Gunsmithing Heavy or light bullets for 20 inch .308 bbl?

[texasleftychef]

I'm planning on ordering a reamer or at least trying to figure out which reamer I should ask the smith to use on a .308 AIAW switch barrel. It is a M40 Bartlein 5R barrel that will finish at about 20 inches. All shots will primarily be within 600yds on paper and steel.

What is the general consensus, if any, on what weight bullets to use in a short barrel?

I'm generally a fan of Bergers and was thinking either the 155 hybrid or the 185 hybrid. I was leaning towards the 155 for the extra velocity but I'm not sure if that's solid thinking.

Any ideas or thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[Sonic Crack]

Re: Heavy or light bullets for 20 inch .308 bbl?

what twist is your barrel?

 

[texasleftychef]

Re: Heavy or light bullets for 20 inch .308 bbl?

Twist is 11.25 I believe.

Here is Bryan Litz's response to my question.

If you're going to deal with much range uncertainty in your shooting, I would advise the lighter bullets (155-175) because they'll be faster and flatter, which will result in more hits when you're not sure on range.

If you're able to determine exact range for each shot, then I would gravitate toward the 185 grain class due to their improved resistance to wind deflection, which, in the absence of range uncertainty, is the next biggest challenge.

A good middle ground is the 175 OTM, which is a well balanced, and reliably accurate bullet even into transonic at extended range.

I guess there is no consensus on whether or not the weight of the bullet affects accuracy with the shorter barrel as long as the bullet still maintains enough velocity.