Thread: 308 barrel length velocity loss

Hi folks.

So my beloved 308 is currently a 20".

I'm getting 2680fps with 168gr TMK.

I love it the way it is but I can't help thinking if I lopped 4 inches off how much handier it would be.

Realistically I keep most of my general hunting sub 300y but I'd like it to be able to still give a red a solid tickle at 475y which isn't a hard shot with this old vanguard of mine.

So the question is what sort of velocity loss would one expect going from 20" to 16"?

16.5 inch 168 eldm 2540fps validated

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16" 168ELD-M @2505 chronographed (and exactly what GRT predicted).

Yep.

Not suprised by the numbers.

Sounds like my 308 will be heading off for a barrel chop, half cock installed.

Cheers team!

Tikka t3, 16"
speer 165gr @2530
NBT 150gr @2720
Pretty hard justifying the other rifles in the safe with the hunting I do really....

Rule of thumb is 50 fps per 1 inch chopped off

Tested and pretty close

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Howa 1500 .308 chopped to 14" because I'm that guy and someone's gotta do it.
Fiocchi 150gr chronographed at 2490fps.

Originally Posted by Rock river arms hunter

Hi folks.

So my beloved 308 is currently a 20".

I'm getting 2680fps with 168gr TMK.

I love it the way it is but I can't help thinking if I lopped 4 inches off how much handier it would be.

Realistically I keep most of my general hunting sub 300y but I'd like it to be able to still give a red a solid tickle at 475y which isn't a hard shot with this old vanguard of mine.

So the question is what sort of velocity loss would one expect going from 20" to 16"?

Gunna ask....what do you mean by handier?

I see guys chopping for ease of shorted and less tangles in the scrub etc....but really.....guys chop a std no suppressor barrel and suppressor and think it's shorter and better for the scrub....all you do is chop 4 inches and add it back on.....

So why change what's working



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Originally Posted by HNTMAD

Gunna ask....what do you mean by handier?

I see guys chopping for ease of shorted and less tangles in the scrub etc....but really.....guys chop a std no suppressor barrel and suppressor and think it's shorter and better for the scrub....all you do is chop 4 inches and add it back on.....

So why change what's working



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Your Ears my friend

Originally Posted by Kelton

Your Ears my friend

I get that, but some are saying they are chopping for easy of handling based on being shorter....when they are not lol

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Shorter than chucking a can on the 20” barrel would be my guess I have a .308 20 or 22” I’d have to check can’t bring my self to thread it and cut it so it’s staying as is I really hate not using a can but love the rifle as is if I do suppress it it’ll loose the 4 inches the can will sit foward

Have had a couple at 16 and a couple at 18 inches.
18 inches is the sweet spot IMO
20 inches is a great balance length to carry. You could go 18 but I don't see it being a great advantage.
I wouldn't go 16 again unless just a bush gun

The question I have is for those of you who have gone from say 20 to 18 or 16 with a standard suppressor in 308.
Is there much volume increase as you go shorter?

Is 18 the happy medium for velocity and noise reduction.
I ask this because I'm in the same situation with a 308 and am looking for the best balance and noise control.
Primarily a bush to 350 rifle and I dont plan on reloading for it.

Originally Posted by GSP HUNTER

The question I have is for those of you who have gone from say 20 to 18 or 16 with a standard suppressor in 308.
Is there much volume increase as you go shorter?

Is 18 the happy medium for velocity and noise reduction.
I ask this because I'm in the same situation with a 308 and am looking for the best balance and noise control.
Primarily a bush to 350 rifle and I dont plan on reloading for it.

I must confess I have a 14.5 inch barrel 308...purchased at bits, cut old suppressor thread off hence the 1/2....

It shoots 150gr Sako factory inside 1 moa, it is a bit louder but then noise is also based on environment....

I like it but think 18 is the sweet spot

Hamish

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The 18” .308s I load for are brilliant 168 amax and 178 eldm crazy accuracy one has a hardy the other a dpt and it pains me to say it but the hardy is a fair bit quieter