Cutting down 6mmBR barrel

[MDT6BRA]

Definitely interesting, I like the idea of 20” barrel over a 26” with no accuracy or velocity loss. That a win win!

 

[golfer2b2000]

If I had to do it I would cut off the breech end and rechamber.

I don't have those resources near me, and again, the cost would be extensive

 

[Carl S]

It won't hurt anything cutting the barrel down for hunting and varmint shooting.i shorten quite a lot for deer stalkers and fox shooters and nearly all of them have suppressors fitted.you will lose some fps but what ever is on the receiving end of it won't no the difference.

 

[golfer2b2000]

It won't hurt anything cutting the barrel down for hunting and varmint shooting.i shorten quite a lot for deer stalkers and fox shooters and nearly all of them have suppressors fitted.you will lose some fps but what ever is on the receiving end of it won't no the difference.

Well said!!

 

[Ackman]

I’m not doubting your velocity but I’m not understanding how there is not more velocity change in 6” of barrel with same twist. Do barrels really vary that much?

I've had 200fps difference in 2 barrels - 223AI - same length, same twist, same reamer, same guy chambering, same 40gr loads. Different barrel manufacturer.. I also had 2 - 223 barrels, one 12tw cut rifled, the other 14tw buttoned, same length, same chamber/riflebuilder, different barrel maker. Fired cases interchangeable, both shot identical groups with the same ammunition at same almost exact fps velocity. You never know about this stuff.

 

[MDT6BRA]

I've had 200fps difference in 2 barrels - 223AI - same length, same twist, same reamer, same guy chambering, same 40gr loads. Different barrel manufacturer.. I also had 2 - 223 barrels, one 12tw cut rifled, the other 14tw buttoned, same length, same chamber/riflebuilder, different barrel maker. Fired cases interchangeable, both shot identical groups with the same ammunition at same almost exact fps velocity. You never know about this stuff.

That’s good to know, I will definitely be more open to a shorter barrel, wonder if there is one barrel maker that turns out a faster barrel consistently?

 

[Ackman]

I have a varmint rifle that I feel is a bit heavy towards the muzzle. The rifle has shown excellent accuracy at 150 yards. That is about the farthest I am able to shoot at my range. The barrel is a 1-10 twist in a 6mmBR. I am thinking about cutting the barrel down to reduce weight for carrying. The barrel is 25 inches long and am thinking about taking it down to 18 to 20 inches.
I am sure that my farthest shot at a groundhog will be no greater than 300 yards.
Is this a wise thing to do?
What are the pros, and cons of doing this.
Thank you

My 6BR, Sako action/varmint stock, feels good at 24" with a brake. Another one with 20" barrel, braked, feels really light and balances well. Haven't chrono'd this one, I doubt any loss of velocity will make a difference.

 

[AckleymanII]

20" 6BR

60G Sierra Hp, 62g Watson, 62g GTB, 62g Bergers at 3550

I think that 5 inches of barrel weight is miniscule, and a ridiculous thought of cutting the barrel off to save a few ounces of weight.

Truck Guns are another issue where short barrels reign supreme.

 

[golfer2b2000]

I don't think the matter is all weight. The rifle is a bit muzzle heavy. I think by just cutting it down some will affect the balance. I think this will be a good thing.

 

[Ray123]

Just want to cut the barrel down from 25" to 20"...I'd drop the trigger and set it up in the lathe and part off and finish....or hack saw and mill Square in aluminum vee solid jaw, in Bridgeport mill.

Or in Your case just use a chop saw available at Harbor Freight....I saw the video where a guy just chop sawed the barrel every inch for a velocity loss experiment...then shot it for accuracy when it was rather short, maybe 12" ...it was quite accurate. Hand powered hacksaw does not have a reputation for straight cuts...but electric power metal saws cut pretty straight, with roller guides, and squared vise...take your pick..ask around for help from those who possess tools, they may help...if your not familiar with power tools.

 

[nakneker]

If you really don’t think shots are gonna pass the 300 yard mark you’ll still have plenty of velocity to get there, barrel length doesn’t affect accuracy. I have a no taper bull barrel 22-250 built on a Remington, 16 1/8” barrel. It’s been my favorite truck gun for years, has the velocity of 223 and throws a ball of fire akin to flame thrower in low light, it’s also very loud but it’s very accurate and handy in cramped quarters. One of my favorite rifles. I did the hacksaw thing to an old 870 once, don‘t think I’ll do it again, just kinda felt wrong. That’s the beauty of firearms though, to each their own, do whatever makes your heart happy. Just leave an extra inch in case things go bad and you need a do over.

 

[Ray123]

This rifle will be used only for disposing of woodchucks. I don't think speed will be much of a factor for me. I was once using a 6PPC for chucks and it worked great. The lighter 66 grain HP bullets worked very well. Again, my shots were under 150 yards. I will probably be using the same bullet on this rifle.
Probably going to cut it off myself. Get a crowning tool from Brownells and do it that way.
I think I would rather take the barrel off and do it on a lathe, but I don't know just how to remove a barrel from an action. This is a Remington action. Is all I need is to purchase an action wrench, and a barrel vise?

You don't have to take off the barrel from the action...If you have a long bed lathe, chuck on the action and use a steady rest... or short through the spindle lathe leave the action attached to the barrel...
piloted crowning tools are available, could be carefully used at low speed with cutting oil in a hand variable speed drill...slow..
an 11° crown on the whole diameter after you cut it off with a good sharp hacksaw blade....file close to perpendicular.
And use the piloted 11° crowning tool and the piloted 30° crowning tool... I have used them years ago...they cost me about $44 ... Midway used to have them, Made by PT&G...easy job..really to get good results. Check Midway's Larry Porterfield videos on free gunsmithing lessons...may have something there as he has alot of videos posted...You can do it...if ya screw it up stop by and I'll have a machine ready to square it up...you turn the handle...quite simple.. really.