The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - How much will barrel length affect accuracy?

horseman308 · October 3, 2011, 07:59 AM

I've read over a few experiments where people cut down rifle barrels to see what the loss is in accuracy and muzzle-velocity, cutting down the barrel one inch at at time. I think the general consensus is that for a .308, you don't lose any significant muzzle-velocity or accuracy until you get below 18". I suspect for that cartridge, the bigger concerns for accuracy are things like:

-type of stock (material) and who well the barrelled-action is bedded into it
-quality of barrel
-matching up of bullet weight and rifling-twist
-consistency of trigger pull
-shooter's skill and consistency
-many others

Basically, I think that for the .308, barrel length is a relatively minor component of overall accuracy. I'd got with the one that has a shorter, stiffer barrel so it's easier to maneuver and doesn't flex as much on the shot.

October 3, 2011, 07:59 AM	#3
horseman308 Senior Member Join Date: November 3, 2009 Location: Maryland Posts: 526	I've read over a few experiments where people cut down rifle barrels to see what the loss is in accuracy and muzzle-velocity, cutting down the barrel one inch at at time. I think the general consensus is that for a .308, you don't lose any significant muzzle-velocity or accuracy until you get below 18". I suspect for that cartridge, the bigger concerns for accuracy are things like: -type of stock (material) and who well the barrelled-action is bedded into it -quality of barrel -matching up of bullet weight and rifling-twist -consistency of trigger pull -shooter's skill and consistency -many others Basically, I think that for the .308, barrel length is a relatively minor component of overall accuracy. I'd got with the one that has a shorter, stiffer barrel so it's easier to maneuver and doesn't flex as much on the shot. __________________ You only take one shot at a time - make it count.