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Re: 24" vs 26" barrel length [message #9101 is a reply to message #8718] Tue, 21 February 2012 23:21 Go to previous messageGo to next message
mnshortdraw is currently offline  mnshortdraw
Messages: 46
Registered: February 2012
Location: Alaska
Novice Contributor
The 308 is not like many others with velocity vs. length. My 20" 308 only lost 90 fps after it was cut from 26". My 18" 308 shoots 2625fps with a moderate load and a 178 Amax. When it comes to the 308, you don't need the length to get the velocity.

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Re: 24" vs 26" barrel length [message #9103 is a reply to message #9101] Wed, 22 February 2012 05:29 Go to previous messageGo to next message
burkeboy is currently offline  burkeboy
Messages: 69
Registered: January 2012
Location: Upstate NY
Novice Contributor
OK, it shorter is better for some things, then is the 16.25" better yet? I see numerous 16.25" barrels for sale and I don't understand what the advantage vs disadvantage of this is.
I understand you can put a regualr stock on it and consider id a short rife. I wonder how it would be for hunting deer in the deep woods.
So now my question is if I could by a 24" or 16" length barrel, what would be best for spot and stock deep woods deer hunting?

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Re: 24" vs 26" barrel length [message #9107 is a reply to message #9103] Wed, 22 February 2012 08:11 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Crubear is currently offline  Crubear
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Registered: March 2010
Location: NW Georgia
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Found this the other day: http://www.guns.com/the-myth-of-barrel-length-and-velocity-l oss.html

16.25 makes the barrel usable as a pistol or rifle. The shorter barrel works in the backwoods because it won't get caught on tree branches as much as a longer one. It also makes an interesting topic at the range.

Bottom line, if you use the proper powder (Fast) you will lose very little velocity.
Picking the proper powder (Slow) will give you magnificent fireballs and clear a couple spots to either side of you at the range.

Honestly, I have all the barrels I want or could ever need..... wait, look, there's another!!

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Re: 24" vs 26" barrel length [message #9121 is a reply to message #9107] Wed, 22 February 2012 19:34 Go to previous messageGo to next message
burkeboy is currently offline  burkeboy
Messages: 69
Registered: January 2012
Location: Upstate NY
Novice Contributor
I don't reload, what ammuntion would be considered fast powder? Hornady Superformance?

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Re: 24" vs 26" barrel length [message #9130 is a reply to message #9121] Thu, 23 February 2012 01:18 Go to previous messageGo to next message
mnshortdraw is currently offline  mnshortdraw
Messages: 46
Registered: February 2012
Location: Alaska
Novice Contributor
You are fine with any factory ammo as far as performance goes. Match your bullet weight to your twist rate and shoot away. My 18" doesn't blow fireballs with any load I've ever tried both factory and hand loads. If you want to see what your 308 can do for accuracy, grab a box of 168gr Federal Gold Medal Match or Black Hills Match and shoot some groups. The Fed. Match ammo is considered the benchmark of accurate 308 ammo. If you are hunting with it only, try some Federal Premium 165 Sierra Game King. It groups almost as good as the Match.
16.25" barrels seem pretty short on a rifle unless you are using a suppressor. I have all my hunting barrels at 20". Handy and easy to get through the brush and perfectly balanced.

[Updated on: Thu, 23 February 2012 01:20]

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Re: 24" vs 26" barrel length [message #9131 is a reply to message #9130] Thu, 23 February 2012 07:43 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Doyle is currently offline  Doyle
Messages: 318
Registered: June 2011
Location: Starkville, Ms
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Quote:
I don't reload, what ammuntion would be considered fast powder? Hornady Superformance?


You will not find "fast powder" in any normal commercial load. Ammo manufacturers load their stuff for an "average" barrel. Most consider a 22-24" bbl to be average for a rifle caliber (with some exceptions - i.e. 30-30 loads are optimized for a slightly shorter barrel). Choosing a faster or slower powder is strictly the domain of handloaders.

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Re: 24" vs 26" barrel length [message #9145 is a reply to message #9131] Thu, 23 February 2012 16:34 Go to previous message
burkeboy is currently offline  burkeboy
Messages: 69
Registered: January 2012
Location: Upstate NY
Novice Contributor
I am looking into buying another barrel for deer hunting and when I see all the different lengths come up, I begin wondering "what is the best" for an average guy who doesn't reload. From the replies I think I'll stick with the 24".

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