Military going to 20" M40 barrels

Re: Military going to 20" M40 barrels

I could see an "in addition to" the current rifle for urban sniping, but why would they eliminate the 24" barrel unless there is a longer range caliber implementation (300 Win or 338 Lapua) on the way?
 
Re: Military going to 20" M40 barrels

Man, I must be shooting at the wrong range. I know there are plenty of guys here using 20" or less, but everyone that I have been around while shooting 1K likes 24". I wasn't going to try my 18.5" M14 at 1000 with anything other than 155 Scenars, but it appears that 175 MK's might work as well.
 
Re: Military going to 20" M40 barrels

I cut my F-class to 20 inches last year (from 26) and can see no difference in accuracy . Muzzle velocity is a bit less and I have had to work up the new dope. I also threaded it for my silencer (it is really 20.6 inches and threaded, the shoulder is 20 inches, don't ask me why my gunsmith did it that way)
 
Re: Military going to 20" M40 barrels

I believe all other variables being equal a short barrel will outshoot a longer barrel, velocity is the only concern but with the new powders velocity is not near the problem it once was. A shorter barrel will be stiffer with less harmonics and vibration.