barrel length's affect on velocity?

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zignal_zero

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This has probably been done before, but....

55gr FMJ 5.56 NATO

What are the velocity differences between: 20", 16", and 10.25"?

Anybody actually KNOW?

Thanks.
 
Charts like the one in the link are good, but should only be used as a rough guide. The only way to know for sure is to chronograph loads in your gun. Remember, all guns are different, and it is not at all unusual to see significant differences in velocity between guns with equal barrel lengths. Nor is it unusual to see one individual barrel shoot faster than another barrel that is slightly longer. The actual velocities someone else may get could vary +/- as much as 50-100 fps in a different gun.

Environmental conditions are a factor as well. If you read the fine print those velocities were recorded at 0 degrees Farenheit. Some powders are more temperature sensitive than others, but if that test had been done at 90 degrees the velocities would have all been somewhat faster. Depending on the powder used, it could be significant. The military is pretty good about using powder that is consistent across a wide range of temperatures, I wouldn't expect much more than 20-30 fps difference in hot weather, but with many loads used in hunting rifles it could be 100 fps or more faster in hot weather.
 
LoonWulf - thanks for the link

jmr40 - that makes a lot of sense. problem is I would like to know before I buy the shorter barrel whether or not I am going to lose significant velocity.

I'm running a 16" now and I find myself wanting to go shorter :D say.... 10.25"
 
Those are both good. The chart is fairly accurate and does illustrate some of the things shorter barrels will exhibit. I get what Jim is saying and that is true too, but excluding anomalies the longer barrel in the same weapon w/the same load will shoot faster.

Now for your post, what is "significant velocity"? What are you planning on doing with this weapon? First determine what your intended purpose and distance is. Then we can make suggestions regarding velocity.
 
Just remember its gonna be loud as hel, my 14" contender was a pain to shoot. I dont think id honestly be willing to go any shorter then that.
 
cool, thanx guys :)

as far as the noise goes, i've shot my brother in law's Draco, so i have an idea.
 
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