300 Win Mag in a 22 inch barrel

[bobnob]

Ok I need some thoughts. I have the opportunity to buy a nice Mauser action in 300 WM. I have not shot a true magnum cartridge for years and I am half keen.

Only issue is the rifle has only a 22 inch barrel. This is about 2 inches or so shorter than I would ideally wish for.

Truth is I don't necessarily intend to make it a long range rifle. I was thinking of loading it up with 200g spitzers at moderate speeds - say about 2800fps - for shooting deer and hogs at ranges from 30 to a maximum of 300y. Maybe even a 220g round nose might get a run.

What say ye all about the short barrel? I figure it would work well enough for the above purpose, but if at some stage I inevitably choose to stretch it's legs with say a faster 208g Amax load, how much of a handicap would it be?

Any thoughts on handloading this cartridge in a shorter barrel as well?

Thanks. - Bob

 

[rlr]

You may not notice a significant difference in velocities.

Take a look at this article http://www.tacticaloperations.com/SWATbarrel/

 

[jmr40]

I know a couple of guys who cut down 300 win mags to 22". They lost about 50 fps over the 24" barrels they had.

You won't have any trouble getting 2800 fps with 200's in a 22" barrel. It will be a little louder, but not unbearable until you get below 20" in my experience.

Here is another link to some magnums with shorter barrels. This guy went from 3003 fps down to 2960 fps when he cut his 300 down to 22". This is about the same difference between a 300 win mag and a 300 WSM

http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/f19/short-barrel-magnum-velocity-19346/

 

[bobnob]

Both those links were very interesting so I thank you. You've made my mind up and I will go the 300 WM. I am thinking I will probably use H4831/AR2213SC as I use a lot of that in the 270 and its cheapest to get here, with 200 to 220g bullets.

Should be a great bush or as I read over there "woods" rifle.

Anyone using 4831 in bullets of that weight?