Chopped Magnums

[Mikido]

So….ill be cutting down a 300wsm from 24” down to 20”, with a brake. Intent is to
Make it more compact and slightly lighter for mountain backpack hunting.

Would like to hear from people who’ve done it, and would like to see some pics! Bonus points for flutted barrels.

also, Any reason not to go down to 18”?

 

[WeiserBucks]

Bring quality ear protection and have at it.

 

[Tberg]

I chopped a 300wsm Tikka to 20". It's suppressed with an AB Raptor10. 180gr Berger EH @2900fps with R16. I like it, it shoots great, handles well, and the entire rig fits in a reasonable sized gun case.

 

[Marbles]

Only reasons not to go to 18 is if your suppressor is not rated for it or you NEED that extra 50-100 fps.

 

[WeiserBucks]

Only reasons not to go to 18 is if your suppressor is not rated for it or you NEED that extra 50-100 fps.

OP is using a brake

 

[Hnthrdr]

Well at least chopping a 300wsm makes a bit more sense, but are you intending to suppress it? Otherwise I’d probably just put a brake on it. You are kind of sacrificing the reason to have a magnum ( blazing speeds) and keeping all the negatives, the recoil and noise… but to each there own.

 

[ElPollo]

Short barrels increase blast and noise and breaks increase blast and noise. The combo will make you an unpopular guy at the range. If you ever shoot it without ear pro, you’ll never repeat it.

 

[Marbles]

Well at least chopping a 300wsm makes a bit more sense, but are you intending to suppress it? Otherwise I’d probably just put a brake on it. You are kind of sacrificing the reason to have a magnum ( blazing speeds) and keeping all the negatives, the recoil and noise… but to each there own.

While I agree, it will still be faster than say a 308, so one gets speed and a more compact package. Is the trade off worth it? That is a question for the person doing it, for me it would not be worth it.

OP is using a brake

I still feel those are the only reasons not to, I figured most people would be smart enough to know the first doesn't apply for those not using a muffler.

We could turn this into a brake vs muffler thread, or a hearing protection and hearing damage thread, but that would be pointless. But I will add a third reason, because it will be louder (I figured anyone shooting a braked magnum has already decided not to care about their own or others ears, so why bring it up).

 

[thinhorn_AK]

I cut my 375HH to 20". It still shoots a 250g TTSX at 2780fps.

 

[Mikido]

I chopped a 300wsm Tikka to 20". It's suppressed with an AB Raptor10. 180gr Berger EH @2900fps with R16. I like it, it shoots great, handles well, and the entire rig fits in a reasonable sized gun case.

How many grains?

 

[Mikido]

I currently shoot an 18” 308 and 22” 300wsm, both braked, without issues. (Yes I’m careful with hearing protection, let’s stay on thread)

Anybody with before/after velocities? Thanks!

 

[Tberg]

How many grains?

ADG brass ~64gr

 

[Sccritterkiller]

I chopped mine..shot it 1 time with a break...it stayed in the safe till I got my can. YMMV

 

[Mikido]

I chopped mine..shot it 1 time with a break...it stayed in the safe till I got my can. YMMV

Come on more details? Caliber? Length before and after?

 

[Tahoe1305]

I noticed a decent difference in shoot ability due to the extra blast as I went from “normal” magnum lengths to shorter.

I have two 7wsms in 23” and 20”. The 20” is fine and I like how it handles being shorter but it kicks harder and muzzle control is tougher IMO. These are both suppressed and separate rifles.

I think for magnums 20” is a sweet balance and I wouldn’t/don’t plan to go shorter (exception maybe being 6.5PRC ish cartridge power). I think for non magnum breaking into teen lengths is a tad different story due to less blast to start with.

 

[Mikido]

I noticed a decent difference in shoot ability due to the extra blast as I went from “normal” magnum lengths to shorter.

I have two 7wsms in 23” and 20”. The 20” is fine and I like how it handles being shorter but it kicks harder and muzzle control is tougher IMO. These are both suppressed and separate rifles.

I think for magnums 20” is a sweet balance and I wouldn’t/don’t plan to go shorter (exception maybe being 6.5PRC ish cartridge power). I think for non magnum breaking into teen lengths is a tad different story due to less blast to start with.

Great info thank you

 

[Wrench]

My 21" 300wsm pushes a 200.20x @ 2800. My advice is to figure out where you want it to balance before you lop off everything. Short barrels with a can keep some weight out front. Move the CG back too far and they get hard to shoot.

 

[Lemhi]

18” 7PRC pushing 175’s @2830fps. I run a TBAC ultra 5 on it. I wouldn’t hesitate to go 18” on a magnum just not with a brake.

 

[Mikido]

18” 7PRC pushing 175’s @2830fps. I run a TBAC ultra 5 on it. I wouldn’t hesitate to go 18” on a magnum just not with a brake.

Exchange blast with a flinch?

 

[Lemhi]

Exchange blast with a flinch?

Some would probably flinch. Hasn’t bothered me any but I wouldn’t let my kid shoot it either. Rifle is 7.4lbs with glass and can