Optimum .308 barrel length?

[toolmaker]

I'm narrowing down my .308 selection thanks to the helpful input from readers/posters on this board. Now I need technical info on barrel length choice for the .308 cartridge. The rifles I'm considering can be had in 16 inch, 20 inch and 22 inch. My rifle will be scoped, and if I could expect the shorter barrels to have all the stabilizing influence needed and to extract at least 90% or so of the potential velocity, I'd rather the shorter, handier tube. I'm comfortable with stubby barrels, and am wondering if extra length would only add balance or visual grace. Accuracy and/or chrono info suggestions please?

 

[WT]

A few years ago SWAT magazine wrote an article recommending a minimum of 20 inches for a precision .308 rifle.

 

[toolmaker]

I wonder if that was related to "balance" or objective
balistics though?

 

[WT]

From what I remember it dealt with ballistics and the point at which muzzle velocity started to trail off. Naturally balance would be affected by barrel diameter and length, but they were looking for a precision rifle spec for use by law enforcement.

 

[TODD3465]

Now if you are talking about long range performance not just limited to shots 200yds and less I'd go with 22" as a bare minimum.

But actually it's a moot point since you have to know your bullet drop at specific ranges and adjust for that anyhow.

The shorter barrel will also be moe rigid if all else is equal.

 

[Frohickey]

Rem 700 VLS and Rem 700 PSS are sold with 26 inch barrels.

 

[Black Snowman]

For me 99% of the deficiencies in accuracy are my doing. If handloading you should be able to find a combination for the barrel length you want. If relying on factory ammo the longer, more "typical" barrel lenghts will be what they're made for so you might have to try a lot of ammo before you find something the gun really likes. If shooting a longer ranges the velocity is going to make a noticable differance in tajectory. As mentioned anything under 200 yrds with a .308 and I wouldn't worry about the barrel length.

Having said that my target .308 is a CZ 550 Varmit Laminate with a 25.6" heavy barrel. With my handloads, on a good day, I'm shooting 1/2 MOA @ 100 yds so the gun has to be capable of at least 1/3 MOA, because I'm just not that good of a shot.

 

[RatFink]

The stats I've seen on .308 in a FAL show a 200 FPS drop between 20" and 18" it gets worse in the 16". I chose an 18" barrel for my FAL because the trade off didn't seem that bad.

 

[bukijin]

I have a ruger m77 with a 18" barrel. It is not a target rifle but makes a very fine hunting rifle in my opinion. I'm sure that it loses performance due to the short barrel but .308 is such a powerful calibre that I don't think it matters.