16-18 inch shorty rifles

[Gtscotty]

Got the cut/threaded barrel and fluted bolt back from the smith, so my 18" suppressed 300 WSM is starting to come together, complete with crappy rattle can camo job. Using an MT long action bolt stop, and Tikka factory 6.5 PRC specific mags, I'm able to load out to ~3" and cycle fine. The rifle is going to get an MT cheek riser, Helos 2-12 BTR 2, and my Nomad TI, estimated full up weight is just under 9 lbs, we'll see.
View attachment 8124716

Ok, got my scope, and a cheek rest added, comes out to ~8 3/4 lbs missing only a sling and 5 rounds, I think that's light enough for a 300 WSM. The 6.5 PRC Mag holds 4 down, and the balance point with can is right in front of the mag. I have 20 rds of 200gr ELDx and 20 rds of 168gr E-Tip, both over RL16 to try this weekend.

My primo Rust-Oleum paint job has already chipped in one spot, I probably need to go back and redo it with better prep (didn't sand or use a separate primer), or maybe try a better paint like Aluma-hyde.

 

[NHPiper]

I love shorty builds. In NH distances usually run from 600 yards to 1100 if you are lucky. But 600-800 is the norm.

The 3 builds I have had are:

R700 6.5CM
-16" XCalibur Remage barrel
-Magpul Pro700 folder for easy transport
-140gr ELDs at 2600fps with H4350, shot 1/2 MOA all day suppressed
-Handy and fun for NVD use (wish I had a better pic)

Surgeon 308Win
-18" Bartlein chamber by Bugholes
-Had a McMillan A5 but dropped into a Pro700 for similar reasons
-175gr Noslers at 2574fps with Varget, shot 1/4 MOA if I did my part
-Fun with subsonics at about 1MOA

Stiller Tac30
-18" Mullerworks barrel done by Bugholes
-Manners EH2 but only because the TF3A is having an EFR added into it
-Shoots 1/2MOA or better, closer to 1/3 MOA if I am on my game
-80gr ELDM at 2803fps with Varget, may switch to StaBall Match for some more juice

Dropped the 223AI into the new TF3A that just came back with an EFR.

Really enjoying the balance and feel of the medium palma barrel.

 

[Smitty192]

I have the exact same set up, but no barrel yet. Standard bolt face and I'm looking at running a 16" 308.

I would love to find a Cadex folding chassis.

 

[tobylazur]

Ok, got my scope, and a cheek rest added, comes out to ~8 3/4 lbs missing only a sling and 5 rounds, I think that's light enough for a 300 WSM. The 6.5 PRC Mag holds 4 down, and the balance point with can is right in front of the mag. I have 20 rds of 200gr ELDx and 20 rds of 168gr E-Tip, both over RL16 to try this weekend.
View attachment 8128438

My primo Rust-Oleum paint job has already chipped in one spot, I probably need to go back and redo it with better prep (didn't sand or use a separate primer), or maybe try a better paint like Aluma-hyde.

Update us after you take it out. I’m interested to see how the short barrel preforms with the wsm

 

[TicTacTex]

I have the exact same set up, but no barrel yet. Standard bolt face and I'm looking at running a 16" 308.

I would love to find a Cadex folding chassis.

Accessories - Sold

WTS only. No trades and PayPal FF SOLD Cadex Competition Lite chassis for Rem700 SA. Minimal use and has some very small blems. Chassis functions fine. $1250 shipped SOLD - Cadex Falcon bipod with spiked feet. Has also seen minimal use. $250.

www.snipershide.com

 

[NHPiper]

Accessories - Sold

WTS only. No trades and PayPal FF SOLD Cadex Competition Lite chassis for Rem700 SA. Minimal use and has some very small blems. Chassis functions fine. $1250 shipped SOLD - Cadex Falcon bipod with spiked feet. Has also seen minimal use. $250.

www.snipershide.com

I wish that had the ability to run a top rail for clip ons. Slick looking chassis for sure.

 

[Smitty192]

Accessories - Sold

WTS only. No trades and PayPal FF SOLD Cadex Competition Lite chassis for Rem700 SA. Minimal use and has some very small blems. Chassis functions fine. $1250 shipped SOLD - Cadex Falcon bipod with spiked feet. Has also seen minimal use. $250.

www.snipershide.com

Tikka SA. I don't think enough southern ingenuity can be applied to get it to work.

 

[Mj1995]

I love shorty rifles that have ridiculously nice optics on them. I do the same thing. The mk5 I am running outsized the rifle.

Have to throw the 3" sunshade on it too lol.

 

[roosterpig]

Triangular, cheap, and chopped. The ol do-all.

18” .308.

 

[just browsing]

Ok, got my scope, and a cheek rest added, comes out to ~8 3/4 lbs missing only a sling and 5 rounds, I think that's light enough for a 300 WSM. The 6.5 PRC Mag holds 4 down, and the balance point with can is right in front of the mag. I have 20 rds of 200gr ELDx and 20 rds of 168gr E-Tip, both over RL16 to try this weekend.
View attachment 8128438

My primo Rust-Oleum paint job has already chipped in one spot, I probably need to go back and redo it with better prep (didn't sand or use a separate primer), or maybe try a better paint like Aluma-hyde.

Natural wear >>>> everything else.

I can’t stand when guys have perfect paint jobs. These are not hot rods, they’re tools. They will be used and look like such.

Love me a good rattle can job that gets beat to hell. So much better than cerakote or anodizing or whatever else they’re doing these days.

 

[Gtscotty]

Update us after you take it out. I’m interested to see how the short barrel preforms with the wsm

I took it out the last few weekends to Chrono some spreads for velocity and shoot some groups, here's the velocities I saw.

Reloder 16
200 gr ELDx, 30 off
04/28
60.5gr - 2,576 fps
61gr - 2,595 fps
61.5gr - 2,594 fps
62gr - 2,637 fps
05/06:
62.5gr - 2,585 fps
63gr - 2,622 fps
63.5gr - 2,674 fps

168gr E-Tip , 60 off
04/28:
63.5gr - 2,750 fps
64gr - 2,774 fps
64.5gr - 2,812 fps
65gr - 2,800 fps
05/06:
65.5gr - 2,827 fps
66gr - 2,850 fps
66.5gr - 2,861 fps

Staball 6.5
200 gr ELDx, 30 off
05/06:
63.5gr - 2,652 fps
64gr - 2,643 fps
64.5gr - 2,665 fps
65gr - 2,710 fps
65.5gr - 2,767 fps

168gr E-Tip , 60 off
05/06:
67.5gr - 2,873 fps
68gr - 2,947 fps
68.5gr - 2,936 fps
69gr - 2,997 fps
69.5gr - 3,026 fps

165gr TGK, 30 off
68gr - 2,914 fps
68.5gr - 3,011 fps
69gr - 3,004 fps
69.5gr - 3,023 fps
70gr - 3,023 fps

There's some data points anyway, I'm going to focus on Staball next time, although most of the RL16 groups were moa-ish, and some below (I'm pretty happy given the scope I'm using). I think Staball is going to be a better burn speed for velocity, and I've had good luck with it in Creedmoors, .30-06 and .280ai.

One bummer is that my scope (Athlon Helos BTR2 2-12x42 FFP) took a dump a few shots into the second trip. At every shot the parallax would change and when the scope came back on target from recoil, everything was blurry.... I was actually able to shoot groups fine, but had to adjust the parallax after every shot (wasn't going to waste the drive up). That's what I get for using cheapy ChiCom scopes I guess, Athalon refused to RMA even though it was basically brand new, so I sent it in to the warranty department today, we'll see what they do. Either way I'll probably need to get a different scope for this particular rifle because the windage turret blocks reliable ejection from the Tikka.

 

[K80/6.5]

So I finally got a scope on it again and chronograph since chopping the barrel down. The factory barrel was 2820fps after cutting off 6 inches in at 2715 fps with 24.1 Varget and 77smk.

 

[Awag1000]

American Rifle Company Coup De Grace short action
PVA 18" 308 1:10 fluted
ARC Xylo chassis
AIAW mags
TT Diamond Flat
Accutac bipod.
Meopta optika6 5-30x56 Mrad
ARC M-BRACE rings

 

[WhiteDingo]

Picked this little sweetheart up the other day. CZ 557 UCS. Local PD HRT gun, they wanted to standardize their lineup and are migrating to Bergara HMRs.
Now I have 16", 17", and 18" .308s. huh.

 

[Coyote777]

Here are a few of my shorties.
-Christensen 12.5” 6.5 turned SBR
-Q Mini Fix turned 16” .223
-Built 16” 22creed

 

[jzerfoss]

Here are a few of my shorties.
-Christensen 12.5” 6.5 turned SBR
-Q Mini Fix turned 16” .223
-Built 16” 22creed

do you have more pics of that 223 mini fix? How does that thing shoot?

 

[Coyote777]

do you have more pics of that 223 mini fix? How does that thing shoot?

Man it shoots pretty good for what it is. I’m sure you know but it started life as 8” 300blk but I just like accurate rifles and I predator hunt a lot so I wanted to use it for that also. So bought the Proof 16” and hand guard and started working up a load. Still testing some powder/bullet combos. It now has a mark5 3.6-18 on it besides the gen3 razor but here are some more pic.

 

[NHPiper]

New 300Blk in the family....

Accurate Ordinance Action (Stiller)
Wilson #4 1:8 16" spun up by @FisherT&C (rattle canned after)
KMW Sentinel Stock w. Badger DBM & EFR
Timney 517 trigger
NF NX8 1-8
Eratac Mount (selling to it put an ADM for better eye relief)
Sig 7.62Ti can

Currently has 40MOA of cant, but will be 50MOA when the new mount arrives.

Did some initial shots with 8.0gr of V110 and Hoosier 220 powder coated bullets. Velocity was 1068fps with an SD of 7 using Starline brass and Ginex primers. Seemed to shoot close to 1MOA at 100 yards.

Shot the attached 5 shot group at 100yds using the plated 220gr reloads with CFEBlack I mass load for my SBR.

Gun didn't seem to like the lighter Noslers 175 Custom Comps with the V110. Shot OK, but SD was in the high teens and low twenties.

 

[st1650]

N105 and N110 is great with the heavy subsonics.

New 300Blk in the family....

Accurate Ordinance Action (Stiller)
Wilson #4 1:8 16" spun up by @FisherT&C (rattle canned after)
KMW Sentinel Stock w. Badger DBM & EFR
Timney 517 trigger
NF NX8 1-8
Eratac Mount (selling to it put an ADM for better eye relief)
Sig 7.62Ti can

Currently has 40MOA of cant, but will be 50MOA when the new mount arrives.

Did some initial shots with 8.0gr of V110 and Hoosier 220 powder coated bullets. Velocity was 1068fps with an SD of 7 using Starline brass and Ginex primers. Seemed to shoot close to 1MOA at 100 yards.

Shot the attached 5 shot group at 100yds using the plated 220gr reloads with CFEBlack I mass load for my SBR.

Gun didn't seem to like the lighter Noslers 175 Custom Comps with the V110. Shot OK, but SD was in the high teens and low twenties.

 

[morning would]

Have always loved shorties. Used to have a Remington 700 16” 308. Like an idiot, I traded it away for a revolver I didn’t like but thought I had to have. Been longing for a replacement of some kind for awhile. In strolls a Savage 110 Elite Precision in 308 that I got for cheap cheap cheap. Been shooting it for a few months and it shoots awesome. So I’ve been hesitant. But damn it this thread keeps pulling me back. So today, I dropped it off at the gunsmith. When it’s all said and done, the barrel should be about 16.5”. That’ll put it just beyond the end of the chassis. I can’t wait to get it back and see how she does. Thanks to everyone in this thread for the nudge I needed to finally get it done. Here is a quickie rendering of what it will look like, roughly, when done.

before

hopefully after - rough ms paint I know

and the 700 shorty I use to have that I miss

 

[ToKeepAndBear]

Man it shoots pretty good for what it is. I’m sure you know but it started life as 8” 300blk but I just like accurate rifles and I predator hunt a lot so I wanted to use it for that also. So bought the Proof 16” and hand guard and started working up a load. Still testing some powder/bullet combos. It now has a mark5 3.6-18 on it besides the gen3 razor but here are some more pic.

My Proof Carbon Barreled 223 Mini Fix has also been incredibly accurate! It shoots 77 TMKs, 77 SMKs, and the 53 VMAX within 1/2 moa of each other, as far as point of impact, with same zero.

300 yards

600 yards

 

[Coyote777]

My Proof Carbon Barreled 223 Mini Fix has also been incredibly accurate! It shoots 77 TMKs, 77 SMKs, and the 53 VMAX within 1/2 moa of each other, as far as point of impact, with same zero.


View attachment 8149363
300 yards
View attachment 8149364
600 yards

View attachment 8149365

That’s nice! Yeah I was impressed once I switched it to the proof .223 barrel.

 

[srt-4_uk]

Have always loved shorties. Used to have a Remington 700 16” 308. Like an idiot, I traded it away for a revolver I didn’t like but thought I had to have. Been longing for a replacement of some kind for awhile. In strolls a Savage 110 Elite Precision in 308 that I got for cheap cheap cheap. Been shooting it for a few months and it shoots awesome. So I’ve been hesitant. But damn it this thread keeps pulling me back. So today, I dropped it off at the gunsmith. When it’s all said and done, the barrel should be about 16.5”. That’ll put it just beyond the end of the chassis. I can’t wait to get it back and see how she does. Thanks to everyone in this thread for the nudge I needed to finally get it done. Here is a quickie rendering of what it will look like, roughly, when done.

before

hopefully after - rough ms paint I know

A 16.5" barrel will clear than handguard on a ACC chassis?

 

[morning would]

A 16.5" barrel will clear than handguard on a ACC chassis?

When I measured with my smith, it looks like between 16.5 and 17 will clear enough to get my suppressor adapter on there. Should be done in about a week or so and I’ll post finished pics.

 

[dgheriani]

When I measured with my smith, it looks like between 16.5 and 17 will clear enough to get my suppressor adapter on there. Should be done in about a week or so and I’ll post finished pics.

I'd double check to be sure, it'll be pretty close. I'm getting an ACC Premier chopped down a bit to go with this setup:

Rem 700 with 18" Hawkhill heavy palma 6.5 Creed barrel done up by Insite Arms. My go to load (140gr ELDM with 42.0gr H4350 in Hornady case at 2.200" BTO) is moving 2670fps and sub 1/2moa so I'm a happy camper. Makes for great performance out of a nice compact package. Not light (17lbs 14oz as shown with lightweight double-pull Ckyepod and Gen 2 Razor but with a full set of dampeners in the stock) but very manageable and a real joy to shoot!

 

[Triggerslapp]

Here is my 18in 7mm-08. Bartlein 1-9 med palma, Griffin OTB brake, McMillan A5 inlet for a 737 and EFR, NF NXS 2.5-10x42 MOAR.

 

[Juan Stone]

16” 6.5 Creedmoor
Thanks to all who have posted here and gave me ideas for this build.

 

[CaptArab]

Here are a few of my shorties.
-Christensen 12.5” 6.5 turned SBR
-Q Mini Fix turned 16” .223
-Built 16” 22creed

Talk to me about those 12" 6.5 creed velocities - I'm thinking about SBRing a bolt action to do just this.

 

[NHPiper]

16” 6.5 Creedmoor
Thanks to all who have posted here and gave me ideas for this build.

What are you seeing for velocities?

 

[Juan Stone]

What are you seeing for velocities?

I don’t have a chronograph, so I’m not sure. A nice fella at the range used his ballistic calculator to help me get my elevation adjustments, and get consistent hits from 200 to 600 yards on the steel plates though. If someone can help me get numbers next time I’m at the range I’ll let you know.

 

[BruceLeroy]

I don’t have a chronograph, so I’m not sure. A nice fella at the range used his ballistic calculator to help me get my elevation adjustments, and get consistent hits from 200 to 600 yards on the steel plates though. If someone can help me get numbers next time I’m at the range I’ll let you know.

If you share the bullet you used and the dope at 600 someone can get you the velocity.

 

[SkyScrapin]

Talk to me about those 12" 6.5 creed velocities - I'm thinking about SBRing a bolt action to do just this.

Almost 2400fps with factory 140 hybrid Berger ammo in my 12” Bart. @CaptArab

 

[Juan Stone]

If you share the bullet you used and the dope at 600 someone can get you the velocity.

I was using Nosler Tropy Grade 140 grain.
These numbers were pretty spot on, but at 600 yards I was hitting slightly low. The scope is in MOA.
-200 yards - 1 3/4
-300 yards - 4 1/2
-400 yards - 7 3/4
-500 yards - 11 1/2
-600 yards - 15 1/2

 

[CaptArab]

Almost 2400fps with factory 140 hybrid Berger ammo in my 12” Bart. @CaptArab

That's fantastic, TYSM

 

[BruceLeroy]

I was using Nosler Tropy Grade 140 grain.
These numbers were pretty spot on, but at 600 yards I was hitting slightly low. The scope is in MOA.
-200 yards - 1 3/4
-300 yards - 4 1/2
-400 yards - 7 3/4
-500 yards - 11 1/2
-600 yards - 15 1/2

Running some quick numbers shows 2530 fps. The Trophy Grade shows a 142 ABLR so I used that for the data.

 

[morning would]

A 16.5" barrel will clear than handguard on a ACC chassis?

Well, you were correct to question this. It turned out that right at 18” was the best compromise to get it close without being too close to the hand guard. Got it back today, and I love it. Can’t wait to see if anything has changed, besides velocity, with the loads it used to be fond of.

 

[Chasing3]

 

[Chasing3]

Sold the ^^^ McMillan A3, but I thought it turned out nicely. Now going to build a Proof CF 16.5 308 shorty on a Zermatt TL3. Just trying to decide on which stock. Trying to decide between Manners EH1, LRH or Pro Hunter. Shorty bolts are addictive!

 

[Infidel4life11]

Putting together a little something for you guys. Here’s a teaser

-Aero Solus
-Trigger Tech
-Bartlein 16.5” spiral fluted

 

[G Love]

If a guy wanted to do a shorty (17-18) truck/back porch gun, 300 max, Manners CS2 or a folder if I could find one, but wanted to keep it 6mm, what do y'all think? 6BR with 80/90's?

 

[4O6shootist]

If a guy wanted to do a shorty (17-18) truck/back porch gun, 300 max, Manners CS2 or a folder if I could find one, but wanted to keep it 6mm, what do y'all think? 6BR with 80/90's?

I'd run gt, keep the velocity up, good feeding, but not shit 6cm barrel life. I have a 22" gt on a xlr magnesium folder running my suppressor, 105hyb at 2950. Hell on deer! Beings 300m max, and you're considering 6br, I'd go 6bra as it gives velocity boost and minimal case growth, and similar barrel life as br.

 

[G Love]

I'd run gt, keep the velocity up, good feeding, but not shit 6cm barrel life. I have a 22" gt on a xlr magnesium folder running my suppressor, 105hyb at 2950. Hell on deer! Beings 300m max, and you're considering 6br, I'd go 6bra as it gives velocity boost and minimal case growth, and similar barrel life as br.

Also considering a 22GT for the shorty. I have a 22" 6GT as well and love it.

 

[Too Funny]

Putting together a little something for you guys. Here’s a teaser
View attachment 8171002
-Aero Solus
-Trigger Tech
-Bartlein 16.5” spiral fluted

That is an awesome pic. Can't wait to see her when she's all put together.

 

[skyfitch]

Thread inspired build
18" 223AI - Preferred prefit
Zermatt Origin
Grayboe Ridgeback
ADM QD titanium mount
Vortex Strike Eagle 3-18x44

 

[Infidel4life11]

That is an awesome pic. Can't wait to see her when she's all put together.

 

[Graywolf.260]

16” T1x 22lr trainer in a KRG X-ray chassis, USO TS12 scope, Sterk knob, AAC can, TRG bipod.

 

[K80/6.5]

18” 6.5 PRC Proof

View attachment 8126027

Do you know the weight of the rifle without the scope and rings?

 

[Too Funny]

View attachment 8175261

Truly a work of art! I think is is just about as close to perfection (for me) as you can get. Thanks!!!

 

[CStroud]

Got a 16" 6gt on the brain as a truck/sxs/tractor gun. Ordered an eh1 earlier this morning and have been racking my brain on what action to use. I don't feel like this build warrants a $1500 action, so what are some of the more budget friendly offerings that y'all have used? I'm aware of the Origin and CDG actions. Oh, and needs to be 700 footprint.

 

[Slowshot18]

Got a 16" 6gt on the brain as a truck/sxs/tractor gun. Ordered an eh1 earlier this morning and have been racking my brain on what action to use. I don't feel like this build warrants a $1500 action, so what are some of the more budget friendly offerings that y'all have used? I'm aware of the Origin and CDG actions. Oh, and needs to be 700 footprint.

Origins are hard to beat. Swappable bolt heads, a slew of pre-fits, can use an HLR lug to run TL3/SR3 short action prefits (Origin LA and SA have same spacing as LA TL3/SR3; SA TL3/SR3 are different), or use savage prefits w/nut. Only downside is if you want to run AW mags.