14.5” accuracy expectations

[Dr. Lee]

I know many factors go into an accurate rifle. I am planning a 14.5 build for an under 400 yd. hunting rifle but I still would want it as accurate as I can get. What kind of results with a Bartlien or Krieger barrel in a medium weight 14.5” barrel can I expect ?
How about one the Criterion barrels from PF ?

[grayfox]

Those are all really good barrels, so they will do their part IMO as far as your quest. Guess you will also be pinning/welding your muzzle device? so those processes to the barrel may impact you. (if so, don't do a nitrided barrel!)
Other variables might enter into your build however just so you know -- which you may already be aware of.

1. trigger quality
2. Optic and mount
3. upper mate-up to the barrel, including squareness and/or bedding/torque/etc.
4. Ammo quality specifically for your gun (what's good in someone else's, including the mfr's, may not shoot worth a dang in yours)
5 thru 1000. Shooter-related-controlled variables.

edit: by the way, why not just do the 16" so you won't have to fiddle with muzzle-mods... not that much of a wt diff.

[Bigs28]

http://www.65grendel.com/forum/showthrea...th-Grendel


14.5" krieger gave 0.38" groups.

[Dr. Lee]

Those are all really good barrels, so they will do their part IMO as far as your quest. Guess you will also be pinning/welding your muzzle device? so those processes to the barrel may impact you. (if so, don't do a nitrided barrel!)
Other variables might enter into your build however just so you know -- which you may already be aware of.

1. trigger quality
2. Optic and mount
3. upper mate-up to the barrel, including squareness and/or bedding/torque/etc.
4. Ammo quality specifically for your gun (what's good in someone else's, including the mfr's, may not shoot worth a dang in yours)
5 thru 1000. Shooter-related-controlled variables.

edit: by the way, why not just do the 16" so you won't have to fiddle with muzzle-mods... not that much of a wt diff.

Yes, I was thinking of going 16” for the very reason. Thanks for reminding me.

[Dr. Lee]

Did that Krieger barrel have a pinned muzzle device ?

[Dr. Lee]

http://www.65grendel.com/forum/showthrea...th-Grendel


14.5" krieger gave 0.38" groups.

Did that Krieger barrel have a pinned/welded muzzle device ?

[Dr. Lee]

Anyone have experience with the Criterion barrels from PF ?

[Bigs28]

Did that Krieger barrel have a pinned/welded muzzle device ?

You would have to call precision firearms and ask them but for their testing i doubt it.

[A5BLASTER]

If you plan on handloading for this barrel I would add the 16 inch AA lite barrel to the list.

I have one and it is surprisingly accurate.

[Klem]

If you pin a muzzle device on a 14.5" it ends up no lighter or shorter than a 16" but will have less velocity and you won't be able to clean/inspect the crown. Your muzzle device will probably affect the stability of the bullet as it exits and that might mean less accuracy. If your goal is maximum accuracy and nothing else I would not consider light barrels. They get hotter quicker, flex more as they heat up and jump more on the bags as you are trying to shoot groups.

Bartlein, Krieger and Lilja.

[Dr. Lee]

I did forget about the pinning and welding. I don’t want that situation. Like you said, can’t inspect/clean the muzzle. Not a good thing. Don’t want to deal with SBR issues either.
I did feel though, that the 14.5” length would handle nicely. Not a weight issue, but a balance issue. Where mass and weight are placed influences gun handling. I have two 16” mid length 5.56 rifles and love them. They are medium weight barrels, not heavy, but a little muzzle heavy. I bet a properly contoured barrel would give me a balance shift I might like. I would like an accurate rifle no matter what the configuration.
Buy once, cry once. Can you say Krieger ??
BTW, thanks to everyone for your insight and help.