With the development of the M855A1 EPR round came the need to “upgrade” the existing barrels. The EPR round operates at 62,000psi vs the M855 at 55,000psi. Gas ports were eroding, barrel life is shortened, and bolt wear is accelerated.
Jim Hodge of Hodge Defense addressed this issue with his barrels:
“Utilizing FN's proprietary steel and technology, these barrels were designed to Jim Hodge's demanding specifications and optimized for the military's M855A1 EPR ammunition which is much more demanding on barrels
M855A1 rounds operate at about 62,000 PSI (over 55k from M855) and are designed to perform to an expected standard of terminal performance and barrier penetration over a broader range of engagement distances; whereas previous ammunition was being criticized for being unstable and not providing consistent performance outside of a narrower optimal range.
The AU Mod 2 has been optimized for running M855A1 EPR, and this barrel is at the heart of that system.”
I don’t profess to understand the wizardry involved. Folks that have these barrels in the wild are claiming a barrel life of up to twice or more what a “standard” CHF CL barrel is getting, when using standard/non-M855A1 ammo.
What intrigues me the most is the accuracy and velocity claims. Depending upon the load used, end users are claiming velocities from the 12.5” HDSI barrels that are almost what they’re seeing from other companies’ 14.5” barrels.
Here’s data from one user I know. All velocities are from 10 round averages, using Magtech First Defense ammo with the CBC headstamp. This is a 77grn load that duplicates the Mk262 Mod 1 load, and has shown to be exceedingly accurate in the rifles and carbines I’ve tried it in.
12.5” Hodge: 2562fps
14” Black River Tactical: 2552fps
14.5” CMMG: 2597fps
14.5” Colt: 2575fps
The 12.5” Hodge shot a 1.3MOA group for those 10 rounds.
The other claim that I’m hearing from owners is the accuracy lasts longer, or hangs on a lot closer to the end of the barrel life.
Retail on the 12.5” or 14.5” HDSI barrels is $425. Quite a bit more than a “standard” CHF CL barrel by other quality manufacturers, but if it does in fact last twice as long, then it’s a savings in the long run.
I’ve got two of the 12.5” barrels en route. I wasn’t planning a build for me anytime soon, but looks like that will have to change!
Semper Fi!
Jim Hodge of Hodge Defense addressed this issue with his barrels:
“Utilizing FN's proprietary steel and technology, these barrels were designed to Jim Hodge's demanding specifications and optimized for the military's M855A1 EPR ammunition which is much more demanding on barrels
M855A1 rounds operate at about 62,000 PSI (over 55k from M855) and are designed to perform to an expected standard of terminal performance and barrier penetration over a broader range of engagement distances; whereas previous ammunition was being criticized for being unstable and not providing consistent performance outside of a narrower optimal range.
The AU Mod 2 has been optimized for running M855A1 EPR, and this barrel is at the heart of that system.”
I don’t profess to understand the wizardry involved. Folks that have these barrels in the wild are claiming a barrel life of up to twice or more what a “standard” CHF CL barrel is getting, when using standard/non-M855A1 ammo.
What intrigues me the most is the accuracy and velocity claims. Depending upon the load used, end users are claiming velocities from the 12.5” HDSI barrels that are almost what they’re seeing from other companies’ 14.5” barrels.
Here’s data from one user I know. All velocities are from 10 round averages, using Magtech First Defense ammo with the CBC headstamp. This is a 77grn load that duplicates the Mk262 Mod 1 load, and has shown to be exceedingly accurate in the rifles and carbines I’ve tried it in.
12.5” Hodge: 2562fps
14” Black River Tactical: 2552fps
14.5” CMMG: 2597fps
14.5” Colt: 2575fps
The 12.5” Hodge shot a 1.3MOA group for those 10 rounds.
The other claim that I’m hearing from owners is the accuracy lasts longer, or hangs on a lot closer to the end of the barrel life.
Retail on the 12.5” or 14.5” HDSI barrels is $425. Quite a bit more than a “standard” CHF CL barrel by other quality manufacturers, but if it does in fact last twice as long, then it’s a savings in the long run.
I’ve got two of the 12.5” barrels en route. I wasn’t planning a build for me anytime soon, but looks like that will have to change!
Semper Fi!