Gunsmithing cutting down a .223 barrel-

[blthroneburg]

Ok, I need a fairly quick answer if possible guys. I am a little ignorant on this.

If I were to cut a 26" 1 in 12 twist barrel for a .223 down to say 20-22" how is that going to perform? I would think worse performance, but I do not know. That would be less and 2 twist for a .223. I know 308 is ok from shorter barrels with a 1 in 12, but what about the .223 with that rate of twist?

I know 1 in 12 is not the greatest performer for .223 anyway, especially for the heavier rounds. I would perfer 1 in 9 or 1 in 7.

I know this as most likely been discussed somewhere some how but I went back a good way using the search function and did not have much luck. Sorry if I am beating a dead horse.

 

[JCH]

Re: cutting down a .223 barrel-

you will lose some speed, that is about it.

 

[nicholst55]

Re: cutting down a .223 barrel-

Uncle Sam fielded a few million 1-12" twist 20" .223 barrels, and they performed pretty well. I remember shooting on KD ranges with various M16A1s, and anything out to 400 yards was dead meat - as long as I was paying attention and 'held hard.' Five hundred yards was a challenge with M193 Ball and an M16A1.

 

[toygunner]

Re: cutting down a .223 barrel-

You can figure on the average of about 20 fps per 1" of barrel reduction.

 

[seddo]

Re: cutting down a .223 barrel-

Brian,
I am in the same boat as you. I have a 700 VS with a 26" barrel. I cant make up my mind between 18 or 20". Have a read of this and see what you think. The best accuracy isnt at the max velocity so the loos isnt alway as much as you think.

http://www.accuratereloading.com/223sb.html