Thread: Ideal .308 barrel length.

I have 16.5" Bergara and 22" H&R. I've found the velocity drops off massively in short barrel with lightweight projectiles (125gn), but not too bad in the heavier ones. 168gr Amax at 2650 fps in 22" barrel, 2500 fps in 16.5" barrel, but the 125gr is 2900 fps in 22" barrel, 2550 fps in 16.5" barrel.

I'm sure could recover some of that "lost" velocity with a faster burning powder, but don't really want too many different loads.

Short barrel sure as hell barks loud with no suppressor. Why not try 18" then cut later if you really feel the need? Easier to take more off than add some back on...

Originally Posted by bjp

I have 16.5" Bergara and 22" H&R. I've found the velocity drops off massively in short barrel with lightweight projectiles (125gn), but not too bad in the heavier ones. 168gr Amax at 2650 fps in 22" barrel, 2500 fps in 16.5" barrel, but the 125gr is 2900 fps in 22" barrel, 2550 fps in 16.5" barrel.

I'm sure could recover some of that "lost" velocity with a faster burning powder, but don't really want too many different loads.

Short barrel sure as hell barks loud with no suppressor. Why not try 18" then cut later if you really feel the need? Easier to take more off than add some back on...

Out of interest, on the different .308s are the twist rates the same?

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Originally Posted by Rn-85

Out of interest, on the different .308s are the twist rates the same?

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Nope, H&R 22" is 1:12 (bought in the 90's), Bergara is 1:8 twist. One of the reason I bought it was to try heavy subs