Effects of cutting down the barrel on a Remington 700?

[Mack015x]

Let me start out by saying, I am very new to the world of precision rifles so any information is helpful.

I've got a Remington 700 with a 26" barrel, chambered in 300 WM. I recently picked up a YHM TI Suppressor adding another 8.5" to my set up, so needless to say, it looks a little goofy. I originally went with the 26" barrel because I had read that for a 300 WM, that would create the ideal ballistics.

Now for my question--if I found my 26" barrel and 8.5" suppressor aesthetically unpleasing and unwieldy, would getting it professional cut down to 22 or 24 inches hinder its performance drastically? Is it possible it would actually improve or remain the same, especially if I plan on predominately shooting with the suppressor, counteracting the velocity loss by cutting down the barrel?

Thanks,

Mack

 

[BurnOut]

Spitballing here, as I don't know what loads you're shooting, but I would count on losing 30-ish FPS per inch of barrel length at the lengths you're talking about. The good news is that shorter barrels are stiffer barrels, so it's entirely possible that cutting the barrel back will help improve accuracy (as long as it's not a hack job). You'll get some velocity back running the can (over a bare muzzle), but it likely won't be more than 20-30 FPS.

Edit: some interesting reading here: https://rifleshooter.com/2013/12/30...rrel-length-change-velocity-a-16-300-win-mag/

 

[b6graham]

Since it's the stock barrel and you're set on cutting. I'd start at 24" and run it there. See how it feels. If you want to cut again just to try 22" no harm it's still the factory barrel. Then when you're gonna get a new barrel you'll know what length you prefer for movements sake and would likely gain at least some fps with a custom barrel

I think it depends on use too. Gonna run 185s fast or 220? Hunting or elr?

 

[JMGlasgow]

No other downside besides loss in velocity. I run a 23" barrel on my 6.5 Creedmoor, and will be running a 22" barrel on my 308 when I finally get my barrel. I also shortened my 30-06 hunting rifle to 22", and it's still plenty fast.

 

[B y r o n]

You might want to look at this information about velocity loss with cutting back a .300 WM barrel.

 

[wade2big]

How far do you shoot OP? The answer to this question would be the deciding factor.

 

[WeiserBucks]

No other downside besides loss in velocity. I run a 23" barrel on my 6.5 Creedmoor, and will be running a 22" barrel on my 308 when I finally get my barrel. I also shortened my 30-06 hunting rifle to 22", and it's still plenty fast.

This is perfect advice for a 300 WM. Comparing Apple's to alfalfa.

 

[Mrpike71]

My opinion only but you’re losing all of your efficiency by cutting a 300 win mag barrel down too far. Ballisticly, your turning your win mag into a 30-06 but burning a lot more powder and losing a ton of barrel life (in comparison to a 30-06 or similar non magnum).

 

[Vargmat]

I would keep it as is, hell I run a 26" barreled winmag and I am looking at getting at least a 28" barrel when its time to replace it. My suppressor is slightly shorter as it is telescopic, it runs 6,5" in front of the muzzle.

 

[tomcatfan]

My opinion only but you’re losing all of your efficiency by cutting a 300 win mag barrel down too far. Ballisticly, your turning your win mag into a 30-06 but burning a lot more powder and losing a ton of barrel life (in comparison to a 30-06 or similar non magnum).

Not to mention the wear and tear on the suppressor. At a certain point, your suppressor becomes a combustion chamber. If there is any unburned powder going into the suppressor, that isn’t good.

 

[magnumruger]

Unburnt powder hitting baffles makes me cringe! If money is no issue, chop away!

 

[Mack015x]

I appreciate everyone's input. As I'm looking into shooting up to 1200 meters, I've decided to keep it at 26"

 

[BigTex]

FWIW, I run a 26" rifle suppressed and have no issues. I'd leave it alone and shoot it and see if you have any issues.

 

[Bradu]

Unburnt powder hitting baffles makes me cringe! If money is no issue, chop away!

That's an easy solution if you reload, run a faster burning powder and it will solve that problem.