.308 1/12 twist barrel cut down

[keith jones]

I have a sps varmint that has not been shot. I dont like the the 26" length for hunting so I want to cut barrel down. I mainly shoot 168gr and 165gr bullets. With the 1/12 twist what is the least that I should cut barrel down? I do some long range shooting but 800yds is the max. I am building this rifle for hunting plus paper punching. Would I be better off, buying a new barrel with 1/11 or 1/10 twist? Any help would be appreciated! Thanks

 

[bornhunter04]

I'd say your fine with the factory barrel if it shoots. Cost to cut and crown should be less than $100 i would think. Mine still wears the 26" factory barrel for now. It shoots the 168 gr. bullets well but not great. Then i tried the 155 gr. and saw a huge improvement. If you reload, you can play with different loads. Is this your only rifle or do you have more? I'd say you'll be fine out to 800 with that setup even if you cut it down to 20-22". Set it up to meet your needs first and foremost. If you can swing it though a match grade barrel is definitely nice to have, and since it's a new unshot barrel you could sell it to lessen the cost of a new tube.

 

[Jethro3898]

If it helps you out, I had a 700P (26" 1 in 12) cut down to 24" and it shoots great with 175 SMK loads.
I kinda wish I would have gone down to 22" or 23".