In a word, are the 2 extra inches of barrel length wotrh the extra $45.00, especially in your situation?...............NO!!.............I'll try to research a website and article on .223 barrel length and add it to this post...sit tight....<><.... :grin:
lanole, since you are new here you may not understand this but I may not be able to post the full and correct e-address to the site which may help you. I will however try, it is
www.accuratereloading.com/223sb.html, if you cannot read it correctly send me an e-mail to armartin1@comcast.net and I will forward the address to you. This site prohibits the use of the name used in the e-address of interest to you....<><.... :grin:
Also you might try a search with yahoo or google for ".223 barrel length velocity" and look for a study of barrel length vs. accuracy and velocity in the .223, that is the article I am referring to, it is very informative. Many times the shorter barrel is stiffer and therefore with the newer faster burning powders used in small diameter bullets a short barrel is as or more accurate than a longer one, but like life, everything is a trade off...