Would like to cut TC Encore bbl back, but ...

[bachekermooni]

I just bought a new encore 26" bbl, 223 Rem, 1 in 12" twist for my Encore PH frame. The forearm (std encore) and stock (PH) are on their way. I want to use this as my Coyote / short range varmint rifle. But I want it to be a carbine (short bbl) so it is easier to walk around / hunt with. I want to cut it to a minimum of 18" (max 20"). But am not sure how much drop in vel I will encounter or what side effects this may have. I can not find any loading data for that length bbl. They are either for 14" or 24"-26" bbl.
Two questions: 1. Should I cut it back to 18" or a bit longer to 20"? Why?
2. What would the effect on velocity / accuracy be?
I will be very happy with 2"-3" 5-shot groups at 200 yards.

Thanks.

 

[Al Thompson]

effect on velocity / accuracy be

Velocity will probably drop by 100 to 200 fps from published data.. The "yardstick" is about 50ish fps per inch. Obviously you may be able to reload to offset that velocity loss (faster powders, lighter bullets).

Accuracy may improve with a high quality re-crowning and a tiny bit stiffer barrel. IMHO, won't be a concern.

As for the barrel length, for your purposes, my vote would be for the 20 inch barrel. I hate muzzle blast, so longer would be better. Best to figure out how long you can tolerate and adjust from there. IOW, for me, a walk around rifle is much handier if the barrel (bolt action) is 20 inches. On a single shot, since you don't have the length of the action, I may be comfortable with a 24 inch barrel. YMMV!

 

[bachekermooni]

Thanks Al. I agree with you regarding lack of action in a single-shot. But this barrel is also a Bull, so it heavier then a sporter on a standard bolt action. Becasue of your advise, I am now seriously consider the 20" option. I guess most ARs are in the 18" - 20" range. But have a 1 in 9" twist (usually).

 

[BCRider]

If you have velocity data for 14 and for 24 or 26 then subtract one from the other to find out how much velocity difference there is over the 10 to 12 inch length. Divide that by 10 or 12 (whichever it is) to find your own fps/inch. That will be a bit more suitable for this particular case.

The accuracy isn't going to change to any big degree over that length. Instead it'll depend on the quality of the new muzzle crown and the other factors common to accurizing the TC Encore platform. For example pillar bedding the forestock, checking and accurizing the headspace and maybe getting one of the oversize barrel pins.

 

[jerkface11]

 

[bachekermooni]

Thanks. Perfect data.