Re: Any one running a long 308 barrel for matches?
IMHO, short barrels are useful, but I prefer longer barrels for longer distances, cases with higher expansion ratios (i.e. ratio of case to bore volume), and the slower powders which seem to favor such setups.
My .260 1Kyd F Class rifle was a 28", and Palma .308 shooters use longer barrels, up to 30-32" to get peak performance from their mandatory 155gr maximum bullet weight.
The longer barrels will usually generate a higher velocity from a given load, and that can be a good thing.
For my purposes, I will usually employ more length in a tradeoff against a lighter load to achieve an equal velocity. Seen in this light, it's less (for me) about overall velocity, and more about overall bore life.
My .260 1Kyd F Class rifle has been reconfigured as a .30BR 250yd FV250 rifle, and has a 22" barrel. IMHO, shorter range is less dependent on velocity, and the shorter, stiffer barrel may have some accuracy advantage.
Bottom line, load development is the key. I figure that getting to the best accuracy node while delivering at least 1300fps ontarget is the main approach to success at any distance.
Greg
