Advise on 223 1-7 barrel length

[brianc74]

I have a 223 1-7 twist, Brux, palma, throated for 90 grain Bergers. The barrel is 27.5". I want to thread the muzzle for my suppressor. Will I loose a lot of velocity if I cut the barrel back to 23". Headed to the rifle smith tomorrow.

 

[germanlongbow]

I'd leave it long if your going to shoot distance over a bench or prone. If your planning on carrying as a hunting rifle I'd shorten it a bit. Mine is 30 inches. I run a TBAC 223P1. I shoot a 32 in 308 as well but with 30P1. Its long but balances nice of the bench. Don't think you'll lose much over 75-100 fps by shortening it. Scott

 

[boltman223]

I would hold off from getting it shortened until some others on here who have had more experience with the 90's chime in.

I have just started the adventure with 90's so I have very little experience with them to base a statement on but, from what I've read on here and other sources I wouldn't go any shorter than you already are. With the 90's velocity is important I believe.

I also was wondering have you done any load development? If so have you had any luck?

P.S. just out of curiosity, what is your freebore?

 

[brianc74]

I am shooting RL15, cci450, Lapua brass. Shooting in the .3s at 100 yards 5 shot. Not sure on the the freebore. But it has a ton.
Brian

 

[Scott Harris]

...

Setting up a rifle to shoot 90 VLDs then cutting back the barrel seems to defeat the purpose IMO. However, the shorter barrel would have the same effect to some degree regardless of the bullet you're using, so even at reduced velocity the 90s would likely outperform any other .224 bullet from the same rifle.

+1

IMHO the 90s exist for one purpose.....to shoot well at 1000 yards. You also need every fps of velocity to do this well. Otherwise, any ole 80 grain bullet will get the job done.

 

[brianc74]

I am going to thread the barrel at 27.5". Better to leave it alone for now.
Thanks for all the advise.
Brian

 

[TAJ45]

Wise choice, imho, Brian.

Kinda similar to building a car for 24 hour racing but cutting size of fuel tank to save wgt. :/

 

[garandman]

You can always cut it and have it thread later. You can never add length back.

 

[Shootin25]

27” was money on my 223.

This thread is almost 5 years old tho..