shots on bobcats at 300 and deer kill shots at 800. But about six years ago I lost my right (dominate) eye and did not shoot any more until a couple of years ago. I have only shot my .243 once on paper to see if I could hit it. Lets just say I can keep it in a 8" circle at 100 yards. Doesn't make me happy to go from sniper grade to fair.I used to put 3 shots into the black on an ace of spades at 300 yards. I pistol qualified for my CCP with a 100% on target but I wasn't very happy with that considering in the 70's I was the 3rd best pistol shot in all of the service branches (.45 and .22). Of course I shot about 10K rounds a month while the USMC paid for it.
I thought about building the AR for my son and grandson. I am starting to think I should just find their loads on the SKS and the .243.
Any way I got off track. Thanks for the answers,
Semper Fi0 -
TEUFELHUNDE,
Generally speaking, the .223 is more accurate than the 5.56. The difference in chambers between the two identically shaped rounds, is what allows the 5.56 to be loaded hotter. That difference is what allows the 5.56 to shoot faster, but NOT more accurate. You can get decent accuracy from a 5.56 but not as good as the .223 so you have to decide, how good is good enough? The 5.56 will generally be good enough until you move into the 100 yd. bench game and see just exactly how TIGHT groups can consistantly be. For shooting mil-type targets and NRA HP targets the 5.56 will usually always be good enough. The .223 will generally, be more accurate.
I am genuinely sorry to hear about your situation. It's a tough deal to live with. However, like many, we (I) find admiration in people who can overcome what adversity comes their way. I'm glad to see you resuming shooting. Remember, even the best of the best remain on top for only so long. It is always a shame when we forget their efforts to help us with our efforts. Thank you for your time and service and what you have given back to society in the way of a fine son and grandson. Who like us love to shoot and enjoy it as a fine American pastime.
So, as for building an AR, I say go for it. Even if you don't compete they are a great weapon to shoot(even if I HATE cleaning them). Some of your decisions may be made for you. If your son/grandson want to compete, which category will dictate which chamber you get. You can build your own from scratch, or have one built. With the right components they can be very, very accurate. You may also think about getting one that may not be 5.56/.223. There are a lot of cartridges out now in the AR-15 that produce a lot more power and range than the original rounds chambered in that rifle.0
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