308 WIN BBL 22" vs. 24"...?

[EBM]

Is there any real advantage to running a 24" barrel in .308 Win versus a 22"?

I have a GAP non-typical hunting rifle being built and it's currently set at 24", but I'm questioning whether it would make sense to go with 22" instead?

Based on what I'm reading it seems there is no real velocity gain by extending the barrel, although the additional weight may help with stabilizing (= more accurate)?

Eric

 

[FCS]

Re: 308 WIN BBL 22" vs. 24"...?

30 to 40 fps is all you are looking for velocity delta, 22" would probably be a bit handier in field and I don't know as that 20 would hurt you any for a hunting rifle.

Roughly 15-17 fps/in in 308.

 

[Graham]

Re: 308 WIN BBL 22" vs. 24"...?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: EBM</div><div class="ubbcode-body">...the additional weight may help with stabilizing (= more accurate)?</div></div>Nope.

 

[Cascade Precision]

Re: 308 WIN BBL 22" vs. 24"...?

I have handled many rifles in my life, and I find that a 18"-20" rifle is exceptionally handy. That said, my hunting rifle is 26" 300 winmag, my tactical rifle is going to be 22" from muzzle to recoil lug, and my SPS tactical is 20" (both of these in .308).

If I was going to build a rifle to drag through the woods hunting and not shooting anything further than 300 yards, with a high likelyhood of running shots, I would have a short 18-20" rifle.

Further than 300 yards, I would elect to have a larger caliber!

 

[ogonzalez13]

Re: 308 WIN BBL 22" vs. 24"...?

I think 22" is a nice balance between all the different lengths found on 308s. Your choice really will depend on the rifles purpose. For the rifle you are having built I would stick with 22".

 

[Da-Law-Dawg]

Re: 308 WIN BBL 22" vs. 24"...?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ogonzalez13</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I think 22" is a nice balance between all the different lengths found on 308s. Your choice really will depend on the rifles purpose. For the rifle you are having built I would stick with 22". </div></div>

+1, ditto to what he said.

My FN was plumbed with a 22" Rock M24 contour. Velocity between it and my shooting partner's 24" is nil at best. I've ran it to 1100 yards without issue. When/if I ever have to set it back, I can lop 2" off the ass end and still have a 20"ish set up. I've ran .308's from 18.5" to 26" and prefer the shorter tubed rigs. A colleague of mine chopped an sps tactical to 16.5" for a suppressed rig and has had great results out to 500+ yards.

 

[EBM]

Re: 308 WIN BBL 22" vs. 24"...?

Thanks for the input, guys.

I sent an inquiry out to my builder at GAP and am anxious to hear what he has to say.

I plan to shoot a 155 gr Lapua Scenar, with a 11.25 twist, #3 contour Bartlein. Whatever is best with this round is where I want to go.

 

[JSTARSZ]

Re: 308 WIN BBL 22" vs. 24"...?

I have a 308 non-typical being built by GAP right now and decided to go with a 20" Bartlein. I find the 20" to be very handy and the amount of the reduction in fps to be negligible for my hunting purposes. I have also noticed that the Bartlein barrels run faster than a normal production barrel so you even lose less than you would think.

 

[EBM]

Re: 308 WIN BBL 22" vs. 24"...?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JSTARSZ</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have a 308 non-typical being built by GAP right now and decided to go with a 20" Bartlein. I find the 20" to be very handy and the amount of the reduction in fps to be negligible for my hunting purposes. I have also noticed that the Bartlein barrels run faster than a normal production barrel so you even lose less than you would think. </div></div>

Good input, thanks JSTARSZ.

 

[seanh]

Re: 308 WIN BBL 22" vs. 24"...?

velocity won't be too much. It could be as much as 100fps or as low as maybe 30fps though if you reload it won't make much difference at all.

What advantages do you get from a shorter barrel? For me, none. I have no problem with a 24-26" barrel. If I hunt, it's not in confined quarters and a few inches makes no difference getting it out of the case.

As to balance with a longer barrel...Yes, absolutely the longer will help stabilize the gun but really only if you're shooting without a bipod prone or offhand.

 

[rammit3000]

Re: 308 WIN BBL 22" vs. 24"...?

If your in an enclosed box blind with 10" windows the shorter of the two will alwase be eaiser to get out of the window in a hurry. I hunt with a 26" and i wish it was 20".

 

[JNel]

Re: 308 WIN BBL 22" vs. 24"...?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: EBM</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks for the input, guys.

I sent an inquiry out to my builder at GAP and am anxious to hear what he has to say.

I plan to shoot a 155 gr Lapua Scenar, with a 11.25 twist, #3 contour Bartlein. Whatever is best with this round is where I want to go. </div></div>

When you hear back from GAP could you share it with us. I have the same question you do.

Thanks

 

[EBM]

Re: 308 WIN BBL 22" vs. 24"...?

I was told:

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You will gain about 30-50 fps in the two inches. The barrel length does not have a great deal of effect on accuracy, but rather velocity and stability at extended long ranges (800+ yards).</div></div>
Eric