Short Barreled Rifle

[Snowcreekkennels]

Thinking of building a 20-22 barreled rifle to run with a can. Not dead set on any caliber but it will be used on game from whitetail to elk. Would like to hear from people about what they have been using caliber wise and their real life experience with them like speed, bullet, powder combo. Also would they went different route if they had it to do over.

 

[nettereo16]

That's a different type of short-barreled rifle than the one the ATF defines (under 16" barrel).
If you are getting a can you will quickly learn all about the wonderful intricacies of the NFA.

If you want a can on a bolt action hunting rifle 20" is popular, 18" can work too. 22" is a pretty standard length for rifle barrels regardless.

 

[axeforce6]

I’d consider a 300wsm. I built one for the same reason. 20” barrel. I run the 185 Berger hybrid targets at 2900fps. Easy to hand. It’s been very accurate and easy to shoot. It’s been my go to rifle lately.

 

[Punisher762]

I’d consider a 300wsm. I built one for the same reason. 20” barrel. I run the 185 Berger hybrid targets at 2900fps. Easy to hand. It’s been very accurate and easy to shoot. It’s been my go to rifle lately.

This sounds awesome. Can you tell us a little more about the build?

 

[Snowcreekkennels]

That's a different type of short-barreled rifle than the one the ATF defines (under 16" barrel).
If you are getting a can you will quickly learn all about the wonderful intricacies of the NFA.

If you want a can on a bolt action hunting rifle 20" is popular, 18" can work too. 22" is a pretty standard length for rifle barrels regardless.

Almost 8 months into a wait on the can. I was afraid that 18 would be to close to the pressure limit on some of the cans was the reason for 20 to 22 barrel length.

 

[axeforce6]

This sounds awesome. Can you tell us a little more about the build?

I built it off of a zermat origin short action. saami spec reamer. Proof carbon 20” barrel. Southern precision rifles chambered it for me. I went with the Hawkins hunter DBM to utilize a little more room. I can fit three rounds in the 6.5prc magazine. It’s bedded in AG composite alpine hunter stock. ADG brass. 65.1gr H4350. WLRM primer. Berger 185 Hybrid Targets.

 

[Rich M]

Ive got a 350 Legend w 16 inch and 357 mag w 16 inch. The Legend will ring your bell if you dont get down on it.

Id rather have an 18 or 20 inch barrel.

 

[Bigwilly556]

Defiance anti x, 308 win, 16.5 proof sendero, manners eh4, trigger tech special, Hawkins rings and nightforce atacr 4-16x42 mil c ( TB ultra 5 is in jail 3+ months and waiting). Weight will be #9 as pictured with the can. Built as a mountain and timber gun for whitetail and elk. This was built as a utility, backup and loaner rifle and why I chose 308 is for the availability of components. I'm getting 178 eld m's and varget @ 2489 and haven't hit pressure signs yet. Shot a whitetail (8 1/2 year old 4 pt ) at 275 using this setup and have an elk hunt planned next year. I also have an rbros 6.5 prc I will be sending to have re barreled to 18 inches.

I have come to like short barrels and just getting into cans. Short barrels have their limitations. I don't chase velocity and only take shots within the limitations of the cartridge/ballistics and myself. But boy are they nice to carry!

 

[SDHNTR]

18” .308. 165 gr Trophy Copper and 2540 fps. Love it and wouldn’t change a thing. Inside of 400 yards ish yards, it’s my go to meat maker.

 

[RyanT26]

18” bartlein #3b on a tikka action .308 with a dead air nomad.
Factory Hornady 168 ELDM @2651 MV
155 secnar hand load @ 2779 MV
46.5 grains of shooters world precision
Also had good luck 8208xbr and 155 ELDM’s

20” bartlein #3 6mm Creedmoor on a trued 700 action with harvester evo
Factory 108 ELDM @ 2971 MV


I wouldn’t build one over 20” if you’re going use a suppressor. 6CM is the one pictured.
.

 

[SDHNTR]

18” bartlein #3b on a tikka action .308 with a dead air nomad.
Factory Hornady 168 ELDM @2651 MV
155 secnar hand load @ 2779 MV
46.5 grains of shooters world precision
Also had good luck 8208xbr and 155 ELDM’s

20” bartlein #3 6mm Creedmoor on a trued 700 action with harvester evo
Factory 108 ELDM @ 2971 MV


I wouldn’t build one over 20” if you’re going use a suppressor. 6CM is the one pictured.
.View attachment 487745View attachment 487745

Wow, that’s a fast barrel on that .308

 

[RyanT26]

Wow, that’s a fast barrel on that .308

I am pushing 155 scenar’s over book max, so use discretion on that one. No pressure signs though.

Using the factory Hornady 168Eldm’s I didn’t lose any noticeable MV going from 22” factory tikka barrel down to 18” Bartlein, which surprised me.

 

[Stinky Coyote]

6.5% loss in velocity on 6.5 Grendel 123gr eld-m hornady black from factory cz527 American 23.5” to a Ruger American ranch 16.1” barrel. 2552 fps to 2386 fps. 22.4 fps per inch loss. It’s so much less significant than it sounds. 560 yards vs 600 yards for same impact velocity. Big whoop. Get yer perspective game going and ain’t no thang going short.

And ya, those hand lapped 24” proof carbons are pretty fast, 2605 fps same ammo. That’s 25 fps faster than rated. I was talking factory barrels where I’ve seen most factory ammo about 30 fps lower than rated.

But really, the percentage on velocity loss is dick between 16” & 24”.

 

[Firestone]

300wsm, 7saum, 6.5prc