Re: 20", 24", or 26"
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: carbinero</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ridgerunner665</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
My understanding of how that works is that the pressure released when the bullet exits the muzzle is lower on longer barrels, which results in slightly less muzzle blast (e.g. 10,000 psi for a 20 inch - 8,000 psi for a 24 inch... <span style="text-decoration: underline">those are not actual pressures...just numbers I pulled out of my head as an example of what I mean</span>)
Now, I can see how powder selection (burn rate) can figure into this to a degree...but I still think my 20" is louder than my 22" with the same loads. (both 308's...one is a factory SPS Tactical, the other had a 22" Shilen barrel, it is waiting on a new barrel...probably going to be a 20" Shilen)
If I'm wrong on that...please educate me. </div></div>
Awesome post to resurrect...I had my 26" varmint 700 cut to 22" after reading this over a year ago...and love it. Curious comment above, to which no one responded. Each time I consider cutting again--to 19"--I recall that... </div></div>
Carbinero,
Over my near 40 year shooting career I have owned .308's w/26", 24", 23", 22", 20", and 19" barrels. Anecdotally, yes, I've noticed slightly greater muzzle blast with the shorter barrels. Practically, as in shooting them, so what. The muzzle blast from the 19" barreled 308, was not so terribly unpleasant, nor did it affect hitting the target in any detrimental way.
I favor 23" barrels with standard non-magnum cartridges. I find that length to be a good compromise, between handiness, blast and performance, and aesthetically pleasing to my eye in most stocks. But that's just me.
But short barrels (20" or less) can be very handy in tight quarters, and really give up little in performance to longer .308's, and what you lose in velocity, and get in slightly great blast, is really of small consequence, in the greater scheme of things.
But only cut your 22" barrel back to 19" if you need the additional handiness, or if your contemplating suppressing it, and/or your use and application can benefit from the shorter length, and lighter weight. If not what's the point??
Just because you can, does not mean it is necessarily a good idea....Rather what you need to accomplish with your rifle should drive the barrel length question, not fashion, and the current vogue.
There are good reasons for choosing a say 30" barreled Palma 308, as there are for choosing a 19" barreled tactical 308's.
Hope that answers your question.
Bob