Im considering starting a new build. This will mainly be a fun gun, for shooting paper and steel, possibly out to 1000yds +. I would like to keep the gun short and handy especially considering I will be using my suppressor on it. So, what is the shortest barrel length practical for these three cartridges, 6.5x47, 6.5 creedmoor or 260 rem, that will still provide me enough velocity to remain above transonic at 100yds? Thanks for the input!
Shortest practical barrel length for a 6.5x47/6.5 creedmoor/260 rem?
- Thread starter mao0720
- Start date
rickiesrevenge
Silver $$ Contributor
As a rifle or pistol? I just finished chambering a 14" barrel xp-100 in 6.5x47L. I'm expecting it to shoot 123's and 130's in the 2600fps range.
XTR
F-TR obssessed shooting junkie
I think you have to define "practical".
You could certainly have a easy to swing practical rifle with an 18" to 20" barrel that would perform well out to 600 yards or so and that you could stretch to 1000.
People like to toss the idea of 1000 yards out for shooting. I did it for a season in F-TR with a 24" tube on a 308, it's freaking hard. What I learned in that one season was that if I'm shooting to 1000 yards I don't want to be leaving any velocity at the starting line, I need all I can get to get to the finish.
If you drop the idea of 1000 and think of it as a mid range 600yds in type rifle I think you could do an 18 and have a really fun rifle to shoot.
You could certainly have a easy to swing practical rifle with an 18" to 20" barrel that would perform well out to 600 yards or so and that you could stretch to 1000.
People like to toss the idea of 1000 yards out for shooting. I did it for a season in F-TR with a 24" tube on a 308, it's freaking hard. What I learned in that one season was that if I'm shooting to 1000 yards I don't want to be leaving any velocity at the starting line, I need all I can get to get to the finish.
If you drop the idea of 1000 and think of it as a mid range 600yds in type rifle I think you could do an 18 and have a really fun rifle to shoot.
Yeah, I hear what you are saying XTR. I shoot FTR as well, both mid range and long range and have a rifle designated for that with a 30" barrel. I also have a 26" 8 twist 243 win (freaking long with a 9" suppressor on it) for more tactical/ practical type shooting. What I am looking for is a rifle shorter, lighter and handier than either of those rifles, that I could easily shoot to 800 and stretch out to 1000 or maybe even a bit longer and keep minute of pie plate at those ranges.
rickiesrevenge
Silver $$ Contributor
With my specialty pistols I normally get 2-300fps less than a full length rifle tube. Guys are getting 29-3000fps with that class of bullet in a full length tube, so I'd expect 26-2700fps in a 14-18" barrel.
Aaron
Aaron
Ledd Slinger
Silver $$ Contributor
My vote would be for 22" as the shortest length to do what you want. Try RL-17 to get that extra speed in the shorter pipe. Works well with the 140s and will give you a complete burn in a shorter pipe.
tac284
Gold $$ Contributor
So I went through the same thing about a year ago, although i knew I was goin with the 6.5x47 Lapua. Mainly because I had the reamer and dies. I debated between 18, 20 & 22" before deciding on 22". I was quite happy with the results! I am getting an avg of 2835 with varget and 130 Berger's.
I always go with 23 inch barrels with my "practical" rifles. With my F class rifles I go 28 inch. 23 inches will still get you good velocity and its well balanced. I would never put a 20 inch or shorter barrel on a bolt rifle. Here is my 47
Ledd Slinger
Silver $$ Contributor
I just built a 6XC on a Sako action for a similar purpose. Wanted a light weight packing rifle that was easy to weild and still capable of long range shooting. Went with a 22" barrel. Very handy and well balanced.
I read an article a few years ago discussing the short barreled rifles. Their test mule was a 260. They said it gave up nothing in accuracy and ability compared to the longer barreled rifles except for some velocity loss. That is a given as we know. They said the 260 was an excellent choice for the short barreled platform. I don't think you'll go wrong with any of your choices. I currently own an 18" .308 I use and carry for hunting. So far it has been very effective for putting meat on the table. I'm driving 168NBT to 2570fps with it.
Tank
Tank
While you do lose some velocity with a shorter barrel, it may not be as much as you expect. A slightly faster burning powder in a 20" barrel can give you similar results to a slower powder in a longer barrel.
It also has a lot to do with the type of shooting. Your description of what you are doing makes 20" a good choice. Long enough but not too long to mount a suppressor and still handle in the field.
It also has a lot to do with the type of shooting. Your description of what you are doing makes 20" a good choice. Long enough but not too long to mount a suppressor and still handle in the field.
Tac 284,
Beautiful rifle. Love that color combo. What color did you use for the barreled action.?
Thanks, Paul
www.boltfluting.com
Beautiful rifle. Love that color combo. What color did you use for the barreled action.?
Thanks, Paul
www.boltfluting.com
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