Optimum .308 barrel length for a bolt gun.

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Atla

Atla

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I'm having a mauser rechambered in .308. I need to decide on the barrel length.

Using a McGrowen barrel, #5 contour. 1:10 twist(for heavier bullets - okay I'm not entirely sold on the 1:10 over the 1:12).

I believe max length is 26 inches.

So, I'm guess what I'm asking is what is the 'optimum' barrel length? I mean, seriously - from what I understand I loose roughly 100 fps per barrel inch I remove.

But I do really need that extra 300(or whatever) fps at 4-5-600 yards?

It's a general gun, I'll be using it in matches(nothing past 500) and I plan on using it hunting and in the field as well.

Any thoughts? Comments? Concerns?
 
What type of matches?

I wouldn't want a hunting gun to have more than a 24" barrel, max, unless it was a dedicated varminter fired from a bipod. 20-22" is a good general purpose length.

John
 
inside 600yds there's really no point in a bbl longer than 20" there just simply isn't enough ballistic advantages in a longer 308bbl to become evident inside this range

from what I understand I loose roughly 100 fps per barrel inch I remove.
Click to expand...

for 308win the loss is more like 35 to 40 FPS per inch. Don't believe me? Just compare 14" 308 handgun data to 24" rifle
 
I would choose the 22" length as a good compromise between ballistics, ease of handling and still provide a stable barrel and shooting platform.

NCsmitty
 
I like a 24 inch barrel in any rifle simply because I can hold it steadier and recoil is less so my flinch tendency stays submerged.
 
iirc

"old" (1960's) wisdom said that the opti. bbl. length was 24" for std. rounds & 26" for mag. rounds.
this opinion is worth what you paid for it......:D
 
if this were to be a target/ paper rifle, i would say anywhere from 26 to 30 inches, with a full 1 inch tube, all the way down.
 
Using a 21" tube I only need 38 MOA of elevation to reach 1000 yards using factory 175's (Black Hills).
 
Im running the 1:10" twist and 24 inches. I shoot the 175 sierra matchking and really need the velocity. I would not go under 22 if you are wanting to use the heavy bullets. 1:12 is OK, but pushing the too slow of twist for the 175's. Inside of 600 the 168gr and a 1:12 will serve well. Your call
 
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