What barrel length for 6.5 Creedmoor with 8.86" 16.6oz Q Full Nelson suppressor?

[m6z]

First bolt gun build. I have a 18" AR15 in 6.5 Grendel that is my current "precision" rig.

I'm currently a member of a 600 yard range, but there are 1000 yard ranges within driving distance. I'm not a hunter and this rifle will be used exclusively to casually shoot steel at distance using factory loaded ammo.

I've decided almost everything but barrel length.

Bighorn Arms Origin action - ordered
Q Full Nelson suppressor - check cashed
KRG Bravo - received
Trigger Tech Flat face trigger
Athlon Cronus 4.5-29 or similar magnification range.

I'm going with a PVA shouldered barrel with a Marksman contour or a Proof Research carbon fiber Savage pre-fit barrel.

 

[Srikaleak]

22" is optimal. You could go 24 or even 26 but you'll get 98.9% there with 22" and your rifle won't be absurdly long with the can attached. If you handload hot loads you could see more benefit with longer barrels (I think). For something really cool and handy you could do 18" (but that's more ease of use when out and about like hunting)

 

[m6z]

Thanks for the response. I just added to the original post that I'll be shooting factory ammo. I haven't ventured into hand loading yet. That's probably a couple years down the road.

 

[cleric]

If your just punching steel why would you not go 24-26 inches? If you were hunting or moving with it maybe shorter.

 

[C_R_Slacker]

You can always cut a long barrel shorter, but you can't cut one longer. That was my thought process when i got my tikka rebarreled. I got 26" and will suppress when my can gets out of jail. If i hate it, i can always cut it back.

 

[redneckbmxer24]

If it's just a range gun, a longer overall length really isn't going to be noticed. For casual range time I also don't see a slight decrease in velocity from a shorter barrel as a real disadvantage either.

I'd flip a coin, I don't think you can go wrong either way. If you're uncertain though, you can always shorten it later as already mentioned, or just split the difference and go in between at 22" or so.

 

[m6z]

Anyone else care to vote?

Thanks for the responses so far.

 

[MACHTECH]

I run a 20" barrel in my DT with an ultra 7. I shot this 5 shot group at 1000 yards yesterday with it. This is the barrel I use to hunt with as well. I was worried about going so short, but have not been disappointed at all that I did.

 

[m1match]

I went 24" because I can't own a can in the state I live in, 24" for me is long enough to get good velocities from 140 ELDMs, and because longer than 24" barrels would require me to reconfigure my safe to fit them. I know I wasn't answering the OP who wants to run a can but with a Proof barrel, a 24" tube would still be light enough with a can, although the length might be a bit unwieldy.

 

[m6z]

That's a good point about fitting in the safe. I need to verify I've got the height for the longer barrels.

 

[Ledzep]

I run a 20" barrel in my DT with an ultra 7. I shot this 5 shot group at 1000 yards yesterday with it. This is the barrel I use to hunt with as well. I was worried about going so short, but have not been disappointed at all that I did.
View attachment 6913029

Sorry to sidetrack, but What velocity range are you looking at?

I just ordered a blank and think I'm going to have to cut it 20" or shorter to keep 5/8" muzzle threads (#4 contour). Hoping to be above 2650 with 147s. Anything over 2700 is bonus.

 

[MACHTECH]

I'm loading the 140 eld-m with 42.2 grains of h4350 and getting 2775 fps.

 

[flyer]

I bought a Proof 28" Savage pre-fit for my Nucleus build and a Thunderbeast 30CB brake for when I leave this shitty state and get an Ultra 9 or whatever their latest and greatest is then.

I just want all the FPS and will probably try some 1,500 yard shooting at some point.

The Nucleus isn't here yet but that's my plan.

 

[m6z]

Thanks for the replies. Placed the order for a 22" Marksman from PVA. Now the wait begins.

 

[Ledzep]

I got my barrel blank in and installed it. Ended up at 21". Ran factory match 147s at 2615fps. With 48gr of RL26 I'm knocking on the door of 2800 with 147s. 2770 or so on a lame chrono. Need to run them by the labradar. Pressure is okay, warm side but no swipes, craters, etc. .6-1.1" groups at 200. Once I wrap up a seating depth test I'm going to take it out to shoot some steel and get labradar velocities.