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20"-22" barrel, which caliber?

Little Z28

Little Z28

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Mar 9, 2011
157
0
38
Bedford, PA
#1
Well, I've decided to build a shorter Remington 700 than my 5R for the heck of it. I went through the sticky on caliber selection, but not alot of barrel length issues were discussed there. So here's my criteria.

I'm looking at a 20-22" barrel.
Remington 700 in short action.
I don't want to fire form brass.
I don't want another .308 (at the moment).

Here's a few of the calibers that I'm contemplating.

.243
6.5 Creedmore
6.5 x 284
.260

Which of these would you build in the 20-22" platform and why? Gun will be used to punch holes in paper, hunting varmints out to about 600 yds and maybe a deer or two at less than 200 yds.

Thanks folks...lets discuss.
 
#2
Re: 20"-22" barrel, which caliber?

For what you have said go .260 at 22"

Flat shooting, have great hunting rounds, and I have heard SW ammo has a great .260 load.

I would may even do a 20" barrel if you want to have it melonited to gain the lost velocity back.
 
#6
Re: 20"-22" barrel, which caliber?

Really, the only decent performer with a short-barrel is going to be the .308.

Not much reason to go 7mm or 6.5; unless you go AR-15 platform and use a Grendel or variant like 6mm Turbo. Your .308 will perform better than one of these shorties.

A .243 is a real burner, but not much reason to choose one in short length. Lots of these built in sporter configuration, but my opinion, your .308 works better with short-barrel option and the smaller bores with longer barrels. The .22-250 based wildcats are better choice for barrel life; 6mm/.22-250 and 6mm XC are very worthwhile and about the same case.

Might think about a 25 or 26" .22-250. Get one with an 1:8 twist so you can shoot 80gr bullets. Go for the ackley improved and don't look back. Lighter match bullets down to 52gr won't likely blow-up with the fast twist the way some light varmint bullets could...

6.5mm Grendel in AR configuration with twist for lighter bullets could really do all you want. If you are stuck on going bolt action, consider a shorter .308 and longer smaller diameter to get most out of your options...
 
#7
Re: 20"-22" barrel, which caliber?

I am currently having a rifle built. I told the smith almost the same thing as you said. Shooting paper, maybe some steel, hunting deer and not looking to do much past 600. I wanted the barrel to be shorter verses longer. Didn't want another 308.
He is building a short barrel 7-08. Said it will do all I want and as for barrel life, my grandkids will be shooting it.
YMMV
 
#8
Re: 20"-22" barrel, which caliber?

I just finished up a 20" 260 on a Surgeon for my do-all.

Have only had it out for a quick breakin so I don't have any chrono #'s yet but the first 5 rds. went into .286" at 100...
looks like a shooter.

Couldn't be happier with the balance/feel at 20"... and i do like the 260!

FWIW
 
#10
Re: 20"-22" barrel, which caliber?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dar</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I cut one of my 260s down to 20" barrel. Shoots lights out. Did not loose much fps either. </div></div>

Do you have any numbers for reference on your velocity losses? I'm not too caught up in velocity, as I know I have to compromise with the shorter barrel that I want. Just looking for a ballpark on the .260. Thanks.
 
#11
Re: 20"-22" barrel, which caliber?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BrettSass844</div><div class="ubbcode-body">7mm-08? Seems like a good canidate </div></div>

I haven't ruled the 7mm-08 completely out yet. Still trying to get a grasp on what's gonna be the best for my tastes. I started off looking at 6 & 6.5mm offerings, but that's not set in stone. Just don't want another .308 at the moment.
 
#12
Re: 20"-22" barrel, which caliber?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bignada</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Really, the only decent performer with a short-barrel is going to be the .308.

Not much reason to go 7mm or 6.5; unless you go AR-15 platform and use a Grendel or variant like 6mm Turbo. Your .308 will perform better than one of these shorties.

A .243 is a real burner, but not much reason to choose one in short length. Lots of these built in sporter configuration, but my opinion, your .308 works better with short-barrel option and the smaller bores with longer barrels. The .22-250 based wildcats are better choice for barrel life; 6mm/.22-250 and 6mm XC are very worthwhile and about the same case.

Might think about a 25 or 26" .22-250. Get one with an 1:8 twist so you can shoot 80gr bullets. Go for the ackley improved and don't look back. Lighter match bullets down to 52gr won't likely blow-up with the fast twist the way some light varmint bullets could...

6.5mm Grendel in AR configuration with twist for lighter bullets could really do all you want. If you are stuck on going bolt action, consider a shorter .308 and longer smaller diameter to get most out of your options... </div></div>


I know the .308 is a solid round. My 24" 5R shoots well, and has been excellent to learn with. However, I'm not all that impressed with the .308 as a whole when considering drop at long range. Having grown up shooting deer with my Savage 110 in 25-06 and woodchucks with that or my Rem Model 7 in 22-250, I'd like something a little flatter than the .308 for now. I know the 20 or 22" barrel isn't most ideal for velocity, but if I start off with a better round in that respect, I can have something far flatter to 600 yds. My 22-250 is a short barreled fun gun, but bone stock and is what it is. I won't change it because I like it how it is.
 
#13
Re: 20"-22" barrel, which caliber?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Icallem</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am currently having a rifle built. I told the smith almost the same thing as you said. Shooting paper, maybe some steel, hunting deer and not looking to do much past 600. I wanted the barrel to be shorter verses longer. Didn't want another 308.
He is building a short barrel 7-08. Said it will do all I want and as for barrel life, my grandkids will be shooting it.
YMMV </div></div>

I'm not too worried about barrel life, although it is always a slight consideration. In reality, I don't use my guns at a job, so they're mostly safe queens compared to someone that shoots them every weekend.
 
#14
Re: 20"-22" barrel, which caliber?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: was21</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I just finished up a 20" 260 on a Surgeon for my do-all.

Have only had it out for a quick breakin so I don't have any chrono #'s yet but the first 5 rds. went into .286" at 100...
looks like a shooter.

Couldn't be happier with the balance/feel at 20"... and i do like the 260!

FWIW </div></div>

Thanks, the .260 seems to be a popular choice among owners of 20" rifles. Any idea on what you expect drop to be out at 500 or 600 yds?
 
#16
Re: 20"-22" barrel, which caliber?

I do know this by experience of owning and shooting different twist, barrel lengths and loads. I own 5 260s in all configs. I have an 18" 308 and a 30" 308. They do not perform as good or better than the 20" 260.I do shoot the 308 and think it is a decent preformer but not the same. Here is a couple of video of the build I did with a 20" barrel. Love it for hunting and blanking.

<object width="425" height="350"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/VGjnXdNWxRw"></param> <param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/VGjnXdNWxRw" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"> </embed></object>


32 MOAs at 1100 yards. I would like to see a 308 perform like that with a 20" barrel
<object width="425" height="350"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/gAu4CS-RFF8"></param> <param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/gAu4CS-RFF8" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"> </embed></object>

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bignada</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Really, the only decent performer with a short-barrel is going to be the .308.

Not much reason to go 7mm or 6.5; unless you go AR-15 platform and use a Grendel or variant like 6mm Turbo. Your .308 will perform better than one of these shorties.

A .243 is a real burner, but not much reason to choose one in short length. Lots of these built in sporter configuration, but my opinion, your .308 works better with short-barrel option and the smaller bores with longer barrels. The .22-250 based wildcats are better choice for barrel life; 6mm/.22-250 and 6mm XC are very worthwhile and about the same case.

Might think about a 25 or 26" .22-250. Get one with an 1:8 twist so you can shoot 80gr bullets. Go for the ackley improved and don't look back. Lighter match bullets down to 52gr won't likely blow-up with the fast twist the way some light varmint bullets could...

6.5mm Grendel in AR configuration with twist for lighter bullets could really do all you want. If you are stuck on going bolt action, consider a shorter .308 and longer smaller diameter to get most out of your options... </div></div>
 
#17
Re: 20"-22" barrel, which caliber?

I agree with dar, I've had plenty of 308s all lenghts but its no comparason to my Kreiger barreled 20" 260 rem. It's 8.5 twist ,and its faster than my old 24" and 22" 260s. It's a big diffrence when shooting at 600 yds, the 260 gets by on holding left or right edge of the steel and still make a hit ,where as the 308 I have to hold a mil or more in a light wind . My 20" 260 rem is running around 2800 fps suppresed with the 142smks and around 2990 fps with 123 scenars. I'm sure they'll go faster but I've not pushed them anymore.
 
#18
Re: 20"-22" barrel, which caliber?

i shoot a 20" x47 it just rocks
not a 260 fan
6.5SLR better option no fire forming 260 done right
http://6mmar.com/65_SuperLR.php

my actual range dope 250 - 500 = 5.75MOA

if a short barreled 308 works common knowledge, a short fast 6/6.5 will rock, 6/6.5 will always outperform a 308 irregardless of barrel length

New powders like RE17 give huge gains in fps 100-200fps
so fig your gonna lose 100fps going from 24" to 20"
using one of the new wonder powders eliminates that velocity loss of short barrel, actually you may see equivalent 26" velocity.
I went with x47 simply as its high PSI cartridge, lapua brass is supper tuff esp x47 brass near nuke proof
RE17 proven velocity gains
Broughton 5C barrel acknowledged for being fast
So i built my rig n loaded for it all with end goal of of shooting inside my 26" 308 running hot 155 27moa @ 1k.
So yes it can be done
308 family 243/260 all suffer from bad case design
SLR fix's that
but x47 will do everything ya need n more thou looks like forwardeyes is doin same thing with his 20" 260
YES you really can hit that velocity from a 20" running 123 skinnies i,m just using x47 vs 260
A short barreled 308 has a trajectory like a lil gurl throwing a football and yet it is considered by many as GOOD
A well conceived short barreled 6.5 will be approx 8-10 MOA flatter @ 1k
Short fat barreled 6.5's just rock period
 
#19
Re: 20"-22" barrel, which caliber?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Little Z28</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: was21</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I just finished up a 20" 260 on a Surgeon for my do-all.

Have only had it out for a quick breakin so I don't have any chrono #'s yet but the first 5 rds. went into .286" at 100...
looks like a shooter.

Couldn't be happier with the balance/feel at 20"... and i do like the 260!

FWIW </div></div>

Thanks, the .260 seems to be a popular choice among owners of 20" rifles. Any idea on what you expect drop to be out at 500 or 600 yds? </div></div>

As soon as the temps quiet down here a bit... we were 114 yesterday and looking to 116 today !!!!.... I will be getting #'s together.

I wouldn't [don't] sweat the velocity... anybody can dial a scope![well , almost anybody]...it's the wind #'s where the 260 comes in.

FWIW
YMMV
wes out...looking for a cool spot !
 
#20
Re: 20"-22" barrel, which caliber?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jedi</div><div class="ubbcode-body">i shoot a 20" x47 it just rocks
not a 260 fan
6.5SLR better option no fire forming 260 done right
http://6mmar.com/65_SuperLR.php

my actual range dope 250 - 500 = 5.75MOA

if a short barreled 308 works common knowledge, a short fast 6/6.5 will rock, 6/6.5 will always outperform a 308 irregardless of barrel length

New powders like RE17 give huge gains in fps 100-200fps
so fig your gonna lose 100fps going from 24" to 20"
using one of the new wonder powders eliminates that velocity loss of short barrel, actually you may see equivalent 26" velocity.
I went with x47 simply as its high PSI cartridge, lapua brass is supper tuff esp x47 brass near nuke proof
RE17 proven velocity gains
Broughton 5C barrel acknowledged for being fast
So i built my rig n loaded for it all with end goal of of shooting inside my 26" 308 running hot 155 27moa @ 1k.
So yes it can be done
308 family 243/260 all suffer from bad case design
SLR fix's that
but x47 will do everything ya need n more thou looks like forwardeyes is doin same thing with his 20" 260
YES you really can hit that velocity from a 20" running 123 skinnies i,m just using x47 vs 260
A short barreled 308 has a trajectory like a lil gurl throwing a football and yet it is considered by many as GOOD
A well conceived short barreled 6.5 will be approx 8-10 MOA flatter @ 1k
Short fat barreled 6.5's just rock period


</div></div>

You getting a SLR built?

I have been tossing around the idea of having my .308 rebarreled to either the .260 or .243, but the SLR offerings look very tempting to do. Just that I need to find someone that has a reamer and is willing to take on the job.
 
#21
Re: 20"-22" barrel, which caliber?

For now x47 does everything i need
but if i was building a new 6.5
for sure it would be a 6.5SLR

Give Mark a call @ tumbleweeds
http://www.tumbleweedsrifles.com/CustomRifles.html

only guy i trust to work on my rigs

You can buy reamer/dies etc from SLR website, even has load data
Mark will build ya a hammer

Velocity is not the holy grail accuracy is, however i never load for FPS but accuracy how fast it winds up going is secondary
But its nice when ya get both
less drop always converts to less windage period

oh forgot to mention
Mark shoots what he builds, Team Lapua
he is
2011, High power hunting rifle National champion.

OUTSTANDING
 
#22
Re: 20"-22" barrel, which caliber?

Why not cut your 5R to 20" and build a 24" in something that takes advantage of the longer barrel length?

If you must have a 22" in one of those, go with a 7mm-08 or 6.5x47 Lapua. The 168 and 180 gr 7mms have a GREAT BC. The 6.5x47 has a little less powder capacity than a .260, but performs very similarly with better brass. Its reportedly very easy to load for as well.

Also, its 6.5-284, not 6.5x284. I think that would be the worst choice in that barrel length.
 
#23
Re: 20"-22" barrel, which caliber?

What bullet are you launching at 3100 from a 20" .260? 107 Sierra? 123 gr? What powder are you running? I have a 20" .260 hunting rifle and I'm yet to find a sweet spot for it. I'm a fan of 4831SC, but I'm afraid it'll be a pooch in that 20" bbl.
 
#24
Re: 20"-22" barrel, which caliber?

Thanks for all the recommendations so far fellows. My ears are open. I'm just getting some comparative info together so I make the right choice for me. Like some have said, the .308 is a fun and capable round, I just don't like the drop and great windage disadvantage at long range.

As far as cutting my 5R to 20" it'll never happen. I like it the way it is, and that's how she'll be. Shot an 8 point with it last season and some woodchucks this summer. I don't have alot of long range opportunities in the Appalachians of PA, so I am looking at something effective to 600 yds.

So far the .260 has definitely peaked my interest. Like I said, I'm all for reloading, just not fire forming and creating custom brass. I'm still interested in hearing some feedback on the 6.5 creedmoor and 6.5x47. I have some time to plan this build and don't wanna make a decision too early.
 
#25
Re: 20"-22" barrel, which caliber?

Shooting the 123 lapuas with H4350. There is a sweet spot on the 260. Once found it is fairly easy to load for. But like most of my guns. I take some advice. But I like to try it for myself. Much like building a 20" 260. Since then a few other people I shoot with has done the same. I have turn the on the load for them.

I do like the 6.5x47 a lot. Even though I don't own one. I will build one someday. I would think it would preform similar to the 260 with less powder.
 
#26
Re: 20"-22" barrel, which caliber?

6XC

-great selection of 6mm bullets (for any occasion)
-Norma Brass

My 22" runs with the 6.5's, using 37gns of RL15 and your choice of 105/107grn bullet, same powder I use for my 223 and 308. If you want to run the 115's, RL17 will get the job done.

Really don't think you could go wrong with any of the chamberings mentioned.
 
#27
Re: 20"-22" barrel, which caliber?

6xc wud be a good choice
thou my nod still goes to SLR be it 6 or 6.5
forming brass is as easy as running it thru FL sizer
i know i made my own die to try concept out
to easy if you can resize brass you can make SLR brass
Fix's everything that is wrong with 308 fam of cartridges
longer neck, sharper shoulder
260 would be my last choice, but your $$ so press on

I run 123 skinnies in my x47 if question was for me

65_cartridges__2.jpg

L-R
260, 6.5SLR, 6.5CM, 6.5x47
pert easy to see 260 has worst of breed for case design
 
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