Thread: 308 barrel length

So toying with the idea of giving the 308 T3 the chop. Its currently 20" with a HRE can but would like to make it a bit more handy in the bush. Thinking of going 18" or possibly 16".

Mainly used in the bush but also tops on occasion, so still need a bit of wallop out to say 350m. Also don't reload and don't really intend to as don't shoot enough to warrant it, so will be only running factory ammo.

So hat are the pros and cons? what kind of MV could i expect out of 16" and 18" barrels with factory ammo?

Maybe best to suck it up and stick with the 20" tube?

Reading another thread iirc 16" should be fine

Hmmm, read the NZ Hunters Bushpig articles and saw they started at 18" and then down to 16" BUT they where reloading with fast powders to compensate, how are factory rounds going to go out to 350m outta the short tubes?

how far are you planning to shoot?

h'mm watching this with interest

Originally Posted by Gapped axe

h'mm watching this with interest

+1 think of chopping mine too!

If you have a forward can, why not look at keeping length same and using over barrel to cut down on overall length ?

Chopped two of them to 18".IIRC found they got quite dirty quickly . I think we ended up reloading with a faster powder CFE223 ?
I reckon recoil increased slightly but accuracy was fine. I sold mine to buy 300 Win Mag but 30calterry still has his so PM him for reloading detail if you want it.
They both had Hardy Gen4s and were light and nice to carry round. Personally I no longer mind carrying a heavier longer gun as massive shoulder surgery
dictates amount of recoil I can handle. Cut it you'll like it. Try a few different ammos to see what suits should be all good.

Originally Posted by ebf

If you have a forward can, why not look at keeping length same and using over barrel to cut down on overall length ?

Sorry should have more precise in my terminology currently do have a Hardy Gen 4 over barrel fitted. Just wanting to make a bit more handy, current overall length is close to std with suppressor fitted but shorter would be nicer! It's just a case of not wanting to be under gunned with factory ammo in a short barrel. Everyone I've read about who has given their rifle the chop to 16"-18" seems to be reloading with fast powders for it.

As I said earlier would like to have the option to shoot out to 350m max if the opportunity arose.

Discussion Forums

Go down to a post by Chris Hunt he post some information that's useful, I'll post this part but the links there to read it all if you want

" You need to reload because a federal 150 grain blue box won't cut it
H335 - 2206h powder is a good starter use there manuals for load
Data and work up loads
Run the expensive 110-130 ttsx bullets for maximum performance
with a 16 inch tikka barrel you could achieve 3000fps with the 130ttsx
A good all round bullet from zero to 350-400 yards " up to around
150 kg Animals

go to SSRNZs face book page to see the extreme end of the scale, he runs 10 inch barrels with 155amaxes to great effect

I'm thinking of doing a 16". Running 168gr A max, it should work out to 500m on most things. Everything I shoot at anyway.

OK guys....getting quite 'moist' now......i have a 7-08 with a 20" barrel, DPT overbarrel can 4" forward of muzzle.....as i only use factory ammo, only hunt in the bush (300 yards max shot), is it advisable to chop off 4"

not really bothered about only doing 2".......your thoughts please!

Originally Posted by Scouser

OK guys....getting quite 'moist' now......i have a 7-08 with a 20" barrel, DPT overbarrel can 4" forward of muzzle.....as i only use factory ammo, only hunt in the bush (300 yards max shot), is it advisable to chop off 4"

not really bothered about only doing 2".......your thoughts please!

You only bush hunt or want to shoot to 300 yrds?

They are two different capabilities with factory ammo in a 16 inch barrel

Originally Posted by 7mmsaum

You only bush hunt or want to shoot to 300 yrds?

They are two different capabilities with factory ammo in a 16 inch barrel

Hi 'saum', should have worded it better, ONLY bush hunt, but on the edges/tops would still like to take a 300 yrd MAX shot....if the rifle is capable with a 16" barrel?....or should i just leave it alone?