Thread: ideal barrel length for 223, is there a formula?

Originally Posted by 300CALMAN

Apparently 14.5" was chosen for the M4 based on the need for a compact rifle but saving soldiers hearing. From experience any shorter and a suppressor is mandatory.

-Any- length .223 barrel is way past the safe zone for hearing unsuppressed. 14.5" is damn short and I'd guess it's the shortest you'd go without excessive loss of velocity. Clearly portability was a primary concern if they chose that length, with hearing damage way down the list.