16" or 18" for hunting?

[Beerswimmer]

For hunting from 300yds max, elk on down. How much difference in performance on game, with factory loads only, is there between a 16 and 18 inch barrel?

[37L1]

None that you or the elk on down would notice.

[Double Naught Spy]

More than likely you are looking at 50-100 fps difference at the muzzle.

[cory]

None that you or the elk on down would notice.

This! Especially with identical gas lengths. If you go with an 18" with intermediate gas you might see a little more difference. However, you nor the elk is likely to notice.

[LRRPF52]

If I just look at my recorded muzzle velocities between several 16" and 18" barrels, I wouldn't be able to tell you what came from what barrel.

[sneaky one]

It's around 24~ fps. per inch difference. I have a 20" & a 16" Grrr, they both get game. I'm going to use the 16" more often, save the 20 for future longer range hunts, 400-500 yds.

The 16 carries nicely. Thick brush hunting was the deciding point for me.

[LRRPF52]

Guess which ones are 16" and which are 18":

123gr SST factory #8152

2471 fps
2455 fps

123gr AMAX factory

2456 fps

123gr Scenar PF Factory

2522 fps
2452 fps

[sneaky one]

Right, it's so minimal- get the length that you want to feel comfy with- BBL lengths ballistics are small indifferences- the End Game Results will be same as inside 300Y.

Get what feels right, you can always buy another- Like some of us have done. Maybe Bill A., had this planned out in advance- 24-16" tube, Hmmmm/ I'll get two! Ha Ha !

[customcutter]

I thought I wanted a 20", went with an 18". If I was in thick brush or carrying long distances or up and down hills I'd build a 16" light weight.

[LRRPF52]

I would also look at your build, height/weight, when selecting a hunting stick. I can get away with carrying 20" and 22" barrels, but still prefer 18" or 16" for the ease of maneuver in and out of ATV's, carrying through the mountains, and the handy balance of the shorter guns.

If you have kids and a small wife, they will really enjoy the lighter AR15's with adjustable telescoping stocks.

[Kilco]

At what barrel length do you find the Grendel becomes a flame thrower? For instance I love a 16.5" 308, but at low light with most powders they really belch inferno. I understand Grendel has less case capacity, but it's also a smaller bore.