Optimal suppressed .308 barrel length

[msromike]

Hi,

I have a Rem 700 SS R5 Mil-Spec with a 24 inch barrel with 11.25 twist. I plan on shooting heavier weight bullets (175 gr) since they work better in this barrel. From what I understand the prototype ammo for this gun would be M118LR.

I am considering cutting the barrel down to keep the rifle a reasonable length. I want to give up as little accuracy as possible out to 1000 yards. Does anyone recommend for or against this? How much velocity and stabilization do I give up with a shorter barrel length?

The barrel needs to be threaded anyway and it's not much more money to shorten and re-crown the barrel at the same time.

Thanks,

Mike

 

[jasonk]

Re: Optimal suppressed .308 barrel length

There is a lot of other threads on this, but my short answer.

22" is optimal for velocity, balance, length, etc. You can get to 1k with 18" as I'm sure someone will point out, but unless you need to then why? 18" is harder to shoot well, 22" is the perfect mix imho.

 

[oneswithfunes]

Re: Optimal suppressed .308 barrel length

Other than velocity, barrel length should not have any impact on accuracy.

 

[Luvman]

Re: Optimal suppressed .308 barrel length

Actually shortening a barrel stiffens it. Usually helping accuracy.

 

[Downzero]

Re: Optimal suppressed .308 barrel length

I'd throw the barrel in the trash and get a custom chambered one. Spending money on a factory barrel is a waste in my opinion.

I'm looking forward to the day when mine is shot out so I won't feel guilty about replacing it. But if I was interested in cutting it down and recrowning it and everything, I'd just throw it away. Why spend $150 on a factory barrel when you can have a new barrel with a tighter chamber for $4-500 installed?

 

[KYS]

Re: Optimal suppressed .308 barrel length

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jasonk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">There is a lot of other threads on this, but my short answer.

22" is optimal for velocity, balance, length, etc. You can get to 1k with 18" as I'm sure someone will point out, but unless you need to then why? <span style="color: #FF0000">18" is harder to shoot well</span>, 22" is the perfect mix imho. </div></div>

Im going to have to disagree with that statement. I own an 18", 20" and 24" all suppressed. The 18 is not more difficult to shoot, in fact I can handle it better and manipulate the rifle faster because of its reduced size. Its just as accurate out to 1000 as a 22 or 24. To each his own. Everyone shoots differently and will make their own evaluations on what rig works best for them. You cant give a certain statement saying a certain barrel length is hard to shoot well. My 18" 308 groups better at 100 then the 24"......

 

[deersniper]

Re: Optimal suppressed .308 barrel length

I use a 20". Works good for me. Have shot out to 730 without problems.

Tornado Tech will thread your barrel cheaper than most. $75 to thread, probaly a little more to cut and crown. They do good work.

-dan

 

[JamieD]

Re: Optimal suppressed .308 barrel length

I cut mine to 22" for the suppressor and it's a pretty good compromise. Wouldn't be fraid to set it back to 20" but 22 seems to work out fine. It's all in what you like really. Shorter would be a little faster handling and a little less weight.



JamieD

 

[gugubica]

Re: Optimal suppressed .308 barrel length

A 20" barrel is at least as accurate as a longer one.

Half of the groups on this day were as good as the ones below. The ones that were not were 100% me and not the 20" barrel.

I am still sending factory loaded 155's at 2850 fps too.

These are at 100 yrds.

 

[gugubica]

Re: Optimal suppressed .308 barrel length

Oh, and those are 5 round groups, again, from a 20" barrel at 2850 fps.

 

[deadly0311]

Re: Optimal suppressed .308 barrel length

gugubica what load was that running at 2850? mind pm'ing the load?

 

[gugubica]

Re: Optimal suppressed .308 barrel length

I PMed you back, but I will post here too.

It was a factory loaded match ammo using the 155 Scenar.

Pete Pi and crew rocked this one!

Oh, the barrel is a 3 grove tight bore Kreiger.

 

[oneswithfunes]

Re: Optimal suppressed .308 barrel length

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Luvman</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Actually shortening a barrel stiffens it. Usually helping accuracy. </div></div> Rigidity will decreases with the 3rd power of its length just like a cantilevered beam. I doubt going from 22 to 20 to 18 with a typical mtu contour is going to make much difference with all the other variables we have.

 

[malaga2]

Re: Optimal suppressed .308 barrel length

I have 2 done at 20"...works good for me...