Barrel/bullet advice

[iukamedic]

I have noticed with barrels that some rifles/barrels like different bullets and powders. Work ups usually narrow that down to grains weights, seating depth, primers ect. I have a 308 barrel that shoots a lot of things sub moa (it seems to like a large facet of bullets). Being a factory action and barrel it has impressed me in that regard. It shoots 168 smk into 1/2 moa regularly. My loads with this bullet are modest. The barrel has been cut from 20 to 18 inches. With a suppressor this has become one of my favorites. I would like for it to be a little shorter for maneuvering in the woods, shoot houses, Blinds ect. I am wandering if a further reduction of length would affect the accuracy of the barrel/bullet combo. There is plenty of room for increased powder to compensate for speed to match the longer (present) configuration. Thanks for any input or similar experiences.

 

[K22]

Having hunted for many years in the "big woods" of north central PA, where cover can be heavy, I would suggest that you will gain nothing in maneuverability cutting the barrel from 20" to 18". Whereas you may have a lot to lose since you already having a rifle that shoots well better than most factory rifles and is more than adequate for any game hunting situations, accuracy wise.

However, if you really want to make this change, IMR 4895 would be the powder I would choose because it's wide range of performance from reduced loads to full power loads. In other words, it has a wide load range of good performance. Keep in mind, some powders especially slower powders require about 22 to 24" of barrel length to burn completely.

As far as accuracy is concerned, a lot will depend on the competency of the smith / person you choose to perform this work. When you start making mechanical changes, I do not believe you can reliably predict the results, at least this is what I have experienced and seen.