DTA Covert 18" 300 win mag Load Data

[RedGoat]

Been looking more and more into a covert length barrel for my DTA, to complement my 26", now that there is a hand guard conversion kit. And with SAC spinning up custom DTA barrels the option are there. Biggest thing holding me back is actually finding load data for short barrels....

Here is a quote from SR90 outlining the performance of the 300 and 338 performance with factory ammo:

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sr90</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Guns4570,
We finished up testing different barrel lengths with the 338LM and 300WIN for the covert rifle system:

- The 18" barrels in .338LM got 2630 fps with 300 grain (factory Corbon ammo) down from 2874 fps with 26" tubes.

- The 300 Win got 2826fps with 185 grain Berger (HSM factory ammo) down from 3050 fps with 26" tube.

Temp was 95 deg at approx 5300 ft above sea level. Production barrels on on order and will be several weeks out.

</div></div>

I'm curious how much velocity I could get out of a 208 amax with the 300 win mag in an 18" barrel; 2700fps (based on the above numbers) seems very doable.

Numbers from JBM (alt=0 temp=59F)
@1000y = -319.85" / -9.05 mil / 1501fps / 1041ft-lbs
10mph cross wind = 67.91" / 1.92 mil

That's some really nice ballistics out of a 28" OAL rifle

 

[RedGoat]

Re: DTA Covert Load Data

I know someone here has some experience with the 18" 300 win mag conversion kit, or something equivalent.

 

[RedGoat]

Re: DTA Covert Load Data

.....

 

[RedGoat]

Re: DTA Covert Load Data

BTT

 

[Eric B.]

Re: DTA Covert 300 win mag Load Data

An 18" barrel, <span style="font-style: italic">really</span>? Especially on a DTA bullpup chassis. Why sacrifice the velocity?

I'd think you would only need that if you were a professional who absolutely had to have such a short weapon.

And here I thought my 25" HS Precision barrel was a bit short on my 700 Rem. action.

Once again, everything is relative.

 

[lanwickum]

Re: DTA Covert 300 win mag Load Data

because you can.... Plus it will sit ON a seat and carry that much easier. Trust me, there is a diffrence when carrying a DTA covert with the 16 or 18" barrels compared to the 26 or 28" barrels. I can carry my DTA 308 covert with me on the 4 wheeler or dirt bike all day and barely notice it. Put the 7WSM 26" on it and I notice it. Although, I can't hit shit with the 308 covert compared to the 7WSM at much distance.

 

[redbullitt]

Re: DTA Covert 300 win mag Load Data

I run a 16 308 and a 26 308. The rifle is super short with the 16; hell I can put the suppressor on and it is still shorter than a normal setup lol. Great to pack around, and like he said it fits right on the seat or wherever. Pretty sweet to pack a precision rifle in a stumpy AR15 case.

With the 26 incher it is just about the same as a typical 20ish inch rifle.

Not sure if I would jump on the 18inch 300 mag (havent shot one that short), but the shorter barrel is definitely worth having if you don't mind the shorter barrel trade offs. I am not sure about the 300 mag, but the velocity loss is not too bad with the 308.

With the same load in both barrels I am having to hold another .4 mils over at 500 yards with the shorter tube. Not a problem really so far. Shot steel today and held fist sized groups between 4 and 500 yards with the covert barrel. No complaints here. I will say that the 16 incher is a bit blasty with the brake on it. The shorter barrel is awesome to shoot offhand too.

 

[RedGoat]

Re: DTA Covert 300 win mag Load Data

Why sacrifice the velocity.... Why not?

I can't imagine anything I would need more than 1000ft-lbs @ 1000y for. And I don't see myself ever shooting over 1500y, I have enough trouble finding a spot to 1000y.

An 18" 300wm should throw the 208 somewhere between 2700-2800fps (wish someone would jump in here with some real load results to narrow this down some). And at those velocities it meets my above criteria 1000ft-lbs @ 1k and super sonic @ 1500y. Giving me the ability to hunt anything my heart desires and packs very easily in my pack or on my back.

If I get a hair up my ass to shoot flatter I can throw my 26" .243 on and shoot inside your 25" 300 with zero recoil.

Now that I've justified my reasoning for wanting an 18" 300. Anyone out there have any hands on experience loading/shooting this combo???

 

[RedGoat]

Re: DTA Covert 300 win mag Load Data

I've heard a few say that the shorter powder column of the 300wsm would do better in a short barrel 300...

Knowledge on this subject is welcome also

 

[redbullitt]

Re: DTA Covert 300 win mag Load Data

Your reasoning is very sound there Goat.

I say just buy it and take it for a ride; you will like it.

I have not met anyone running the short 300 mag setup... not that common I suppose. Hopefully someone jumps in soon and posts up some stumpy 300 data.