The way I understand it, it depends on the cartridge volume/bore volume ratio. The greater the volume of the bore compared to the cartridge volume the less velocity you will loose per inch removed. ie, 308win will loose less than 7mm08 will loose less than 243win etc (all other things being equal).
Experience. What you get just after you needed it.
18 in barrel not as noisy as 16in.
20 inch barrel
165gn SST = 2750fps
16inch barrel, same rifle
165gn SST = 2570fps - loss of 180fps, 45fps per inch
125gn Nosler BT = 3010 fps
I often use my 15 inch 308 and DPT
150g NBT@ 2730fps
A big fast bullet beats a little fast bullet every time
I have a 22 inch barrelled BSA in .308 and get 2810 fps with AR2208 and 150 grain bullets. If I leaned on it I can get 2900 fps. I dont use a supressor and have the best hearing out of anyone I know. I can hear you reading this right now. I dont know why the shooting hasnt affected me. I wear ear protection at the range but not when I am hunting.
Hearing in my left ear is at 50%
Right ear is at 65%
I blame the 600 Mohawk in 308 and Kawekas venison tops Sika on a Friday evening
A big fast bullet beats a little fast bullet every time
BBTI - Ballistics by the Inch :: Home
If you reload there's a chance you can find a recipe to gain you back speed, if you really feel the need
Im running 18” barrel 168 A-max not pushed very hard doing 2541fps. I’ve had a 16 before and don’t think the extra 2 inches is worth taking off . 18 in my opinion is perfect length.
I assume you mean shooting a naked barrel of that length? NO centrefire is acceptable without a can or ear protection unless you want to become a "deaf old bastard" who can't function in any background noise.. I'd say I fitted well over 1000 old shooters with hearing aids in my career. Ageing alone is bad enough for hearing without adding a helluva lot more to it from shooting.
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