The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Ruger Gunsite Scout Rifle: Barrel Length Issue

jmr40 · July 20, 2011, 02:45 PM

I've found only 15-20 fps loss per inch as long as you stay above 20". Going to 16.5 could well be more. Also individual rifles will shoot the same loads to very different velocities even from barrels of equal length. I've seen 2 different guns with equal barrel lengths shoot the same loads as much as 75-100 fps faster in one gun than the other. The fastest shooting 308 I own has a 20" barrel. It routinely shoots the same loads 10 fps faster than my 22" guns.

Heavier bullets seem to need more barrel than lighter bullets. I'd stay with 150's or 165's in a shorter barrel

Read this. http://www.tacticaloperations.com/SWATbarrel/

July 20, 2011, 02:45 PM	#2
jmr40 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 10,805	I've found only 15-20 fps loss per inch as long as you stay above 20". Going to 16.5 could well be more. Also individual rifles will shoot the same loads to very different velocities even from barrels of equal length. I've seen 2 different guns with equal barrel lengths shoot the same loads as much as 75-100 fps faster in one gun than the other. The fastest shooting 308 I own has a 20" barrel. It routinely shoots the same loads 10 fps faster than my 22" guns. Heavier bullets seem to need more barrel than lighter bullets. I'd stay with 150's or 165's in a shorter barrel Read this. http://www.tacticaloperations.com/SWATbarrel/