CZ 550 laminate varmint 308, shorten barrel or not?

[bikemutt]

I picked up a nice CZ 550 today after the 30 day pawnshop hold. After talking it over with my gunsmith concerning threading the muzzle for a brake, he recommended chopping the barrel from 25.5 or so inches to 22", then threading for a muzzle device.

I've heard that anything over 22" is wasted on 308 so the recommendation seems well founded. On the other hand, I know once I shorten the barrel there is no do-over.

Should I even consider a brake? This is a seriously heavy rifle that will only be used to put holes in paper.

Thanks for your thoughts and suggestions THR.

 

[redbullitt]

Unless you are shooting bench style or F class matches OR for some reason need the extra velocity, I would cut it to 18 or 20 and be done with it.

There is no reason you cannot get in the ballpark of 2600 fps with a "normal" 175 smk class loading from around 20 inches of barrel. YMMV, but I have been satisfied with my shorter barrels.

Cutting that 25.5 down to 20 inches or even 18 will make a huge difference in how the rifle handles. Most people tend to like it better. I have data from 2 16 inch barrel 308s. Non hot rod loads have them running around 2450-2475 fps with 175 smks. At 18 inches I have seen around 2540 with the same loads.

As to the muzzle brake, I do not usually like them on 308s. Just never had the recoil bother me enough to want one. If you want to cut the recoil then go for it! Other than that I would rather spend that cash on other things for the rifle.

 

[Corn-Picker]

To play devil's advocate, if you're just punching paper the extra length/weight of the rifle shouldn't be a big deal. Leaving the barrel at 25+ inches would reduce the report (it's further from your ears), reduce the recoil (it weighs more), and reduce your costs (no cost to cut, crown, and thread the barrel).

I also would not say that barrel length over 22" is wasted, a 25" barrel will be faster than a 20-22" barrel. You certainly don't need a long barrel to avoid excessive muzzle blast like you might with a 257 Weatherby magnum, but the extra barrel will increase velocity. You may or may not need the extra velocity, but the longer barrel will make some difference.

As far as recoil, I can put about three boxes (60 rounds) through my relatively lightweight 308 (7.5 lbs with scope) without issue.

 

[jmr40]

I'd cut it in a heartbeat. Somewhere between 20-22. 21" seems like a good compromise. The difference between 20" and 25.5" will be 50-75 fps. If you're trying for 1000 yard shots that might make a difference. At anything less it won't matter. The shorter barrel will be stiffer and possibly more accurate. Hard to say for sure about that, but certainly not any less accurate.

 

[Andrew Leigh]

Firstly I would throw a 100 rounds down the barrel and see how she handles. First see if the barrel length or additional weight is a problem etc. If she feel wrong then you know what to do.

If you will be shooting competitively then check for the rules of the class.

Then make a decision on the barrel length and what to screw onto the end. Personally I will not shoot next to someone with the muzzle break, they are most inconvenient for someone next to you.

At the same load with 175gr. SMK's and at SAAMI max pressure (using local powder specs);
25.5" = 2 746fps
22.0" = 2 671fps (-75fps)
20.0" = 2 620fps (-126fps)
18.0" = 2 560fps (-186fps)

Staying with the longer barrel will allow you to reach higher velocities with reduced loads at reduced pressure which will translate into increased shooting comfort and slight savings on powder costs.

Good luck

 

[bikemutt]

Firstly I would throw a 100 rounds down the barrel and see how she handles. First see if the barrel length or additional weight is a problem etc. If she feel wrong then you know what to do.

If you will be shooting competitively then check for the rules of the class.

Then make a decision on the barrel length and what to screw onto the end. Personally I will not shoot next to someone with the muzzle break, they are most inconvenient for someone next to you.

At the same load with 175gr. SMK's and at SAAMI max pressure (using local powder specs);
25.5" = 2 746fps
22.0" = 2 671fps (-75fps)
20.0" = 2 620fps (-126fps)
18.0" = 2 560fps (-186fps)

Staying with the longer barrel will allow you to reach higher velocities with reduced loads at reduced pressure which will translate into increased shooting comfort and slight savings on powder costs.

Good luck

I like your suggestion and will take this approach, thanks!

 

[rodregier]

I like 20" barrels for their handiness. Obviously a muzzle device changes that some.
.308 starts to really bark below that length.

I've confidently shot paper out to 600meters with a 20" .308 Win without creating extreme handloads.

 

[stubbicatt]

If a short barrel is in your future, consider a custom barrel. Unscrew your factory barrel, soak it in preservative, and stand it in the corner somewhere, and choose maybe one of the cool 6.5 rounds to have a new barrel chambered in. Maybe a Creedmoor?

If you decide one day to sell the rifle, you can always thread the factory barrel back on and voila!

I cannot speak for everyone, but were you to wish to sell your rifle to me with a cut barrel, I'd only be willing to offer you what an action and stock is worth, as I would immediately try to find a new barrel for it.

 

[win71]

leave it as is

Should I even consider a brake?

Most 550's have recoil pads. Unless you're really sensitive to recoil, shooting off a bench with what you describe as a "seriously heavy rifle"with any 308 load should not be uncomfortable, even in a "Tee" shirt.

I think I would just leave it like it is. If for some reason after several sessions at the range things don't work out you can still chop it and brake it.

 

[BruceB]

AMEN to leaving it as-is.

What on earth do you hope to gain?

My CZ Varminter is a .22-250, also 26" in the barrel, and weighs about 11.5 pounds. Your .308 should be close to the same. A.308 at that weight, as already mentioned, can be fired wearing just a T-shirt without discomfort.

MY CZ is the most accurate rifle I've ever owned in over sixty years of ACTIVE rifle-buying and testing....... an honest, genuine half-minute shooter with its favored handload.

At the very least, TRY your .308 with decent ammunition before altering it, and see what it does. You may be messing-up a fine combination if you start cutting the barrel, screwing -on unneeded appliances, etc.

It IS your rifle, of course, but.... you asked for opinions!

 

[Ky Larry]

I have a CZ-550 Varmint in .308 Win. It is a very heavy rifle made for bench shooting and varmint hunting. Even if you chop a few inches off the barrel, it is not a rifle you would want to pack in the woods all day. Put some good glass on it and take it to the range. Shoot some good ammo and see how it shoots. I'd try it out before I started chopping on it. You don't need a brake for a .308 at any sane velocities. Just my $0.02

 

[stubbicatt]

You don't need a brake for a .308 at any sane velocities. Just my $0.02

For a bolt rifle I agree. I can tell you putting a brake on my 308 blaster for "tactical rifle" or 3 gun made it to where it would deflect less from target center making it a little faster for a followup shot.

My CZ550 Varmint in 308 is a stellar rifle. Like other contributors have said, it is super accurate, and I would not change a thing

Good luck, OP. But I really would recommend to leave it alone.