.308 24" or 26" barrel (Savage)

[pumkin]

I'm confused on which to get. Can anyone tell me how much differ, distances,range, accuracy there on on barrel length difference. Two inches isn't much, but every inch counts. ?? I'm contemplating a 26" stainless 12 series in savage, or a 24" 10 series FCP Precision. ?

[jmr40]

The 26" barrel will get at most 30-40 more fps. Maybe even less. All rounds will get a little bit more speed from longer barrels, but some guns really NEED the extra length. Most magnums benefit from 24" or longer barrels. A 308 does not get a lot more speed from anything longer than about 22" and do quite well with barrels of 20" or less.

If you are going to be shooting at 1,000 yards that tiny bit of extra performance might come into play. At ranges of less than that you will never notice. All things being equal, a stiffer barrel is more accurate. Barrels of the same diameter are stiffer when shorter, so in theory at least the shorter barrel should be more accurate.

I'd buy the one I could get cheaper and have it cut to 21 or 23".

[GeauxTide]

24" is about all you need from standard cartridges. The 308 is very efficient in 22", so 24 would be perfect.

[pumkin]

I follow ya, thanks

[arizona98tj]

24" 10fcp HS Precision

I've been shooting that setup for the past year and have enjoyed it. I can't imagine you not liking it. I ran it along with Vortex Viper PST 4-16x50 FFP mil/mil glass this past December for my first precision rifle course. 4 days on the range....it was everything I was hoping it would be. I even managed to graduate, which is more than a lot of the folks could say. I'm hoping some of the credit goes to me and not all to the rifle.

Here is what the combo looks like.....

[Txhillbilly]

I have both,a 10FCP and a 12FLV.
The 10FCP has always shot better than the 12FLV. Shooting the same bullets in handloads taylored to each rifle,the 10 always shot around 1/4-1/2 moa better than the 12 at any range.
The model 10 has always shot great-moa or better,usually better.The model 12 shot good,but seemed to struggle getting sub-moa groups with most weights/types of bullets.
It may just be my experience,but I ended up using the 12FLV for my switch barrel gun,and use it for my 7mm/08 and 6.5 Creedmoor barrels now.

I also have an older 12FLVSS 223,it has always been an excellent shooting rifle,as have both of the 110FLP rifles I own in 25/06 and 300WM.

[Mobuck]

I have .308 HB rifles in 26,24, and 22.5" and will honestly say I find no difference in accuracy potential amongst them. If you're trying to go to the maximum range, the 26" will keep the powder burning in the barrel a little longer in order to get the highest velocity out of heavier bullets. The slowest suitable powders behind the 175(or 190) grain bullet may benefit from the 26". I shoot two Mausers equipped with Parker Hale 24" barrels and another Mauser with an unknown maker 22.5" SS barrel and there just isn't much diff in velocity(the SS barrel is super slick inside so that increases it's velocity). My daughter's Savage 110 w/26" barrel is still pretty rough inside and doesn't show much increase in velocity over the 24" PH barrels but still shoots cloverleaf groups.

[griff383]

You wont notice the difference between the two lengths. I had a 30" heavy barrel that shot well but then again so does my 18" LR308

[4runnerman]

I also had both. First was the 24",traded it in for the FVSS 26". As other have posted,not to much difference in accuracy. Speed is a minimal gain at best.

[Joe Chicago]

For .308 you do not need more than a 22 inch barrel

[pumkin]

Well we bought theSavage 12 VLP IN 308 (18470)26" stainless. I'm not sure that was the right move. It was a family decision. Wife thought the vlp was a lot prettier than the FCP precision. Shes getting tired of seeing all these matte black plasticguns. I bought it before these latter posts were posted. I find it disturbing that some of you get more accuracy out of a 24" than the 26 barrel. Just wonder if anyone else has found better results with the 10 series than the 12?? According to savage, they told me the receiver was the same, barrels were the same, just one cut two inches shorter. ??

[tobnpr]

About 20 fps per inch.
Added length would be an advantage with heavier bullets and slower burning powders if you're shooting long range.

[robertsig]

Definitely the 24"

[arizona98tj]

I don't tell my wife what kind of sewing machine she should buy.....she doesn't tell me what kind of rifle I should buy.

To date, that arrangement has worked very well. Neither of us can think of a reason to change it.

[rezmedic54]

I have 2 Savage Model 12s both in 308 the both came with a 24 inch barrel and seem to work fine, However my new barrel for my 300 Win Mag will be 26" as it seems like has been said the mag loads prefer the longer pipe.

[MJ1]

I have been shooting a 24" box stock Savage for 14 years just for relaxation and to have one rifle that always does the same thing. It has legs too and makes a fine test mule for my loads, a kind of does it all rifle. If a load shoots well from it then I know it will run in my other .308's. We will be doing some 500 yards plates later today. Ya have to give it to Savage.



Enjoy your new thing.
..MJ..