308 barrel

[cfipilot]

So I know part of this has been ask and I have been a good amount of research. I have been looking for a good all around match and hunting barrel for a new build. I want to be able to shoot the matches, but also take the rig hunting (mostly big game). So I decided on the 308 round.

Here are the specs, shooting 175gr bullets the recommended twist is 11.25 ( some say 11, others say 12).

I'm thinking of cutting the barrel to 22.5 inches, and flute it. This will bring the barrel weight to about 3.8 lbs.

The question is more so o. The length, would 22.5 (2 full rotations) be enough to stabilize the bullet? Would love for this to be a 1000yrd gun.

Thoughts? I'm pretty set on caliber as I have all reloading supplies and tools for this.

Edit: here are the specs on the barrel I will be buying. Bartlein Barrels .308 5R x 26" Finished, .299/.308 Bore/Groove x 1-11.25 Twist - #14 Barrel

 

[insight3b]

22.5 inches isn't quite enough for two full rotations but it should be awesome

 

[cfipilot]

So do u recommend going to 24? Trying to keep the weight down. Also planning on suppressing it.

 

[81STFACP]

I shoot a M1A at 1000 yard matches, with its 11 twist 22 inch barrel I do not have any problems shooting even longer bullets than the 175 SMKs. This is at elevation barely above sea level, about 50 feet.

 

[tylerw02]

If you intend on shooting matches, honestly, skip .308 and shoot 6mm or 6.5mm.

Personally, were I intending on keeping weight down, I wouldn't flute it---they are far too expensive. I'd go with a Rem Varmint contour to save weight. Length depends on how far you intend to shoot and your skill level. My 20" seems long with the suppressor on it. I'd consider going 18.5" with a suppressor. I'd probably go 1:10" twist too.

 

[Niles Coyote]

You don’t need to worry about matching the barrel length the rotation rate. 16-30+ inch barrels will stabilize a 175 with 10-12” per turn rifling. Obviously the shorter you go the better it may be to go with a faster twist. FWIW, I have a few factories in 308, all are 1-12 and these range from 20-26 inches. All of them shoot the 175 fine to 1k, I also have a custom rock creek 11.27” twist that is 21.75” long and it also takes the 175 to 1k without issue. I frequently use 180 jlk long boat tail VLD’s that is more difficult than the 175 smk to stablize and it too is stable in these rifles. Length of barrel is more personal preference than necessity when looking at stability in these twists unless you are taking things to extremes. Extremes such as shooting subsonic loads, using really heavy/long bullets (say 200+ grain match types) or using the rifle in low altitude areas in extreme cold.

With a 1-11.25 twist I can’t think of anywhere in the U.S. that 175’s would have an issue launched from a 20-24 inch barrel at normal velocities (2500-2700).

 

[cfipilot]

Thx for all the great info.