Quote Originally Posted by gotcha View Post
Personally I'd opt for a 24" to 26" bbl. just because I'd rather have more than I need than less. I've got 2, 26" .223's with 12 & 9 twists & .223AI with 8 twist. This way I can maximize performance for the wide range of bullets now available for .223 Rem. as well as, extend accuracy range with my .223AI and heavies. 600 yd PD hits are not uncommon with the AI. Just another angle to consider. Good luck with your buy :)
+1

My longest prairie dog kill ever was a smidge over 700 yards with my .223 AI. It has a 26" barrel. I guess that I could have made the shot just as easily (bit of luck there you know) with a 24" barrel or even a 22" barrel but the longer tube gives a bit more speed and gets the blast a little further from your face. Not a bad thing when hunting colony varmints.