Steyr Mannlicher with 20" barrel

[Omid]

Hello Gentlemen!

I am interested in a full-stock Steyer Mannlicher rifle in 270 Winchster. It has nice wood (Luxus model) and other high-end features and a 20" barrel. If it were in a caliber like 243 or 6.5X55, I would be very comfortable to buy it. But the relatively short barrel for 270 makes me think twice. Could you please give some experince and opinion on shooting 270 with short barrels like this? Should I expect a big bang and lots of muzzle flash?? (My other rifles are Heym SR 30 in 7mm magnum and Mauser M03 also in 7mm magnum. They both have 24" plus barrels)

Another thing is the roller-style safty catch on the tang. It's made of plastic but given that the gun is a Steyer I expect some good German (or Austrian!) engineering has been applied. Any opinions on the quality of the Steyer SBS bolts and this kind of roller safty will also be appreciated.

I look forward to your valuable feedback.

Thanks

 

[bpl]

Should I expect a big bang and lots of muzzle flash??

Yes!

I'd be hesitent to buy a .270 with a 20" barrel myself - too much velocity loss in a high intensity cartridge like that. You'd be better off with a 7mm-08 with the 20" barrel. Just my opinion, of course!

 

[Maverick223]

I agree with bpl, it is a bit much for a cartridge with that capacity. Something similar with a smaller case size (like the .260Rem., 6.5x55mmSwede, or the aforementioned 7mm-08Rem.) would be best for sub-24in. barrels. Besides, you will nearly equal the performance, because much of the powder (in the .270Win) is burned outside the bbl.

BTW, welcome to THR, Omid!

 

[Omid]

Thank you guys! I apprecite your reply. So, you guys confirmed my fear that 20" is too short for 270. Yes, it would have been nice if this was a 6.5X55 or 7mm-08 or even a 308 but 270 is a high velocity cartrige, not good in a 20" barrel

 

[jmr40]

The 20" 270 is still going to shoot faster than the 7-08. The difference is less than you think, in fact every rifle is different and some 20" barrels may well shoot faster than some 22" barrels. You probably won't see a great difference unless you are looking at 4-6" difference in barrel length. Noise will be a bit more, but not unbearable. I have a 20" Winchester Carbine in 30-06 that does just fine. The 270 should be no different.

 

[Maverick223]

The 270 should be no different.

Actually the .270Win. will be quite a bit worse due to the smaller bore diameter, which consequently retains higher pressures for a longer period of time. The optimal barrel length is a combination of caliber and case capacity. Ideal for a 20" would probably be somewhere between .30-30Win and .308Win (like the .30-40Krag), in order to burn all of the powder. OTOH, with respect to velocity loss, I am not aware of any centerfire rifle cartridges that would not benefit from a bbl of greater length than what is practical. The key is to balance the bbl length (and gains in velocity) with weight and OAL. IMO the practical length for a .270Win is 24" (as a min.), and in the same case size: 26" for a 6.5-06A-Square, 22" for a .30-06Springfield, 20" for a .35Whelen.

 

[Jim Watson]

There was a gunziner of about 25 years ago who wrote that expansion ratios to the contrary, the .270 did better than expected in short barrels.

 

[bpl]

http://www.chuckhawks.com/rifle_barrel.htm

This is a good article on the subject.

Here is the jist of it:

For standard high intensity cartridges in the same test, the Lyman technicians chronographed the cartridges in barrel lengths ranging in length from 24 inches down to 20 inches with the following results:

The average loss for the .270 Win./130 grain bullet was 37 fps per inch.
The average loss for the .270 Win./150 grain bullet was 32 fps per inch.
The average loss for the .300 Sav./180 grain bullet was 17 fps per inch.
The average loss for the .30-06/180 grain bullet was 15 fps per inch.
The average loss for the .35 Rem./200 grain bullet was 11 fps per inch.

 

[NCsmitty]

Welcome to THR, Omid.

You're obviously someone who cares about quality firearms, by your other acquisitions. Steyer Mannlicher's have a good reputation, and as far as I know, all come with the 20" barrel. I've seen 25-06 offered for sale in the Mannlicher version, and they normally thrive on longer barrels.

The 270 will still give you good performance in that handy 20" carbine, albeit at an elevated muzzle blast. It's a compromise that equates to a lighter, handier mountain rifle. I doubt that you will be shooting it a lot, should you buy it, just enough to test it's prowess for the job ahead.
I'm sure it has beautiful wood being a Luxus version.
Good luck.

I thought that I would add that I have a Mauser in 270 Win that I built with a 22" barrel, and I don't consider myself handicapped or bothered by the shorter barrel.



NCsmitty

 

[Maverick223]

Good, insightful link, bpl.

 

[Omid]

Thank you very much guys for all the new comments. Based on what I read here, it seems that the 20 inch barrel is not much of a handicap in terms of bullet velocity but it will have a loud noise. I live in Palm Beach, Florida but I am curently in Pittsburgh, PA, for a buisness visit. I will check the rifle again when I go back to Florida and I might get it if I get a discount.

Thank you everybody again. This is a wonderful forum! I am glad I joined.