Thread: Kimber Load Development

Originally Posted by chainsaw

What's the bbl length on your 7-08? Have you considered leaving the bbl where it is but threading for suppressor ?
I've got a similar dilema with my 7-08, its a 22in bbl and have a "long" (500yd) load worked up with 150 ELDx doing 2750fps w RL16.
If I chop to end up with shorter over all length with suppressor, then I'm going to have to chop at least 4in off it.... and loose 100 - 150 fps. When bush hunting I use a milder pill/load & run the rifle non suppressed. For long range shots you usually have got time to whack on the suppressor & set up for shot. So I'm debating going to 20in bbl & hopefully only loose 50-60 fps, bare rifle for bush hunting (same overall length as 16in bbl plus suppressor) & add suppressor for tops/longer range stuff.

22 inchs I'm in exactly the same boat. I will use a Maniatis can as they are light and only 3 inchs muzzle forward. I don't really care about nit picking suppression volume in a super sonic rifle as I shot it bare barrel anyway and just chuck in plugs if I have time or if not a beanie is usually enough to buffer the sound so you ears don't ring.

Benefits I see from a can are potentially damped barrel harmonics, better for myself and the dog (who usually just gets told to sit 10 or so metres back), and reduced recoil.

Potential negatives I can see is loss of muzzle velocity (probably 60fps ish at max charge cutting down 3 inchs to maintain overall length) but potentially much more if I have to drop much to find another node (no real control its a game of luck here), I have to thread it and the only thread that will work is a 1/2x28 which I'm not that keen on. (It's what's on my 280AI but just doesn't seem like much meat. In saying that to get that thread not much meat is actually being removed as the barrels a pencil. Also potentially a wider ES due to the can, adds weight to what is my arounder beater ultralight carry alps rifle, 0-600 type rifle. That and of course suppressors cost money.

I've got a short barrel 308 so don't really want or need another stubby gun.