Does anyone use a shorter than recommended barrel with their suppressor?

[scottbot]

I have a 30 cal gemtech tracker aluminum suppressor I use on my 7prc, gemtech recommends not using the suppressor on a barrel shorter than 24 inches with magnum cartridges. My current barrel is 26 inches and I want to shorten it down to 18 or 20 inches. How much of a risk would I be taking by using the suppressor on a shorter than recommended barrel? Is anyone doing this currently?

 

[Dcook1318]

I’m also curious to see what people’s thoughts are on this. I’ve got a 20” 7 prc and some of the suppressors I’m looking at say to not go below 22”.

 

[StupidLightweight]

A few things:
1. As long as you don't push the round count and temp, most of the time you should be fine going shorter than recommended. Again, be smart and do't push it.

2. Call the manufacturer before testing anything questionable. It's not worth blowing up a can. They will shoot you straight. Recently, I was on a hunt with a suppressor manufacturer, and he said that responsible use of a can would allow one to go three inches shorter than recommended on barrel length.

3. Always keep in mind that people are dumb. They do incredibly foolish things like shoot .300 BLK through a 5.56. Barrel length ratings are always conservative to prevent people like this from mag dumping and blowing up a can.

 

[RockAndSage]

How much of a risk would I be taking by using the suppressor on a shorter than recommended barrel?

Kinda depends on how much you're willing to have a grenade on the end of your muzzle.

Here's the detail: the shorter the barrel, especially with magnum powders, the higher the pressure at the muzzle - and the higher the heat, and the higher the unburned powder volume entering the suppressor.

As a broad generality, the issue isn't whether or not it will burst on 1 round. It's how much heat the metal can take before being unable to contain the blast pressure.

Best recommendation would be that, if you want a shorter barreled magnum, get a suppressor that can handle it. Get the right tool for the job.

 

[Formidilosus]

A better question is- how did these manufactures determine what the “minimum barrel length is”?

And…

Do you believe they tested them to failure to find out?

 

[Dan Carey]

Your best bet is to ask the manufacturer about the barrel length and what did they find in their testing.

Opinion, the short barrels cause more heat and pressure in the blast chamber and a few rounds will deform the red hot baffles. Second opinion, the rated suppression will be much less in the shorter barrel.

 

[Cory_Shoot2Hunt]

I sure wouldn’t be pushing the limits of a cheap aluminum suppressor on a magnum rifle. They don’t have generous ratings likely for a reason