shortening a barrel

[StillerinGA]

I have a Browning A bolt in 7mm 08 with a 22" barrel . I am considering cutting down the barrel to 20" or 18". I prefer a shorter, lighter rifle.

I would like to know if the velocity I lose will make a difference. I know Ruger has a 16.5 inch barrel on their compact 7mm 08 so I think I should be alright.

Thanks in advance for your input.

 

[harmonic]

So let's say you cut 2" off the barrel. You haven't gained anything weight wise, not any appreciable difference, anyway.

And a mere few inches off the barrel won't be particularly significant in the field, either.

So why bother? You're just going to spend money for no real advantage. IMO.

 

[Bartkowski]

Sure you will be alright. But like harmonic said you won't have a handier or lighter rifle unless you cut quite a bit of the barrel off.

How far are you shooting and what are you shooting?

 

[StillerinGA]

It will be for deer in GA and PA. No more than 200 yards.

I think I'm going to 18". Like I said I prefer a shorter rifle (especially in a treestand)and as long as I'm not losing much in the way of velocity I'm going to have it cut down.

 

[PTK]

4" won't drop velocity ALL that much, and if you're shooting under 200 yards anyway you'll be fine. Just make sure it's recrowned properly, and realize that it'll be louder.

 

[gimposaurus]

Might stuff the balance of the rifle, worth thinking about. Rifles with all the weight in the back end feel 'clubby' and don't point well for me

 

[machinisttx]

The general rule of thumb is that you'll lose from 30-50 fps for every inch of barrel you cut. Some cartridges fare better than others and may show very little loss.