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.308 ??? for the Experts

MrGunz22MrGunz22 Member Posts: 2,086 ✭✭✭
edited April 2008 in Ask the Experts
Shooting factory ammo, will you get better performance out of a 22" or a 20" barrel. Im gonna guess and say the 22". If so, how much accuracy may be lost with the 20"? I use the rifle for deer and 99% of my shots are under 100yds. I just thought if I shortened the barrel it would be handier to carry in the woods. Interested to see what you guys think. Thanks,

Mark
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Comments

  • RCrosbyRCrosby Member Posts: 3,808 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Mark,
    You might lose 50 to 100 fps by lopping off the 2 inches. Not enough to make a difference on the deers end of the transaction.
    For me those 2 inches wouldn't make that much difference and I'd probably leave it as is. Accuracy shouldn't be impacted at all, assuming a good crown, though. What kind of rifle is it? You may want to consider that shortening the barrel might reduce the resale value down the line.
    If that's not a factor, and you're more comfy with the shorter tube, then go for it!
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  • HighballHighball Member Posts: 15,755
    edited November -1
    Rifle shooting 1/2 inch groups right now ? If so...you might consider leaving it as is...if accuracy is important.

    Otherwise, there is a chance it may well pick UP accuracy after shortening..depending where the 'sweet spot' is on your particular barrel.
    Be sure and get a good crown.

    Loss of some 50-100 FPS means little at 100 yards, energy wise.

    Muzzle blast will increase considerably.
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  • dcs shootersdcs shooters Member Posts: 10,870 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    My Remington PSS-LTR has a 20" bbl. It is a tack driver,3/8"-100yds &11/2"-400yds.with Win. Match and my hand loads.
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  • savage170savage170 Member Posts: 37,569 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I have two rem 760 in 280 one regular barrel and the carbine the carbine is alot more accurate but the muzzle blast and flash is alot more.
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  • grdad45grdad45 Member Posts: 5,381 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I shoot a 308 Ruger 77 Compact with a 16 1/2" barrel. It's really handy to carry on an ATV and through thick cover. Muzzle blast is pretty bad, but it keeps 125 gr Nosler Ballistic tips inside 3/4" at 100 yds. I have taken 3 deer with it so far and none have gone more than 20 yards. I have shot it out to 200 yards, and am confident I can make a killing shot that far.
    As far as the difference between 20 and 22 inch barrels goes, I don't think you will be able to tell which one you shoot.
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  • MobuckMobuck Member Posts: 14,163 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Theoretically, if two barrels have the same contour, the shorter one will shoot better. Reason: shorter has less whip. In practical terms it is doubtfull you can see the difference between a 20" and a 22". I would not give up the velocity to (maybe) gain a very tiny bit more accuracy.
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  • IAMACLONE_2IAMACLONE_2 Member Posts: 4,725
    edited November -1
    Got a Rem700PSS,20" heavy barrel. Maybe 100 rounds on it.
    scope is Nikon 3-9x50mm
    Shot only Federal Match in the Blue box, $17-$21 box 168gr bulet JSP.

    Will shot cold or with the same hole tear the same hole by.05 to .100 of center

    Once you get it warm in 3shoots, it will go thru the same hole, with a little more tearing.

    It weights a ton around 8 lbs in a thremo plastic cop stock. Then wiwith the 8 lb spoting range finding scope, 1 lb wind speed meter, bipod, monopod, 20 rds on ammo. Canteen of water 3lbs.
    Your looking close to 30pounds.

    The tapered lightweight 5/6 pound unit sporting barrel is good for the sporting hunter, and a lot lighter. With a meduim proced scope say with a good quality scope $300-$500, and rifle sling will save you $500-$1000.
    And it wont drag you to death. carrying into a walkin/ no ATV's lease 5 miles away. Accurancy differance typcialy 1/2MOA. A 18" or or 18 wont make that much differace - I all depends on what you want afamily car or a hot rod, but you cant have both.

    So then you start on the Rems, sig,s Ar's, the Ruski's AKS, old 22's.
    I never ends kid[:D]
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  • tsr1965tsr1965 Member Posts: 8,682 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    In theory, barrel length is not a function of accuracy. My theory...this holds true, untill you get short enough to get incosistant burning of powder. If you get this short on a rifle, you might just have other LEGAL issues to worry about. If you look at the factory ballistic tables, 90 percent of them or better will tell you that this data was taken using a 24 inch barrel...at least for the USA ammo makers. I would say the better performance will come from the 22 inch over the 20. If the cut off is done properly accuracy should be the same or possibly better. As for deer, I don't honestly think a grilled over hardwood medium rare back strap could tell the difference.
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