Gunsmithing Shortening a barrel on .300 win mag?

[Hooplehead24]

Hello,
I have a Rem 700 .300 win mag that I'm looking at getting a custom heavy barrel for. I was wondering if anyone knows whether or not it will be ok to have the barrel made to 22" and still be able to reach out to longer ranges(800yd+) and all while having the mobility for hunting across thick backcountry woods and such. I read something before that said the velocity doesn't significantly decrease until under 22". I know that with the previous 26" on it, it is like walking through the woods with a spear (I'm a shorter guy). Does anyone have experience with a shortened .300 winmag? Thanks for any and all info!

 

[tommyc279]

Re: Shortening a barrel on .300 win mag?

This info came right from a reliable military group. They began cutting their 300 win barrels down from 26 inches and did not see losses until 23". You will here people disagree, I shoot one with a 22.5" barrel for long range competition. I would cut it to 23 if you want to get every ounce of performance but 22" will get you well out to range. This was running match factory rounds.

 

[bohem]

Re: Shortening a barrel on .300 win mag?

I've seen even shorter barrels than that reaching past 1000yd with excellent performance. As long as it's done properly I see little issue beyond the increased muzzle blast. The losses in performance won't be enough to stifle that round at 800yd.

 

[Hooplehead24]

Re: Shortening a barrel on .300 win mag?

Awesome thanks to both of you!

 

[trilogymac]

Re: Shortening a barrel on .300 win mag?

I have a new DTA 300WM barrel being machined to 22" right now. After talking to a number of people who have done it, I'm confident it will perform.

Will it squeeze out all the performance the 300WM has to offer? Maybe not but I'm betting it will still kick butt at 1500. Time will tell.

Hope this helps.
Trilogymac

 

[tommyc279]

Re: Shortening a barrel on .300 win mag?

Good luck with the rifle. Let's us know how it turns out.

 

[bohem]

Re: Shortening a barrel on .300 win mag?

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthre...935#Post3482935


A killer 20" 300WM in that thread.

 

[KYS]

Re: Shortening a barrel on .300 win mag?

I went with a 20" bbl on the 300wm by Black OPS