Gunsmithing Cutting a heavy barrel for a Vortex?

[M4-Pilot]

Hey guys, I have a Tikka T3 stainless varmint in .223 that is longer than I would like (23" 5/8ths I think) I would like it to be between 18" and 20". How much should it affect the stability of an 80gr. Sierra Matchking or 75gr Amax, my preferred loads right now. Also, when I cut it I plan on threading it for a Vortex flash hider, the barrel is larger diameter than the inside diameter of the "skirt" on the Vortex. Should I turn off the skirt of the Vortex, turn a slightly smaller profile on the barrel by the crown, or cut the threads normal and just run the vortex up against a washer turned to fit inside the skirt? I have also heard about people cutting barrels to their length based on resonance? (tie the barrel to a string or something and keep cutting until the barrel doesn't ring when tapped anymore? I don't plan on doing this I was just wondering how something like that is supposed to work?

Thanks

 

[fockell]

Re: Cutting a heavy barrel for a Vortex?

If your tikka stabalizes the bullets now, I don't believe chopping it a few inches will make much difference. May not like you same pet load anymore because you have changed the crown. As far as the flashhider fit, I would cut the shoulder and threads typical. May have to modify the flashhider to look best. I would first try using a crushwasher. It may offset it enough to give it a decent look. --Brandon