PRS Talk 6.5ers PRS barrel length

[atepointer]

So I'm not going to do anything to my RPR 24" setup the first year just shoot the stink out of it like I'm currently doing. Newb city here lots to learn, experience and lots of bench for now som Rx glasses things to work on positionally and setup, but will be on the ground and movoing around soon. I am shooting suppressed so just under 32" total with can. Man that *seems* like it could be very cumbersome moving around in a match. So lets say it's next year and I'm potentially ready for a new barrel(I shoot a lot!). For PRS distances does it make sense to get maybe an 18" barrel since I've got 8" of can on the end? I was shocked on ballistics even going to 16" doesn't go subsonic until ~1120 yards.....I mean dang. I read the article from the guy who went deep on barrel length and velocity drop offs on 6.5 seems doable to shorten up.

6.5 Creedmoor- Effect of Barrel Length on Velocity: Cutting up a Creedmoor!

Since its introduction by Hornady in 2007, the 6.5 Creedmoor (sometimes shortened to Creed) has established a strong foothold in the US rifle market. The 6.5 Creedmoor balances the excellent exter…

rifleshooter.com

Thanks for your input.....again just gonna rip what I have untl this barrel is used up, but looking forward interested to hear experiences. Especially if you went shorter and regretted it. Thanks PRSers!

 

[Kadams1563]

24” and take that suppressor off. Replace with Area 419 system and enjoy that 6.5 even more.

I guess you could chop it down to a 20” or so but then your giving up the advantage of running a 6.5 and the speed.

 

[Lionsbreath]

I love short barrels, just not for PRS.. I shoot a braked, 28” barrel on my 6.5, I need any advantage I can get, me being a rookie and not being able to make it to a lot of matches.. As your fellow shooter, I’ll support whichever route you go, because it’s YOUR rifle!!

 

[Hiram Maxim]

From all the research I have done, 18"-22" is optimal.....

 

[atepointer]

Ah ok. Well I have to say the chances I ever shoot any rifle w/o a can again are about less than 0 it's such a pleasure. It's like a cap gun the recoil is non-existent already I guess I'll find out when I dive in length wise what the happy medium is!

 

[atepointer]

Yea from that article does'nt seem like I'm losing much in that range and and 18 would give me just under 26 overall suppressed....plenty of time gotta run this barrel out first. Lots of nice aftermarket choices on RPR barrels too.

 

[lash]

I read the article you linked and also the 2019 update that the author linked. Looking at the stats, if you go 18” you will actually lose the advantages of the 6.5 creed. Especially under 800 yards, as the .308 outperforms the 6.5 going that slow inside 800. Then the 6.5 barely outperforms the .308 from 800-1000.

Now, I’m not saying that you shouldn’t do it, as everyone has a different set of parameters that’s meets their needs, I’m just pointing that out.

I shoot a 26” .260 Rem at 2750 FPS with a 9” can on it. It is long, but I find that there’s usually only one or two stages at any given match that the length requires additional effort to be applied. What I gain is the ability to run the round at a good medium velocity and gain almost double the barrel life that some are getting by running hot. The couple guys I know that went 18” to run with a can ended up running them hotter to regain some of the list velocity. As a result, they replaced barrels at 1500-2000 rounds, vs. my typical 3500-4000 rounds.

They both ended up going longer, with one at 22” and one back at 26”.

I’m currently putting a 6.5 Creedmoor together for a nice hunter and have decided on 22” for that. Different purpose drives a different choice.

I did note though that the article seemed to show the 24” barrel as more optimal than anything longer for the heavier projectiles. That’s interesting and worth noting.

Good luck with your decision and choice. That’s part of the fun in all of this.

 

[atepointer]

I read the article you linked and also the 2019 update that the author linked. Looking at the stats, if you go 18” you will actually lose the advantages of the 6.5 creed. Especially under 800 yards, as the .308 outperforms the 6.5 going that slow inside 800. Then the 6.5 barely outperforms the .308 from 800-1000.

Now, I’m not saying that you shouldn’t do it, as everyone has a different set of parameters that’s meets their needs, I’m just pointing that out.

I shoot a 26” .260 Rem at 2750 FPS with a 9” can on it. It is long, but I find that there’s usually only one or two stages at any given match that the length requires additional effort to be applied. What I gain is the ability to run the round at a good medium velocity and gain almost double the barrel life that some are getting by running hot. The couple guys I know that went 18” to run with a can ended up running them hotter to regain some of the list velocity. As a result, they replaced barrels at 1500-2000 rounds, vs. my typical 3500-4000 rounds.

They both ended up going longer, with one at 22” and one back at 26”.

I’m currently putting a 6.5 Creedmoor together for a nice hunter and have decided on 22” for that. Different purpose drives a different choice.

I did note though that the article seemed to show the 24” barrel as more optimal than anything longer for the heavier projectiles. That’s interesting and worth noting.

Good luck with your decision and choice. That’s part of the fun in all of this.

OK fantastic that is great info thank you. At this point I don't know what I don't know kind of thing I'm just thinking ahead. Obviously bagging up on a bench none of this matters. I may very well find out 32 inches overall isn't that big of a deal? I'm not gonna do anything until I burn this barrel up and I'm sure I'll have a chance to shoot with people who have setups all over the map. Appreciate your detailed response thanks man

Remember I have the shield anytime you want to take it for a week. I'm actually heading out of town week after next if you are over here let me know and I'll hand it off

 

[atepointer]

I read the article you linked and also the 2019 update that the author linked. Looking at the stats, if you go 18” you will actually lose the advantages of the 6.5 creed. Especially under 800 yards, as the .308 outperforms the 6.5 going that slow inside 800. Then the 6.5 barely outperforms the .308 from 800-1000.

Now, I’m not saying that you shouldn’t do it, as everyone has a different set of parameters that’s meets their needs, I’m just pointing that out.

I shoot a 26” .260 Rem at 2750 FPS with a 9” can on it. It is long, but I find that there’s usually only one or two stages at any given match that the length requires additional effort to be applied. What I gain is the ability to run the round at a good medium velocity and gain almost double the barrel life that some are getting by running hot. The couple guys I know that went 18” to run with a can ended up running them hotter to regain some of the list velocity. As a result, they replaced barrels at 1500-2000 rounds, vs. my typical 3500-4000 rounds.

They both ended up going longer, with one at 22” and one back at 26”.

I’m currently putting a 6.5 Creedmoor together for a nice hunter and have decided on 22” for that. Different purpose drives a different choice.

I did note though that the article seemed to show the 24” barrel as more optimal than anything longer for the heavier projectiles. That’s interesting and worth noting.

Good luck with your decision and choice. That’s part of the fun in all of this.

So glad you pointed out the 2019 update link I blew right past it! You da man.

And I think you pretty much answered my question on barrel length + can interfering with ability to shoot well in a match: not a big issue. No way I'm dropping my suppressor and if I don't need to go shorter that's great.

Probalby should have phrased thread title akin to 'anyone shooting with suppressors find a shorter barrel is needed for PRS purposes/maneuverability?'

 

[lash]

Keep in mind that that was just my opinion. There are a number of guys that are more serious PRS competitors than I that think differently. Here is a thread that sheds a somewhat different light on the subject:

https://www.snipershide.com/shootin...a-suppressor-to-a-brake.6962344/#post-7978911

 

[atepointer]

Keep in mind that that was just my opinion. There are a number of guys that are more serious PRS competitors than I that think differently. Here is a thread that sheds a somewhat different light on the subject:

https://www.snipershide.com/shootin...a-suppressor-to-a-brake.6962344/#post-7978911

I actually read that....there is probably zero chance I ever shoot w/o the suppressor. Whatever advantage there may be even if a smidge more accurate is not important enough to me to put the can on the shelf.

 

[lash]

I’m of the same mind. Reading those articles did make me think about trying a 24” barrel in my next .260 though. If I find the right load, the velocity loss per inch would be less than with even shorter barrels and might balance even better. Worth pondering.

 

[atepointer]

I’m of the same mind. Reading those articles did make me think about trying a 24” barrel in my next .260 though. If I find the right load, the velocity loss per inch would be less than with even shorter barrels and might balance even better. Worth pondering.

All good stuff to put in the 'maybe' bin.....I've got a lot of work to put in b/f I burn this barrel up.....learning from folks and seeing different setups will help a lot too when the time for a new pipe comes.

 

[Crabcore]

26" barrel with can (SiCo Omega) on the end here. Yes it is long, but like others have said, there will maybe be 1 stage per match where it is a hindrance. I do see some guys running shorter barrels, but generally around the 22 to 24 inch range. I think going to 18" is pretty drastic. It may also move the balance point of the rifle too much to the rear depending on your stock/chassis.

 

[Rugster]

I’m running 29” plus 7” can in PRS, no issue with the length.

 

[Nicholi2789]

It's your rifle, set it up how you prefer, but you're giving up a lot of velocity shortening the barrel that much.
I run a 26" with a good brake and it's perfect. Don't have to load hot to get good velocities. I run 130 Berger hybrids at 2950 fps and they cut the wind well with little recoil.
I don't think 32" with your suppressor is a disadvantage, but I DO think suppressors in general aren't ideal for PRS.
PRS is all about recoil management. With guys running heavy 6mms with brakes, they can easily spot their trace and make corrections, even in compromised positions. Shooting a suppressed 6.5 you have considerably more recoil. Now I know in the grand scheme of things 6.5 is low recoiling but in this game, every bit of recoil you can remove is a big advantage.
With my 6.5 and its weight, with the load i run, I can spot about 60% of my trace. I plan on going to a 6XC soon though and hopefully see them all.
You see about 10% of guys running suppressors in matches, and while suppressors are cool, they aren't burning it down taking podium spots generally.
I'm not saying you can't shoot well and place reasonably with a suppressor, but you want to put yourself in a position to have the same advantages as everyone else. Right now that's low recoiling, being able to see your own trace and wind bucking ability.
Good luck! It's an addicting game.

 

[atepointer]

I appreciate that input thanks. Is a heavier rifle better in PRS? Told ya I was a newb! If that is the case great b/c my RPR is a lug loaded up!

As far as bullet traces go that is a good point I'm sure it will become more evident. More difficult in PRS positions? I see all of them off a bench, but that is probably the most ideal position and not that way in the field. 6.5 RPR with Q Thunder Chicken 140g 2725fps.

Gonna be awfully hard to pry the can out of my hands, but I suppose if it becomes clear it's holding me back I'll have to give it a consideration. Thanks guys!

 

[Diver160651]

As said above and really needs to be brought to the top, more than velocities or the extra length of the can is the balance of the gun.

If it doesn’t rest, balancing by itself firmly on a obstacle like a barricade you will be at an disadvantage as you will have a greater wobble zone than the shooter next to you.

 

[atepointer]

Great point thanks. All these points I'm sure will punch me right in the neck once I start participating.....nice to know what to look out for.

 

[Mporche]

26

 

[atepointer]

This weight and balance topic is great too thanks guys. I'm 17.5 lbs with 10 rounds in mag. I love it on a bench I can watch rounds come into target, but maybe it's no bueno running around PRS? As long as it's balanced I would think more weight *could* be a better thing with taming recoil? I mean we are only talking about carrying less than 20 lbs around it's not like pulling a fatty in fireman's carry through the mud!

 

[lash]

The trend in PRS right now is for small 6mm cartridges using less than 30g of powder and rifle systems that weigh in at 20-30 pounds. In general for PRS, more weight is better. Thus the bitching in another thread about standing unsupported stages in PRS matches.

Personally, I’m with @Diver160651 and what he said above about balance being more important than total weight or barrel length.

 

[atepointer]

The trend in PRS right now is for small 6mm cartridges using less than 30g of powder and rifle systems that weigh in at 20-30 pounds. In general for PRS, more weight is better. Thus the bitching in another thread about standing unsupported stages in PRS matches.

Personally, I’m with @Diver160651 and what he said above about balance being more important than total weight or barrel length.

I didn't catch that thread, but thanks. Logging in "balance".....I can already see this dang PRS is gonna be like the mafia....there is not getting out once you are in it's for life.

 

[Twitchy]

I compete with an 18" 6.5. I run a suppressor 100% of the time unless something is wrong. My first season I used 26" barrels with 9" suppressors-aka musket.

I have no issue reaching out 1000+.

 

[Rob01]

I would never run anything under 26" for a match rifle. I like the free velocity. I have run 26" rifles with a 9" can without issues in matches but that said I would put a brake on it if you wanted the max recoil reductions.

Also that article you linked in the original post should be take with a grain of salt. The Creedmoor does not lose velocity over 24" barrel length.

 

[Rogerthatout]

I run 26", Proof carbon fiber is stiffer than steel, no whip on longer sizes. I second that "get rid of the suppressor" and do a sidewinder by area 419. Just my opinion

 

[Chato308]

I chose a 20" X-caliber barrel with light palma profile and spiral fluting. My intentions for this is a long range hunting rig that will be my dual purpose PRS rifle till I can pick up a Tikka TAC A1.

 

[Aries256]

I like longer personally. Mine is a 26 inch braked.

 

[kthomas]

I started with 26" on 6.5 creedmoor but ended up at 24" for my most recent two barrels.

I really like the 24" barrels on the creedmoor, still plenty of velocity (2830 fps with 140's) while being a little handier.

 

[Longshot231]

I'm thinking of doing a build with a 26-28" barrel. The weight doesn't bother me. I'm use to heavy rifles and am all over the place when they start getting light.

Anyway, I'm thinking of getting it in 6.5 CM barrel with a 1:7.5 twist to shoot the 147 grain bullets.

Anyone shooting the faster twist barrel with the heavier bullets? If so, what do you think?

 

[Rob01]

The 147 ELDs shoot great in an 8 twist too. Just so you know if you found an 8 twist at a good deal.

 

[Longshot231]

The 147 ELDs shoot great in an 8 twist too. Just so you know if you found an 8 twist at a good deal.

Thanks. I'm thinking of getting the BAT Machine Action and a Remage bull barrel from NSS; 28"

By the time I get everything I want for the rifle build, buying a new MPA in that caliber would be cheaper but this way, I get exactly what I want.

Believe it or not, I even plan on running it suppressed with that long of a barrel. Yep, you can call me crazy.

 

[Diver160651]

Thanks. I'm thinking of getting the BAT Machine Action and a Remage bull barrel from NSS; 28"

By the time I get everything I want for the rifle build, buying a new MPA in that caliber would be cheaper but this way, I get exactly what I want.

Believe it or not, I even plan on running it suppressed with that long of a barrel. Yep, you can call me crazy.

just food for thought.. if your running 28” with a can maybe look into a chassis with a long fire-end like the MTD ACC. That will help take some of the bipod feeling like a center fulcrum our of the mix..

just a thought

 

[Twitchy]

Thanks. I'm thinking of getting the BAT Machine Action and a Remage bull barrel from NSS; 28"

By the time I get everything I want for the rifle build, buying a new MPA in that caliber would be cheaper but this way, I get exactly what I want.

Believe it or not, I even plan on running it suppressed with that long of a barrel. Yep, you can call me crazy.

I had a 26" with 9" can on the end. It was almost as tall as me. I went with 18" for the next, and currently breaking in a 28".

 

[lash]

I run a 26” .260 with a 9” can.

 

[Diver160651]

^ wish we could.. I am slowing way, way down the matches I shoot. A lot of the guys I know have that ringing in their ears. One is having a hard time resting or sleeping, a few others do not hear well. Obviously, I'll still use ear pro and do when I am using a can, but the circumstances are very infrequent for me, or at all for many of us in a lot of states.

It's a travesty for safety as well as our health and wellbeing, that some of the states with huge gun populations are without cans.

 

[Longshot231]

just food for thought.. if your running 28” with a can maybe look into a chassis with a long fire-end like the MTD ACC. That will help take some of the bipod feeling like a center fulcrum our of the mix..

just a thought

Good advice. I have a KRG Whiskey 3, gen 6. It’s pretty long.

 

[Longshot231]

^ wish we could.. I am slowing way, way down the matches I shoot. A lot of the guys I know have that ringing in their ears. One is having a hard time resting or sleeping, a few others do not hear well. Obviously, I'll still use ear pro and do when I am using a can, but the circumstances are not very often for me, or at all for many in a lot of states.

It's a travesty for safety as well as our health and wellbeing, that some of the states with huge gun populations are without cans.

My ears ring 24/7 from too many jet engines. I hate those things.

Gunfire didn’t hurt my ears cause I always wore hearing protection. The hearing protection around the jets was never good enough.

For me suppressors be like being on a hot date with a new girl every night.

 

[lash]

It's a travesty for safety as well as our health and wellbeing, that some of the states with huge gun populations are without cans.

This is true. I still use plugs and muffs when shooting as most around me are using efficient brakes that are pretty rude to hearing. I have to wear ear pro every day at work anyway, so am used to the plugs. Using electronic muffs makes it possible to properly hear range commands and other sounds while still blocking shot reports.

I’m pretty sure that many more shooters would use cans, even over brakes, if laws countrywide allowed for the affordable use of cans without jumping through federal hoops. But let’s face it, virtue signaling politicians have zero interest in doing what’s right for our otic health.

 

[Rob01]

I use plugs and muffs and having run a can in a few matches I like a brake better and given the choice would continue with a brake.