308 opinions

[257WM_CDL-SF]

I am considering getting a new rifle I am thinking the 308 win or the 280 remington.My question is you see barrels in 308 from 18 to 26 inches.
How much does barrel length afect velocity in it.and any picks between remington and browning

 

[Darth AkSarBen]

Don't get too hung up on barrel lenght. When you shoot a small bore like 223 (actually 0.224 bullet) it matters when it gets short like 14", but on larger bores, like .270 (6.8 SPC) or the .308/ 7.62 it is not as critial. Sure, a little bit longer barrel will get just a wee bit more velocity, but not like it's going to be in major leaps and bound. I shot a 16" Saiga AK for quite some time, and other than the "bark" it was both accurate and reliable, and would take down anyting in North America given good circumstances. Wild boars, to elk and black bear in proper settings. It is, a .308 Winchester after all, and with the right bullets will do well.

 

[mingo]

I prefer a .308 for most big game. The longer barrel not only increases velocity, but accuracy also. You would be amazed how much better you would be able to place your shots with longer/vs shorter. A longer barrel is way more fogiving for the slightest movement when sighting compared to a short barrel, that never forgives a slight move while aiming.

mingo

 

[Darth AkSarBen]

I agree 100% on the longer sight relief. If you use iron sights the further the distance from rear to front makes quite a distance. With a scope, though, it's moot.

16" barrel Saiga AK-47 with scope shooting Remington 150 gr Core-Lokt PSP bullets at 100 yards. I put a dot on a used Pizza Hut box to see how this discounted factory ammo compared to my hand loads for this rifle. I was pleasantly surprised.....



It was getting toward dusk and I shot 5 times and couldn't figure out where I was hitting.... until I walked up on the target.

 

[BrocLuno]

There is more to barrel that length. There is taper or contour - how fast that barrel tapers. Then there is the question of overall balance. With a hunting rifle you want something you can carry comfortably and something that is steady while sighting. It turns out that forward bias is good. The balance point is best if slightly forward of the magazine. A bit muzzle heavy much better to dampen sight movement than butt heavy.

 

[NCsmitty]

The 308 Win is a good all around caliber and is usually available in a shorter action than the 280 Rem or even the 30'06 and will weigh a few ounces less because of that.

Most standard factory rifles come with a 22" barrel in most brands and models, because the factories have found that it's a good compromise between velocity, accuracy and handling features and in my experience, it is a good choice.

Longer and shorter barrels are sometimes available, and the people who deviate from standard lengths usually do so for their own reasons.
Short barrels can give much louder and sharper muzzle blast and reduced velocity. Longer than standard barrels will usually give higher velocity, but often the longer barrel can be unwieldy in certain hunting and shooting situations.
You need to determine what your needs will be to make your decision.


NCsmitty