30 BR Project

[ChrisNam]

I'm building a 30 BR on a 26" Border barrel 1:18 twist. My question is: should I stay with the 26" or cut the barrel to 24"? I see Aussie Bob had some success out to 500m, so I would appreciate your input.

 

[Mark Walker in TX]

Well, that would really depend on what you intend to do with the rifle.

If you will be shooting any competition, you need to consider the weight restrictions for each of the classes.

If informal shooting with buddies - go with the longer barrel as you can always cut back and recrown.

Mark

 

[Aussie_bob]

ChrisNam,
The reason i went with the 24" was for weight reasons if i had a choice i would like to try 26 or even 28 just to see if there is any difference.
I do not load for velocity i load for accuracy which i seem to achieve around the 3000fps in a 1 in 17 with .990" 115gr Projectiles depending on size and weight of projectile you may have to push them that little faster to get better stabilization.
But on saying that i do believe there is another accuracy node at a higher velocity which may be easier to achieve with a slightly longer barrel.
The thing is you have nothing to loose as it can always be cut back just can`t add it back on is all.

 

[WayneShaw]

I don't believe you will se any difference or gain in a 26" with the 30BR. There just isn't enough powder capacity to warrant the extra burn time down the barrel. And you may run into vibrational node problems, but that is hard to determine. Bob is right tho, you can always cut it off later if you don't like the length.

 

[Pbike]

With the longer Barrel you may want to try a slower burning powder. The only way to utilize the added barrel volume for the burn is by using a powder that burns longer and produces more gases. Right now most guys are using Vhita Vouri N-130 or Hodgdon H-4198 The added barrel length might get you into N 135, or 4320 or so. Another reason for the longer barrel slower powder might be so you can use longer or heavier bullets. If your thoughts are to use heavier longer bullets, rethink the twist rate.

Paul