22 inch bbl in 300 win mag

ramseyzoo

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Jan 18, 2011
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Joplin, MO
Question for the experts:

Whats the ideal barrel length for a 300 win mag for a heavy barreled target rifle?

Curious if 22 inches was adequate.
I have an opportunity to trade for one is why I'm asking.

Not likely to shoot past 1000 yards.

Thank you guys!

Brad
 
Re: 22 inch bbl in 300 win mag

i have never been a big fan of short barrels just because the longer barels allow for higher speed = more k.e. and flater guns but i have heard the short barrels can be just as accurate so if you want to shoot just to shoot and not the 1000+ stuff its fine
 
Re: 22 inch bbl in 300 win mag

A 308 win is only burning about 44gns of powder, a 300WM is lighting off upwards of 65gn. I know 24s are pretty standard but I'd be curious to know if you can get the job done in 22 inches.

I'm sure it will work fine but it seems it may be a waste of capacity, but I'm sure someone here has done it and will give a report.
 
Re: 22 inch bbl in 300 win mag

"Required"
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reading prior to all length of barrel posts:

BARREL LENGTH AND THE PRECISION RIFLE
Why shorter barrels may often be better
by Eugene Nielsen

http://www.tacticaloperations.com/SWATbarrel/
 
Re: 22 inch bbl in 300 win mag

thanks for the info guys!

Thanks for link ranger good info.

from the link listed above regarding the 300 win mag and barrel length:



Many agencies purchasing a .300 Win. Mag. will primarily be employing the rifle in an urban environment. The common reason for opting for the .300 Win. Mag. that it extends the capabilities of the rifle to longer ranges than the .308 Winchester is capable in those rare situations where longer range capability is necessary. This leads to an obvious question -- will going to a shorter barrel for added maneuverability in the urban environment adversely affect long range performance of a rifle in this caliber?

To find the answers, Tac Ops took a 26-inch barreled .300 Win. Mag. and chopped the barrel down in one-inch increments as they previously did with the .308 Winchester. Ten rounds of Federal Match 190-grain BTHP Gold Medal were fired from each increment. No velocity was lost from 26 inches to 22 inches. Velocity loss started to occur only after they went below 22 inches.

As a result of their tests, Tac Ops decided not to go below 22 inches on their .300 Win. Mag. tactical precision rifle, the Alpha 66. According to Mike Rescigno, President of Tac Ops, the 22-inch barrel is ideal for the tactical shooters that are going to use the 190-grain Federal Match ammo. There isn't any loss of performance by going to the 22-inch barrel and this round. The Alpha 66 still provides 1/4-MOA or better accuracy.

For heavier bullets or hotter loads with slower burning powders, Rescigno recommends a 24- to 26-inch barrel. The longer barrel length is necessary for complete powder combustion with these loads. Rescigno adds that he has a 24-inch barrel on his personal .300 Win. Mag. just in case he wants "to shoot the heavier 220-grain bullets with a lot of powder."
 
Re: 22 inch bbl in 300 win mag

I think 22" is enough for 300WM and even the 338LM.

Right powder and bullet choice, and you can still get the most out of the cartridge.

High muzzle pressure, but accuracy can still be reliably achieved. Muzzle brakes and cans might help with high muzzle pressure.
 
Re: 22 inch bbl in 300 win mag

I have a 22" 300WM that I have written about extensively on this site. I will summarize with this; a 22" WM shooting 208's over H1000 is way more than adequate for 1000 yds. It will pound steel at that range. YMMV, but so far mine has shown good accuracy and plenty of ooomph to well past 2000 yds. I do shoot at 3500-4500' ASL, but that should give you some idea of just how powerful this cartridge is, even when handicapped (
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) by a short barrel.

John
 
Re: 22 inch bbl in 300 win mag

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: KYS338</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So let's ask the other question.....

What is the OPTIMUM length for the 300WM cartridge? 26" ? </div></div>

Which begs the next question: Optimum for what? They're all compromises in one way or another. LonewolfUSMC, has a saying that I really like: "Mission drives the equipment". Hunting. Urban sniping. ELR plinking. All will have different "optimum" specifications.

John
 
Re: 22 inch bbl in 300 win mag

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: KYS338</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So let's ask the other question.....

What is the OPTIMUM length for the 300WM cartridge? 26" ? </div></div>

Optimum for what? 32" for BR 1000yd game sounds pretty nice witha good slow burning powder, or a 22" for hunting with something like H1000 would be hard to beat. With such a large variety of powders (slow and fast burning), depends on PERSONAL use. (use/optimum goes hand in hand is what im saying)


<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Keith at PCR</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I think 22" is enough for 300WM and even the 338LM.
</div></div>

I just got my 22" 338LM and am quite excited to get started testing w/300 SMK's and H1000 or Rotumbo...very excited.

Regards,
_DT