Barrel length for my LR-308

[utnapishtim]

I tried the archive search and the google search, so I apologize if this has previously been asked and answered.

I have an LR-308B with an 18" bull barrel, Timney trigger, and Magpul CTR stock.

I'm looking to finish her off . . .

I'm thinking of replacing the upper receiver with an A3 flat-top, a new lo-pro gas block, a 4-rail free float tube, and here's the tricky part; I'm thinking of cutting back the barrel to 16.5" and throwing a TAC Ops brake on the end.

For targets, and deer, how far can I reach with a barrel shorter than 18"s. I understand that I'm the ultimate deciding factor, but it would be nice to not pursue something that is outside of the rifle's capability.

Thanks in advance for you thoughts on the matter.

 

[hopps]

Re: Barrel length for my LR-308

There are lots of well made 16'' 308 ar platform rifles, the OBR is a fine example. Many are capable of 1moa accuracy with good ammo.

You are going to lose some fps over a 20''+ barrel but you should have no problem with targets out to the 600-800 yard range (most commercial ammo goes subsonic a wee bit past 800 yards out of a 16''), some even shoot 1k though. For bigger game like Elk some people recommend 300 yards or less but shot placement wins for just about any range.

you can get pretty close to what you will have for ballistics by just subtracting 50fps per inch whenever your under 24''.

So 75fps less than your 18'' +- randomness between rifles.

 

[J.Boyette]

Re: Barrel length for my LR-308

Here is a you tube video I did up to teach what trace looks like.

I was shooting a DPMS LR-308 in .308 with a factory 16" bbl and the only two non-stock parts is the A2 stock and the JP rifles handguard.

<object width="425" height="350"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/XgdniERzHpg"></param> <param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/XgdniERzHpg" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"> </embed></object>

That steel target is at 700yds.

John

 

[BCP]

Re: Barrel length for my LR-308

I don't think you'll lose a lot of velocity, probably no less than 30fps on average. It will still work just fine on deer at reasonable ranges, although I wouldn't try something like an elk (I have a 30-06 for that).

 

[cz777]

Re: Barrel length for my LR-308

nice facts and longer is not always better - learn !