bull vs standard barrel

[greyling]

I know the theory behind a bull barrel, especially in a semi auto, but are they actually any more accurate in a handi than the standard barrel? (.223)

[joshco84]

The heavier barrel helps you steady for your shot easier, but the real good part of a bull barrel is that it does not heat up any where near as fast as a sporter or lightweight style of barrel.  So if you are sittin in a pdog town you can string more shots before having to let it cool.

[stimpylu32]

The short anwser is yes , the long anwser is that the bull will take longer to heat to a point were it will affect shot placement also the harmonic's will not be as much of a factor with the extra steel in the bull .

Granted if you are only going to shoot 1 shot it may not make that much diffrence to a shooter , but if you are like me and spend hours at the range or days shooting p-dogs by all means get the bull and you will see the diffrence in how well they shoot .

stimpy

[greyling]

I don't forsee ever putting a lot of ammo through it at once, so maybe I should save teh $$ there and put it into a better scope. One more bull barrel question though: If I buy a bull barreled version and later want to put say, a standard 243 barrel on it will the forend be a problem? Is the barrel groove different on standard and bull barrel forends?

[J. Plate]

The forends are the same.   I have two of the Ultra forends right now, one on a bull barrelled 17HMR and one on a standard barrel .308.....both forends are exactly the same. 

[stimpylu32]

greyling

Just my op. but for the extra $ 11.00 go with the bull , it will pay for itself in the long run , even if nothing more than re-sale value .

stimpy

[mookster79]

I have no problems with my handi .223 with the standard barrel as far as accuracy.  I bought it in stainless with the synthetic stock.  I actually wanted a bull barrell, but the stainless did not come in bull barrell in this caliber.  I thought it may be an issue until I got it zeroed and found the ammo it likes.  I would have bought the bull barrell if it was available, the 11 bucks won't make much difference in a scope.  I no longer believe that you have to have a bull barrell but I have other rifles with them and like them alot as well.  Suit yourself, it is really all in what you need it for.  The heat factor is the largest reason for getting the heavier barrell.