16.5” or close barrel experiences…..

[nakneker]

I’ve been playing with some fresh 7 Saum improved rifles with 20” barrels. Using N555, all three rifles are shooting 180 hybrids at 2850ish with no signs of pressure with Proof CF barrels which tend to be fast anyways. I’m getting 2850 with no sign of case head expansion (the pressure indication I pay attention to most), no heavy bolt lift etc etc. Accuracy is great and when you add a suppressor they actually fit in my Eberlestock packs. I’ve been playing experimenting with the thunderbeast Magnus, probably my new favorite suppressor I might add. That being said I’d like to try, for fun more than anything, a Saum or 6.5 PRC with a 16.5” barrel. I’m thinking about having one built and playing with it this coming summer.

I know the idea makes some of you scratch your head but I like playing around with stuff like that. Nice thing about the building custom firearms is you can do whatever puts a smile on your face. To each their own.

My wife is shooting a 18” barrelled 6.5 PRC, the little rifle is a lot of fun and more capable than some might guess.

Any of you care to share your 16-17” barrel experiences. Doesn’t have to be a Saum, just curious if your experience is/was favorable.

The other option is try a folding stock, they are expensive and I’d rather not. Gonna try the 16”+ barrel first.

The idea is a finished product that is compact, easily fits in or on the pack.

 

[AMG04]

Ill take a short barrel suppressed in the field 9/10 times... they are really handy and WORK!

14.5" P&W 308W
16" 300 SAUM
2 - 16.5" 6.5 PRCs

I recommend running lighter bullets with faster powders in the short barrels. Ex. In the 6.5 PRCs instead of running 147gr or 153gr over H1000, run the Barnes 127 LRX over H4350, H4831sc or RE26.

In the 308, I run the Barnes 130 TTSX. The 300 SAUM runs everything well and still out performs my 24" 30-06.

308 (130 TTSX @ 2750fps)


300 SAUM (130 TTSX @ 3150fps)


6.5 PRC (127 LRX @ 2850fps)


6.5 PRC (127 LRX @ 2890fps)