12-18-2019, 02:21 AM
Velocity-wise, I have not seen a practical difference between 16" and 18", and actually have overlap between the 2.
I've owned 2 different 16" Grendels, built many and chrono'd them, and have owned/built/or chrono'd at least a dozen 18" Grendels with various barrels.
Comparisons between them all have been posted here many times over the years.
You'll be in the 2400-2500fps range with most factory 120-123gr loads with 18", and maybe 2350-2480fps with 16".
I think the rifling profile might have more to do with the speed differences I've seen between them, with the AA Enfield rifling allowing more speed compared to 5R or 3 Groove, but the differences are minimal.
The main difference with the 18" for me is how the rifle presents in the hands, or sits on support when shooting. The extra barrel length and forward weight seems to help maintain Natural Point of Aim/sight picture better for me a little better.
For a hunting rig, I would choose the 16" over the 18" if I was in thick terrain, but I would also choose the 12" over the 16" in that same type of intended use and run it suppressed like I do.
I've owned 2 different 16" Grendels, built many and chrono'd them, and have owned/built/or chrono'd at least a dozen 18" Grendels with various barrels.
Comparisons between them all have been posted here many times over the years.
You'll be in the 2400-2500fps range with most factory 120-123gr loads with 18", and maybe 2350-2480fps with 16".
I think the rifling profile might have more to do with the speed differences I've seen between them, with the AA Enfield rifling allowing more speed compared to 5R or 3 Groove, but the differences are minimal.
The main difference with the 18" for me is how the rifle presents in the hands, or sits on support when shooting. The extra barrel length and forward weight seems to help maintain Natural Point of Aim/sight picture better for me a little better.
For a hunting rig, I would choose the 16" over the 18" if I was in thick terrain, but I would also choose the 12" over the 16" in that same type of intended use and run it suppressed like I do.
NRA Basic, Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun, RSO
CCW, CQM, DM, Long Range Rifle Instructor
6.5 Grendel Reloading Handbooks & chamber brushes can be found here:
www.AR15buildbox.com
CCW, CQM, DM, Long Range Rifle Instructor
6.5 Grendel Reloading Handbooks & chamber brushes can be found here:
www.AR15buildbox.com