Gunsmithing Bartlien 308. M40. 18 " vs 20"
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If you're serious about 1000 yards go at least 26". If it's just for play depending on what bullet/powder combo you're using you'll lose about 100-200fps in that 2" but you'll be losing a ton of speed compared to a longer tube
20" can make 1000, but it sure isn't what I would build for competition at 1000. I wouldn't go shorter.
22' is optimal for a 308,
Unless by competition you mean F Class... then you need the most speed possible.
For a tactical rifle there is zero need to be over 22" for 1000 yards. An 18 with the right load will make it, but your skills will be tested to hold it.
It's 2014, we have better bullets, powders, and barrels, 26" outside of F Class is completely unnecessary
Unless by competition you mean F Class... then you need the most speed possible.
For a tactical rifle there is zero need to be over 22" for 1000 yards. An 18 with the right load will make it, but your skills will be tested to hold it.
It's 2014, we have better bullets, powders, and barrels, 26" outside of F Class is completely unnecessary
Yep^^^ my 16 will prove how much a long bbl is needed. Ihave 2 20" 308 and a 24". If I could only have one then it would be a 20". My 20" bartlien gets more speed than my friends rem varmit gets.
My favorite length is 20". But I just had Meredith Rifles build a Remington 700 with an 18" barrel for a short truck rifle. Might be different for others, but that shorter tube seems to have more muzzle blast than I expected. For a rifle i will shoot long strings with, 20" is as short as I would go.
new bullets and powder shoot faster out of a longer barrel too. i like my 26" barrel 308. i can get the same velocity as a 20" at lower pressure. that makes my brass happy. i liked my 20" 308 too. i just did not find it any handier than my 26". which makes extra velocity at the cost of a little weight. i think the main thing that matters is what kind of competition you are doing with it. some types 18-22" barrels will be more handy especially if you run a suppressor. some it will not matter.
I think our suggestions may be more useful if you clarify that you want to compete or just "be able to engage" targets at 1000.
If you seriously want to compete at 1000 with a 308, I suggest a 24-30" tube. I highly suggest against a suppressor as well because if you are competing at 1000 on a regular basis, you are more then likely going to be shooting an F-class match or a similar style match. There is a reason you don't see too F-class guys running short barrel guns with suppressors. In those type matches you want to take out anything that may effect a string of fire and a suppressor/mirage will do that.
If you just want to be able to engage or train to 1000 yards, then a 18-20" will definitely get you there. I speak from experience because I've taken my old shorty Surgeon (17.5") to 1100 yards with a 178 bthp Hornady. Did I make hits.... Yes. Did miss WAY more then I hit the target....yes.
Speaking from experience, I started in this game with a short barrel because it was "the cool" thing to have at the time. None if my bolt guns are under 22" now, regardless of caliber. I will have another shorty soon but its definitely a niche specific gun, and that's the only reason.
If you do decide to remain with a short barrel, I highly suggest moving to a 6.5 Creed or X47 Lapua and run the Hybrid 140's. You will give up some speed but ballistics will still be far superior to a shorty 308.
If you decide to stick with a short 308 then my second suggestion would be to run the 185's with MR Pro 2000. You would be taking advantage of every you can to enhance the 308 cartridge with that set up, just don't go out expecting to set the range on fire with head shots at 700 yards in multiple cross winds.
If you seriously want to compete at 1000 with a 308, I suggest a 24-30" tube. I highly suggest against a suppressor as well because if you are competing at 1000 on a regular basis, you are more then likely going to be shooting an F-class match or a similar style match. There is a reason you don't see too F-class guys running short barrel guns with suppressors. In those type matches you want to take out anything that may effect a string of fire and a suppressor/mirage will do that.
If you just want to be able to engage or train to 1000 yards, then a 18-20" will definitely get you there. I speak from experience because I've taken my old shorty Surgeon (17.5") to 1100 yards with a 178 bthp Hornady. Did I make hits.... Yes. Did miss WAY more then I hit the target....yes.
Speaking from experience, I started in this game with a short barrel because it was "the cool" thing to have at the time. None if my bolt guns are under 22" now, regardless of caliber. I will have another shorty soon but its definitely a niche specific gun, and that's the only reason.
If you do decide to remain with a short barrel, I highly suggest moving to a 6.5 Creed or X47 Lapua and run the Hybrid 140's. You will give up some speed but ballistics will still be far superior to a shorty 308.
If you decide to stick with a short 308 then my second suggestion would be to run the 185's with MR Pro 2000. You would be taking advantage of every you can to enhance the 308 cartridge with that set up, just don't go out expecting to set the range on fire with head shots at 700 yards in multiple cross winds.
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Thank you very much for taking time to respond.
I have started to compete in tactical competitions. I have been shooting a 300 win mag so I am probably over compensating the other way now. The suppressor will be more for training.
Thx again!
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