22-250 Barrel Chop. Length vs noise/muzzle flip?

[Michael Riley]

So, I've got a 700VS in 22-250 that's been sitting in my safe for over a decade. It was my first centerfire that I got when I was 17 (2006). I never shot it as much as I anticipated due to not having many places to groundhog hunt. Has maybe 200 rounds through it. Anyways, I've decided to bring it back out and I want to turn it into a lightweight walking varmint rig for 400yds and in. I need to get it threaded for my suppressor and figured I may as well chop it in the process. From what I've read, the 250 is still pretty quick even as short as 18" (~3500fps / 50gr).

My question is, will it be significantly louder suppressed at 16-18" compared to 20-22"? Also, will there be a significant increase in muzzle flip? Trying to find the sweet spot, but haven't found much data on it aside from velocity test. It's a 1/14 twist, so I'm limited to the lighter bullets unfortunately. It hates anything above 50gr.

 

[redneckbmxer24]

It’s going to be louder but it’s not like it’s not going to ring your ears shooting with a can.

You can pretty much figure 25-30fps per inch so I’d make your determination based off of that. Those short light bullets fall off fast, so I personally wouldn’t chop a 14T 22-250 super short.

 

[jakelly]

Goodness @redneckbmxer24 quit insulting guys’ rifles.

 

[Michael Riley]

It’s going to be louder but it’s not like it’s not going to ring your ears shooting with a can.

You can pretty much figure 25-30fps per inch so I’d make your determination based off of that. Those short light bullets fall off fast, so I personally wouldn’t chop a 14T 22-250 super short.

I'm aware of the velocity loss. At 18" I would still be getting ~+200fps over a 24" .223.

 

[jakelly]

Do you really care about the noise that much (probably 3-4 db)? I wouldn’t. The other form factors would weigh heavier on me than that slight bump. Walking varmint rifle, 10 shots is a banner day. Why worry?

 

[Travis224]

My best all around barrel length with the 22 creed was 17-18", 16s were too short and slower noticably, the 20s were slightly faster than my 18, but with a can, it felt like a broom handle.

 

[Michael Riley]

Do you really care about the noise that much (probably 3-4 db)? I wouldn’t. The other form factors would weigh heavier on me than that slight bump. Walking varmint rifle, 10 shots is a banner day. Why worry?

That's pretty much my mindset, but 3-4db can be a pretty noticeable difference. Hoping someone who has actually ran one can give some input. I'm basically looking for affirmation that 18" is the way to go Hell, maybe even 16.

 

[Michael Riley]

My best all around barrel length with the 22 creed was 17-18", 16s were too short and slower noticably, the 20s were slightly faster than my 18, but with a can, it felt like a broom handle.

That's good to know. Any significant difference in noise/ recoil when suppressed?

 

[Travis224]

Not much in the 18-20", but it did seem less violent all around than the 16" barrel. Granted, I use H4895 with the 60 vmaxes and so my speeds are in the 3600-3700 fps

 

[jakelly]

That's pretty much my mindset, but 3-4db can be a pretty noticeable difference. Hoping someone who has actually ran one can give some input. I'm basically looking for affirmation that 18" is the way to go Hell, maybe even 16.

You’re making the right decision. Split the difference and go 17”. You’re smart. Trust your gut. Your powder will be pretty fast burning, it’ll be fine. Your midichlorian count is over 15000. You got this.

 

[SFree]

Contact James ONeill, “Skinny7” in the Fieldcraft forum. James has used the suppressed 22 250 extensively for coyotes…
Look for ONeill Ops.

 

[CMP70306]

I have one with an 18” barrel and am getting 3600 fps with a 53gr v max and StaBall 6.5, with a Nomad Ti it does have a bit more crack too it but I imagine that’s due to the bore diameter being 30 cal and my shots being inside a room. Outdoors I doubt it would be loud enough to ring your ears for a hunting rifle.

 

[redneckbmxer24]

I'm aware of the velocity loss. At 18" I would still be getting ~+200fps over a 24" .223.

If you're satisfied with those ballistics then send it. 18" would be the minimum I'd go and 22-250 isn't too neutered at that length.

 

[Michael Riley]

I guess that settles it. 18" it is. Thanks for the persuasion all!

 

[RTH1800]

Another recommendation of contacting @skinney_7. James is a a great dude and will share info that is based on exactly what you are talking about.

 

[mi223]

Didn't O'Neal have a collaboration rifle with LRI? I think that was pretty short

 

[Obi-WanKannoli]

Just picked up a Tikka 1:8T 22-250, and I plan on chopping somewhere between 16-18 inches. This was a good read.

 

[HOOFER]

I have a 16” and a 21” 22 creed. And both are very pleasant to shoot suppressed.

And totally worth the chop I did on the 16”. It was a 24” 22-250. Had it chopped and rechsmbered to 22 creed

Even fireformed all my 22-250 brass to 22 creed in it. Still shot 3/4 with factory or loaded 22-250

 

[Michael Riley]

Contact James ONeill, “Skinny7” in the Fieldcraft forum. James has used the suppressed 22 250 extensively for coyotes…
Look for ONeill Ops.

I reached out to him and he confirmed 18 is the way to go having tried everything shorter and longer. Also watched a lot of his awesome vids. It's a done deal. Thank you for steering me his way! Now to find a place here in Central Ohio to do the work. Closest reputable place I've found has a 4 month backlog and is (I think) a bit pricy at $230 for a chop and thread.. but if that's what it takes, so be it.

 

[SDBguy95]

I chopped and threaded my 22-250 on grandpas lathe last winter since it wasn't threaded before. I havnt chronoed it, and to be honest the biggest reason for shortenening it was to keep it a smaller package with the can on. I used a fresh plate the other day to check drop and this was what I came up with off the tripod pictured. Point and shoot on dogs out to 300 is good enough for me. I've got a feeling ill be trying 400 out in the field by the end of the winter!

 

[FuhQ]

I had a custom built Model 7 20" heavy .22-250 and it was a tack-driver. I think 20" is the sweet-spot for that cartridge for weight/length/velocity/etc...

 

[Obi-WanKannoli]

View attachment 8223223View attachment 8223225
I chopped and threaded my 22-250 on grandpas lathe last winter since it wasn't threaded before. I havnt chronoed it, and to be honest the biggest reason for shortenening it was to keep it a smaller package with the can on. I used a fresh plate the other day to check drop and this was what I came up with off the tripod pictured. Point and shoot on dogs out to 300 is good enough for me. I've got a feeling ill be trying 400 out in the field by the end of the winter!

What length is this?

 

[SDBguy95]

What length is this?

17" shooting 50 gr vmax.

 

[MuleyTime]

Following as I have a Tikka T3x Lite 22-250 all factory that I want to chop. My initial thought is 18"

50 grain Vmax's as well for me.

 

[Obi-WanKannoli]

Following as I have a Tikka T3x Lite 22-250 all factory that I want to chop. My initial thought is 18"

50 grain Vmax's as well for me.

I dropped mine off for 17 inches this week. Same rifle as you.

 

[Bern199]

You will definitely want to find some fast burning powder. I’m typically seeing a drop of 390-440fps from my 26” to the 16” 22-250 with the same 1-7 twist and a larger s-d.

 

[CA48]

I loaded up for a buddy’s 18” 22-250 AI awhile back. It shot very well with 70gr bergers at 3250fps and 3425fps on the top end. We loaded them at 3250, noise wasn’t bad at all with a TB ultra 5.

 

[Renomd]

I guess that settles it. 18" it is. Thanks for the persuasion all!

Dragging this up from the abyss.... Did you ever make this happen? I'm curious what velocities you were able to get w/ 50gr bullets and if they shot ok given with 1:14 twist Berger stability is saying they are not stable... I'm thinking of doing a 22-250 in 20" 1:10-12 twist strictly for 50gr Vmax... I keep wavering but need to get my order in before the lead time just keeps building. James O'Neil said he can get the 18" to do 3500 fps hand loaded w/ 35gr Varget and the 50gr Vmax 1:8 twist. I know I can always go 22 CM but it's taking forever to anyone to actually commit to factory ammo production and a short throat reamer for varmint bullets.