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Post by ralphob on Oct 6, 2011 9:39:21 GMT -8
I am new to the Forum and new to building a AR. I have a BHW 264lbc Barrel and I have a question about Gas Blocks. I plan on primarily using this gun for long distance target shooting. Should I consider using an adjustable gas block or would a non adjustable be preferred. Also the gas port hole on the barrel is 12 1/2 inches to the beginning of the barrel extension. I assume that means I should use a rifle length gas tube? Sorry if my questions are naive, just trying to learn as much as I can about building a AR in this caliber.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 6, 2011 11:27:24 GMT -8
I am new to the Forum and new to building a AR. I have a BHW 264lbc Barrel and I have a question about Gas Blocks. I plan on primarily using this gun for long distance target shooting. Should I consider using an adjustable gas block or would a non adjustable be preferred. Also the gas port hole on the barrel is 12 1/2 inches to the beginning of the barrel extension. I assume that means I should use a rifle length gas tube? Sorry if my questions are naive, just trying to learn as much as I can about building a AR in this caliber. Yes, you are correct, you would need a rifle length gas tube. Carl says, " Most of our customers seem to have excellent results using standard non-adjustable steel components."From what I could understand also, it would mostly depend on what type of ammo you are going to be using as to whether or not it'd make any difference (if any) getting the adjustable one.
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djmfl
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Post by djmfl on Oct 6, 2011 13:23:10 GMT -8
Ralphob: Save your money. I've done a lot of research on the adjustable gas tube. Most feel it is a waste of money. I agree. I've tried it and it didn't make much of a difference except to fleece me out of some bucks.
I completely agree with Carl - but then who am I to question the findings of the resident expert?
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Post by GLSHOOTER on Oct 6, 2011 13:34:47 GMT -8
Ralphob: Save your money. I've done a lot of research on the adjustable gas tube. Most feel it is a waste of money. I agree. I've tried it and it didn't make much of a difference except to fleece me out of some bucks. I completely agree with Carl - but then who am I to question the findings of the resident expert? I think he is referring to a gas BLOCK not a tube. By and large they aren't needed as an acceptable powder can be had for reloading that will operate well. If you are off exploring the unknown like some of us with the LBC cases like the 20 I am working with the adjustable block is a good thing to have as standard loading and recognized pressure curves don't exist. The one I bought for my 20 LBC build has been a plus for me. As I work up from mild to full house it has really let me tune for the different powders I am experimenting with. I'm using a KIES unit and it works very well. The JP system would work just as well at twice the cost IMHO. Greg
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 6, 2011 15:46:45 GMT -8
The adjustable blocks add a lot of value to the system. There are many gas blocks, some are at bit finicky specially with the adjusting screws but nothing that cannot be cured w. a bit of analysis and patience... and a nice ACE store close by. Some are made of steel and some are aircraft aluminum. In my systems I use clamping ones and replace the clamp screws only to use pressure washers to mitigate any potential risk of heat related looseness, specially with the aluminum ones. The aluminum ones tend to leak a bit more at first but once they get ripe then they are very good. They sort of cure overtime with the same heat from normal operation. Then they are lighter and dissipate heat faster. There are many makers but few that are versatile. So if you intend to tune it for the right amount of gas for one range of loads/use you are ok with one of the above but if you want to adjust for other loads or suppressed work then those need a screwdriver or Allen key and might be hard to reset to the original point. One popular solution for this one is to use the Noveske Switch block that is pricey but more versatile. www.noveskerifleworks.com/switchblock/switchblock.swfIn the piston department you have even more options with pistons with multiple adjustments. That is one of the reasons I like the Adams piston, there are other reasons to like it but one of them is that you can tune your systems to use two open and the suppressed positions that you can switch with your finger. Do not need a bullet tip or tooling for that. Alternatively you have a cancel option too if desired. In any case the one single aspect that I like of some of the systems above is that some use a clamping system. If you are doing everything to maximize accuracy I would use the clamping block vs. the tension screws as by design evenly distributes the pressure put into that barrel area. Of course impingement will give you the most accuracy on average but I also had good successes with the rifle length pistons. I hope this helps.
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Post by ralphob on Oct 6, 2011 16:17:05 GMT -8
I am so thankful and impressed with the knowledge and experience each of you have shared with me. Sounds like an adjustable has significant value in the system, but it also going to add a bit of complexity to manage it. I am also a reloader and i seem to be always searching for that perfect combination of ingredients. It sounds like changing my loads up a fair bit will require me to be adjusting the gas block on a fairly routine basis. So i am guess it may make the most sense for me to keep is simple in the short term and see how it works. I imagine it won't be a huge deal to change out a gas block for an adjustable one later on if I feel i can benefit from it as I am working with a crowned barrel and don't plan on putting on sights.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 6, 2011 16:32:28 GMT -8
Hi. no problem. Let me further explain... I think that in reality, if you have a well tuned system whether it is via a traditional block or via adjustable block the system will give you a great tolerance and range of loads. The adjustable will give you always an option. But for those looking maximizing all the potential of the system or for special purpose an adjustable with a faster adjustment method might be more desirable. Options are good sometimes but many times not even needed by many. I also wanted to make clear that there are more things one needs to take into account when choosing an adjustable gas block. That's all.
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