Lets ask the experts - 223 barrel shorten

[Doug308]

I have a Tikka T3 .223 Varmint heavy barrel @ 24" 1-8 twist, my longest range to shoot is 500 meters, I would like to cut this barrel between 18"to 20" it will wear a suppressor in the future, I have searched quite a bit for answers but I still want the collective mind of "the Hide" taking advantage of the 1-8 twist and shooting FGMM 69gr or 77gr just how much will I be giving up with the shorter lengths?


Let me say it first "aw jeez not this shit again"

Thanks for any opinions

 

[George Mac]

Re: Lets ask the experts - 223 barrel shorten

Consider the fact that all of the NRA highpower service rifle AR shooters are using 20" barrels. The last stage of the match is at 600. With 18~20" you will be fine.

 

[mscott]

Re: Lets ask the experts - 223 barrel shorten

Using 69gr ammo I only gain 80fps going from a 20" auto to a 26" bolt gun.

 

[josephberry]

Re: Lets ask the experts - 223 barrel shorten

I get 2920 with a 20inch and 69mk with 8208xbr.

 

[ORD]

Re: Lets ask the experts - 223 barrel shorten

Cutting your barrel to either 18" or 20" should not materially effect your ability to accurately engage targets at 500m. I manage to do okay with a 16" out to 600yds, so I think you'll be fine. As for loss in MV, YMMV, but I would guess approx. -25fps/1" of barrel lost. If you reload, you can make up that ground somewhat as factory ammo can be a little anemic.

One note though...the 77gr SMKs may or may not stabilize from a 1:8 twist barrel. Some 1:8 barrels work well on the 77gr pills and others don't. If you have been running them thus far and getting stability from them, you should be okay cutting your barrel down 4-6" other than the loss of a little MV.

 

[AUJohn]

Re: Lets ask the experts - 223 barrel shorten

It becomes an issue at longer ranges.
If you have a reasonably "quick" barrel you should be ok with 75's and possibly 80's out past 500.

 

[sotexhill]

Re: Lets ask the experts - 223 barrel shorten

The loss of MV will make for somewhat less revolutions per minute (RPM) on the bullet as it exits the muzzle with a shortened barrel. So, if the OP is getting adequate stabilization of the 77 gr bullet with his 24 inch barrel, it <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="text-decoration: underline">may</span></span> or <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="text-decoration: underline">may not</span></span> be enough with the reduced length.

 

[samnev]

Re: Lets ask the experts - 223 barrel shorten

Last post is a very valid point.

 

[Doug308]

Re: Lets ask the experts - 223 barrel shorten

So, it could be a gamble with the heavier boolits, 18" is really what I would like, but maybe the 20" is the less risky.

 

[BOLTRIPPER]

Re: Lets ask the experts - 223 barrel shorten

people who got short barrels and little cars have small minds.

 

[Ratbert]

Re: Lets ask the experts - 223 barrel shorten

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BOLTRIPPER</div><div class="ubbcode-body">people who got short barrels and little cars have small minds.</div></div>

Frank been imposing a tax on your brass haul recently?

 

[TOP PREDATOR]

Re: Lets ask the experts - 223 barrel shorten

save the barrel you have on it, and get a "spare" 18" or 20" incher.

this way if it doesn't work out you still have the longer one.

once you cut it, it will not grow back.

 

[JamieD]

Re: Lets ask the experts - 223 barrel shorten

Mine is 22" and runs the 75 A-max at 2890. It will run to 1000 with no problems. Mine was cut so short for a suppressor but I have to say I like it. I might even cut it to 20" this winter.

Give it a try. I have cut several rifles at 22 and 20 for customers and they all seem to like. Good luck and post some pics if you do it.

JamieD

 

[coldboremiracle]

Re: Lets ask the experts - 223 barrel shorten

I'm building one now, and cant decide whether I want to go 20, 21,22. but I think 22 is as long as I'm willing to go. 2890 sounds pretty good though, what load are you using?

 

[BOLTRIPPER]

Re: Lets ask the experts - 223 barrel shorten

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ratbert</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BOLTRIPPER</div><div class="ubbcode-body">people who got short barrels and little cars have small minds.</div></div>

Frank been imposing a tax on your brass haul recently?</div></div>





no....but he is closer to the ground than me.....

 

[TheShooter]

Re: Lets ask the experts - 223 barrel shorten

You should be able to stabilize a 77 if you go short. I have a 16" AR with 1/9" twist that loves 77s. This rifle throws 80s sideways.

My competition rifle is a 22" PSS that holds sub MOA at 500 with 80s.

Short is good.

 

[Sapper524]

Re: Lets ask the experts - 223 barrel shorten

I have a Savage model 10 / 223 / 1:9 / 20 inch - I shoot 77g SMKs out to 600 yards often. I was very suprised myself, with the slower twist I was expecting it start going sideways past 69g but ... it works ... I don't complain.

 

[Roscoe_M4]

Re: Lets ask the experts - 223 barrel shorten

Doug,

I have a 20" LTR 1-9 twist that loves Federal Match 69 SMKs for 500 yd matches (about 3/4 MOA and 2,900 fps MV). It does even better with 69 SMK and 75 Hornady BTHP (2,700+ fps MV) handloads - closer to 1/2 MOA. With your 1-8 twist you should be good to go at 20". I can't say what you might give up at 18", but it shouldn't be more than 50 - 75 fps MV and that wouldn't make a big difference at 500 meters.

Short barrel .223 bolt guns are pure fun to shoot. Good luck with your project! Bob