“Short” Barrels, why not?

[BLJ]

Sometimes it’s less. For example, my 22” 30-06 with my hunting load was a 180gr at 2750. I chopped it to 19” ish (say ‘ish’ because it was cut to just enough to thread in front of the flutes and it’s not a round number) and with a 6” can, the exact same load was… 2750.

I have over 10 years of suppressor experience, including building many (Form 1). In my experience, a can get anywhere from 20-40fps from “free bore boost”, and thus compensate for velocity lost with a shorter barrel.

Another before an after was a 243 from 20 to 18” with can. And a 25-06 from 22 to 19 with can. I don’t have exact data on this phone, but it was basically moot. Same loads, just naked barrel at X then chopped to Y with can. I think the 25-06 has like a 20fps delta. Irrelevant. 16” 6.8 vs 12.5” 6.8, 50fps… 14.5” to 16” 556, same.

All this will depend on your rifle, barrel, load, can etc etc. But it’s not as much as people think and the can will offset the loss.

Appreciate the answer. I actually traded that rifle years ago for a 308.
But, I did cut the 308 down from 22 to 18.

 

[Bluefish]

Speed kills, and anything subsonic doesn't have the speed.

Subs can work fine, just have to go heavy. Problem is drop. Even at 150 yards drop is substantial. I ran the numbers and a 500g sub is still almost 750 fps at 1000 yards. Drop is almost 2000 inches or 165 ft. Still 600 ftlbs, not that it matters.

 

[AZ_Hunter]

Appreciate the answer. I actually traded that rifle years ago for a 308.
But, I did cut the 308 down from 22 to 18.

I would guess 50-75fps difference with suppressor on the 18” vs naked 22”.

 

[JJ3]

If I hunted back east, I think I would hunt with an AR 15 with a pinned 14.5 barrel and suppressor. I would eventually get a 12" "short barrel rifle" build off a Form 1 as well. I have a 22 grendel upper, and would have no problem cutting it down and running 77 grain Sierra TMK.

I did the same for this season. It was good but at 10lb wasn’t worth it to hike miles with it.

Considering building a Howa mini cut to 12.5” next. Aiming for 7-8lb all in and no port noise.

 

[hereinaz]

I did the same for this season. It was good but at 10lb wasn’t worth it to hike miles with it.

Considering building a Howa mini cut to 12.5” next. Aiming for 7-8lb all in and no port noise.

If moving SBR interstate didn’t require a form, I would use an SBR.

Cutting a Howa Mini and getting it SBR for 200 is tempting… especially as a .223/300 BO switch barrels, but the same form problem.

That’s why 14.5 pinned and welded.

 

[JJ3]

If moving SBR interstate didn’t require a form, I would use an SBR.

Cutting a Howa Mini and getting it SBR for 200 is tempting… especially as a .223/300 BO switch barrels, but the same form problem.

That’s why 14.5 pinned and welded.

I cross state lines to hunt where I am. It’s not bad just have to remember to fill the form out annually a month before season opens.

I worry more about it being confiscated for some misinterpretation of the law by a ranger or tearing up.

I may pin and weld a cheap can on a 12” bolt gun soon. Simple tig spot that can be undone if needed.

 

[hereinaz]

I cross state lines to hunt where I am. It’s not bad just have to remember to fill the form out annually a month before season opens.

I worry more about it being confiscated for some misinterpretation of the law by a ranger or tearing up.

I may pin and weld a cheap can on a 12” bolt gun soon. Simple tig spot that can be undone if needed.

I have considered that too, welding a short K can onto the barrel. I welded a QD brake onto my 14.5 AR until the stamp came through.