Re: 308 Barrel length
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: redeye</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If its not a heavy contour than the long the barrel the more whip its going to have. Todd Hodnett on the magpul DVD for precision rifle said that "he has found a rigid 20" barrel is best". Take that for what its worth. </div></div>
Again, I guess it all depends on what you're trying to do, but it seems as though the people focusing more on "tactical" accuracy out of .308s (hitting vital-area sized targets at long range) are moving to shorter barrels. As mentioned, Todd Hodnett likes a shorter barrel because of improved harmonics and stiffness. GPS Defense Sniper School (formerly McMillan) builds class rifles to 18" and they shoot them beyond 1100. In the Magpul Video Tod Hodnett had Travis shooting at a mile with an 18" gas gun. GPS used to have an explanation on their choice of barrel length on their website which I can't find anymore. In essence they found that the shorter barrel offered more stiffness and inherent accuracy, but a loss of velocity, necessitating increased elevation adjustment at extended ranges.
I guess if you're shooting at very small "X's" for score, rather than shooting for hits on steel, the equation may change.