If you were building a .308.......

[Johnny Crash]

So I know this is an opinion question and I’m well aware That opinions are going to vary drastically. However I’ve gathered a ton of good information on this forum and spent a small fortune already so I’m curious what you guys have to say about this. I’ve looked through the history of threads and done a lot of reading on the subject but I’m curious what the people with hands-on experience have to say.

I’m about to order a barrel for my 308 And finish it up on a Deviant action with a Kreiger barrel.

So I’m curious, if you were setting up a 308 for long-range shooting what barrel length, twist, and bullet would you go for and why?

I also realize that some barrels aren’t going to like specific bullets but I’m curious if you had a Bullet in mind, what bullet would it be.

 

[Medic505]

I shoot F-TR so weight is an issue. I also shoot a Deviant action. In my opinion, you have made a great choice in that department. Now, to the crux of your question.

I would say, most of the shooters I shoot with use a 1 in 10" twist rate. Most, but not all, shoot a bullet in the 200 gr. range. !85 gr. jugs are great bullets also. Very easy to tune and very consistent. The thing to consider at this point is what free bore to cut into the barrel. Lots if info on this topic in this forum.

As far as length, 28" to 30" is a good place to start. I would consider a heavy varmint contour as you get an extra 3" or so of 1.25 barrel dia. at the chamber end of the barrel. Weight of your other components also comes into play here.

 

[Sniper338]

I wouldnt build a 308 to start with for long range shooting as the ballistics are like a rainbow.

However, FTR guys are doing 10 twist with berger 200 20x pretty successfully, not sure on length, but 28-30 would be in the range.

But if your not doing FTR theres no reason for this as 308 is on the bottom of the list when it comes to ballistics. Jmo.

 

[Johnny Crash]

I shoot F-TR so weight is an issue. I also shoot a Deviant action. In my opinion, you have made a great choice in that department. Now, to the crux of your question.

I would say, most of the shooters I shoot with use a 1 in 10" twist rate. Most, but not all, shoot a bullet in the 200 gr. range. !85 gr. jugs are great bullets also. Very easy to tune and very consistent. The thing to consider at this point is what free bore to cut into the barrel. Lots if info on this topic in this forum.

As far as length, 28" to 30" is a good place to start. I would consider a heavy varmint contour as you get an extra 3" or so of 1.25 barrel dia. at the chamber end of the barrel. Weight of your other components also comes into play here.

I definitely like the HV idea just for setting it back.

 

[Medic505]

I definitely like the HV idea just for setting it back.

Very true, plus I find it helps with the balance of your rifle.

 

[Johnny Crash]

I wouldnt build a 308 to start with for long range shooting as the ballistics are like a rainbow.

However, FTR guys are doing 10 twist with berger 200 20x pretty successfully, not sure on length, but 28-30 would be in the range.

But if your not doing FTR theres no reason for this as 308 is on the bottom of the list when it comes to ballistics. Jmo.

I’m aware of where the .308 stands ballisticly. I just like the round and always have a couple in my stable. I shot it in the military and in the state police. I enjoy the round and have several rifles that will out shine this one but I want one that’ll reach out a bit.

 

[JFrank]

I would chamber a 28 -30 inch bull barrel in Palma 1-11

 

[Johnny Crash]

Very true, plus I find it helps with the balance of your rifle.

Ahh yeah. I see what you’re saying

 

[Medic505]

But if your not doing FTR theres no reason for this as 308 is on the bottom of the list when it comes to ballistics. Jmo.

Yeah but we're not all snippers and find it necessary to shoot a 338. Jmo

 

[watercam]

I shoot Palma so I am limited to 155 gr. bullets (yes, I know I can shoot heavies in the US, I don't). Our barrel lengths start at 30" so as to have sufficient velocity at 1k to stay supersonic. Assuming you will be using 175s or heavier you do not need that much barrel length. A 26"-28" would give you enough oomph to stay in the shot out to 1200 or a bit more. Doesn't need to weigh a ton, MTU or medium to heavy Palma contour would work well.
With your experience I am assuming you don't really need our input though!

 

[Johnny Crash]

I shoot Palma so I am limited to 155 gr. bullets (yes, I know I can shoot heavies in the US, I don't). Our barrel lengths start at 30" so as to have sufficient velocity at 1k to stay supersonic. Assuming you will be using 175s or heavier you do not need that much barrel length. A 26"-28" would give you enough oomph to stay in the shot out to 1200 or a bit more. Doesn't need to weigh a ton, MTU or medium to heavy Palma contour would work well.
With your experience I am assuming you don't really need our input though!

I personally haven’t built one that was purpose built for reaching out. I have had a couple 1/2 moa or better 20-24” barreled guns that had confirmed shots out to a 1000 but I’m just trying to squeeze the most out of this .308

 

[Ned Ludd]

30" barrel in whatever contour (HV, MTU, HPalma, M24, etc.) is necessary to make weight, 10-twist, 200-20X bullet. Something very close to this is almost "standard" for a lot of F-TR folks that are regularly placing and winning in matches across the country. You can go with a shorter barrel if you want to do other things besides competition with it, but you will be giving up some velocity and performance the shorter you go. A .308 with a 24" barrel can certainly reach out to 1000 yd and remain supersonic with a lighter bullet, but again, you're sacrificing some amount of performance.

 

[Erud]

30" 12-twist barrel, shoot 155's. Order a sling and iron sights while you're at it.

 

[10XSHOOTER]

26" 1-10 Rem varmint contour is all you need. 42.0 of IMR-4064 175 tipped MK and shoot 1000 yds all day long.

 

[BW64]

26" 1-10 Rem varmint contour is all you need. 42.0 of IMR-4064 175 tipped MK and shoot 1000 yds all day long.

Exactly what I shoot with a Criterion barrel. Built by Tim Smith in Pa.

BW

 

[JBT47]

30” HV 1-10” twist using reamer designed for the Berger 200.20x.

 

[Dgd6mm]

30" 1-10 twist 208 Hornaday ELD-M. Contour of your choice.

 

[300_whisper]

I would go with a 26 inch barrel, 1:10 twist, Palma or some kind of heavier varmint, and threaded.

 

[dc.fireman]

My preference is for either the medium or heavy palma contoured barrels; with anything from a 27 to 28 inch barrel. I like the Sierra 175 & the Berger 190 VLD.

 

[68cuda340]

Check out CHS Precision
my M40a1 from them flat out rocks
took it to 1000 yrds last year at a Sniper Central class

taking the advanced class this year going 1400 hopefully