Optimal Savage Mod 10 barrel length

[Bunnypunter]

First off, my google-fu sucks worse than a cross dressing Tai midget; so sorry if this has been beat into the ground. I have a Savage Model 10 .308 w/ a 24' varmint barrel. I shoot suppressed and am looking to shorten it up a little. How short do I dare go without destroying my accuracy? My main purpose with this thought is to make it more managable hoofing around or doing run and gun comps. Keeping in mind I still want to be able to punch that magical 1000 yrd shot. Current accuracy is sub-moa with handloads(168 A-max, 42gr varget, Winchester primer, LC brass). Any suggestions would be welcome. Thanks.

 

[turbo54]

Re: Optimal Savage Mod 10 barrel length

You stand to gain accuracy, not lose it.

20" makes for a nice 308, will reach 1000, but its really running out of steam out there.

You'll likely need to switch bullets to reach 1000 with a 20" bbl.

 

[Temp9]

Re: Optimal Savage Mod 10 barrel length

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15qj032UJ1I

 

[fireEMT5]

Re: Optimal Savage Mod 10 barrel length

Sorry I can't quote the book exactly or the title, but I read recently where 22" is about ideal for the .308 according to the author.

Have the PC with 20" and love it.

 

[patrol120]

Re: Optimal Savage Mod 10 barrel length

I like 18" on a 308.

 

[Bunnypunter]

Re: Optimal Savage Mod 10 barrel length

If I drop down to 18-20", what grain bullet would you reccomend I develop a load for? Like I said, it loves 168 Amax's right now but I assume that going shorter may throw off its taste for them? Likewise, if I only dropped to 22" will that lessen my need to go heavier on my bullet selection? I apprecaite all of you that have chimed in. Sick vid of Lowlight working his magic. Thanks, its giving me lots of ideas.

 

[turbo54]

Re: Optimal Savage Mod 10 barrel length

It will still shoot that bullet well. Trouble is that is a low BC bullet that, when coupled with the lower velocity from the shorter barrel, will be either transonic or damn near @ 1000.

The 175smk is a better bet. Perhaps a 190smk. Or a 178hpbt Hornady.

 

[HonkeyMcGee88]

Re: Optimal Savage Mod 10 barrel length

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthre...649#Post3436649

Had mine cut to 18", I shoot 175 Berger VLDs with 44gr of Varget and they get to 1000 just fine. Almost to 1200 but they starting goin subsonic.

 

[rusty815]

Re: Optimal Savage Mod 10 barrel length

20" is my favorite length for a 308 barrel, should do well with a suppressor.

 

[Rainier42]

Re: Optimal Savage Mod 10 barrel length

+1 on the 20". My PC10 came with this and it is very accurate, easy to maneuver.

 

[LongArm]

Re: Optimal Savage Mod 10 barrel length

18"-20" will be just fine.

 

[Bunnypunter]

Re: Optimal Savage Mod 10 barrel length

I've heard in the past that 22" was the sweet spot but y'all are saying shorter is the way to go. Is there any noticeable differance between 20" or 22", either velocity or abilty to stabilize say a 168gn? I'm leaning toward 20" at this point but dont want to regret going to short. Then of course it would be a real bummer to have to get a new barrel if it didnt work out Hmmmm!

 

[Ranger413]

Re: Optimal Savage Mod 10 barrel length

To the best of my understanding, your rifling twist rate is what determines what weight bullet will work best out of your rifle. Barrel length will affect your velocity. I'd look over some charts to compare velocity differences at the muzzle and 1000the to see the differences between 20" and 22". I've got a T/C Encore .308 cut to 23" but have yet to chrono it. Definitely handy though.

 

[Bunnypunter]

Re: Optimal Savage Mod 10 barrel length

Thanks for all the feedback. I reviewed a ton of data based on all your observations and have decided to go with the 20" option. Looks like velocity is only about 40fps differance from my 24" and that should be acceptable. Now to do some loading and fine tune a load. Let the games begin. Cheers.

 

[Eznutz]

Re: Optimal Savage Mod 10 barrel length

The real trouble is that bunny punter has always strugled with being a little short in the areas that count if you know what i mean....

 

[Eznutz]

Re: Optimal Savage Mod 10 barrel length

Sorry but i couldn't help my self.