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Offline Mamba_Driver

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Need advice choosing new barrel
« on: January 16, 2005, 05:09:32 AM »
I just picked up a new SB2 Ultra Hunter .270 and I want to get a .223 barrel.  I've spent some time on the H&R website.  Too many choices and not enough knowledge!

H&R lists 4 options in the .223 that I'm interested in.  (1) SL3-20", (2) 223-22", (3) 323-22" Bull, and (4) 823-24" Bull.  All of these models are scope mount, no open sights.

My interests for this setup are primarily relaxation/for the fun of it.  Target shooting, plinking, reloading and the occasional groundhog on the property.  I'm totally new to reloading and will be reloading only the .223, at least for now.  I don't know if that matters for this topic, but,...

My first question, I guess, would be, what is a Bull barrel, and why would I choose it over the standard barrel?  Any opinions on the barrel length?

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.
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Offline Ken424

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Need advice choosing new barrel
« Reply #1 on: January 16, 2005, 06:21:55 AM »
The difference between a Bull Barrel and a regular barrel is that the bull barrel has a larger outside diameter than a regular barrel.  The regular barrel will taper down towards the end of the barrel.

A bull barrel is a good choice if you will be doing a lot of shooting from a bench because the extra weight will help steady your shots.  If you are going to be carrying the gun a lot, I prefer the regular barrel because it is lighter.

As far as the ideal barrel length, I am sure there are people on this site that can give you a better answer than I can.

Have fun shooting!
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Offline MSP Ret

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Need advice choosing new barrel
« Reply #2 on: January 16, 2005, 08:55:58 AM »
:D , Welcome aboard Mamba_Driver, and you too ken424, You have touched on an age old question of barrel length vs. stiffness. Extra barrel length is nice to burn up slower burning powder and for a longer sight radius. With a scope you don't need a long barrel. There is a great study that has been done on barrel length in a .223 and how it affects velocity and accuracy. the link is www.accuratereloading.com/223sb.html. I like the 20" to 22" barrel length in a bull barrel for benchrest or a lot of shooting but prefer the standard barrel contour for lugging through the woods for hunting, Stay away from the superlight barrels. No one has really been able to get any good repeatable bench rest accuracy with them. The standard contour barrel is much better for a hunting rifle. Good luck!!....<><....  :grin:

P.S. The astericks are because that name cannot be used here on this forum. Replace them with the single word - "accurate-reloading". I have hyphenated it here and spelled it out in an attempt to help you out since you are new here...
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Offline Hildy

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Need advice choosing new barrel
« Reply #3 on: January 16, 2005, 09:01:51 AM »
I have the 22" Heavy Barrel or Bull Barrel as some call it. With a bi-pod mounted, the gun can get pretty heavy while walking. I would still suggest this barrel even with its heft...the 24" will give you a possible increase in velocity but it will be longer, heavier, and not as quick to move. Another reason a Bull Barrel is good is because it doesn't warm up as quick as a standard barrel. This will not matter though with a single shot.


The 22" Bull Barrel is the one I would buy :D

MSP- We must have been posting at the same time
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Offline MSP Ret

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Need advice choosing new barrel
« Reply #4 on: January 16, 2005, 09:07:37 AM »
Well Hildy, you know what they say about great minds...by the way, my .223 has the Bull barrel also....<><.... :grin:
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Offline mrlizzzard

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Need advice choosing new barrel
« Reply #5 on: January 16, 2005, 10:43:28 AM »
I'm a shopper and so much so that went I went to a Handi I bought 2 223's one bull one reg.Since then I made some calls and a smart customer service person told me to buy the plain not any reason to buy the bull with that particular caliber.Now don't jump on me folks I'm only repeating what a knowledgable person said.
lizzzard
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Offline Nightrain52

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Need advice choosing new barrel
« Reply #6 on: January 16, 2005, 11:21:05 AM »
I am going to throw something else in the hat. The bull barrel also cuts down on harmonics which can effect accuracy but the normal shooter would never see the difference. A bench rest shooter could benefit from it but if you want a walk around rifle go with the regular barrel. One more thing, yes the bull heats up slower but takes a lot longer to cool off when hot. :D
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Offline handirifle

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Need advice choosing new barrel
« Reply #7 on: January 16, 2005, 01:27:12 PM »
Mamba
I have the 223 UV with 24" bull barrel and it does get heavy lugging it up the mountains here, BUT it is very steady offhand and VERY accurate.

If you're going to do any kind of fairly quick repeat shots, like prarrie dogs or such the the bull barrel is the only way to go.  22 or 24 is a toss up.

If it were me, with the uses you described, I'd get the 24" BB or the 22" BB for sure.
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Offline Nuttinbutchunks

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Need advice choosing new barrel
« Reply #8 on: January 16, 2005, 02:11:43 PM »
I'm waiting for my Hanid to come back with the 24" bull in .223
because I think I can reach out farther with that barrel. I plan to shoot coyotes and PDs with it.
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Offline Mamba_Driver

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Need advice choosing new barrel
« Reply #9 on: January 16, 2005, 03:45:06 PM »
Thank you all for your help.   It looks like I'll be going with the bull barrel based on your replies.  Now I just have to decide between the 22" and the 24" length.  I can't wait to hit the range.
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Offline Mac11700

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Need advice choosing new barrel
« Reply #10 on: January 16, 2005, 07:31:05 PM »
Go for the 24" barrel...it will add a-little bit of weight...but you'lll be steadier shooting it...and the few extra FPS won't hurt none either...


Mac
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Offline AZ223

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Need advice choosing new barrel
« Reply #11 on: January 16, 2005, 07:54:29 PM »
I have the .223 Ultra, 24" bull barrel. You'll gain (I think) about 50-75fps for every inch of barrel. I like the longer barrel; just my preference, to get the extra velocity and just because it's steadier. More important than weight is balance; does the gun fit you, and does it feel clumsy at all to carry around?

It doesn't sound like you plan on doing any cross-country treks with it; I think the 24" would be the better choice for what you describe.

Good luck; in any case, the .223 NEF is a great little rifle.
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