Barrel length

[BobSki]

Guys,
I know in some areas size doesn't matter (thankfully)
BUT
If you were going to get a .308 and had the choice of 20”/ 24”/ 26” 1 in 12” twist, stainless steel barrel, which one would you go for?

As I intend to use the rifle for prone shooting at the range, I was thinking go for the longest in order to maximise round velocity.

Is my thinking flawed? I am the first to admit I am a very inexperienced full bore shooter, so all education is gratefully received.

Regards
Bob

[Geordie bloke]

Your thinking is good. Go for the longest to gain maximum Mv. Best to have a good all rounder for distances up to 1000yds.
I used to have a .308 Remington 700 VSSF and used it at 1000yds benchrest at Diggle and am sure it was a 26 inch barrel.

[BobSki]

Your thinking is good. Go for the longest to gain maximum Mv. Best to have a good all rounder for distances up to 1000yds.
I used to have a .308 Remington 700 VSSF and used it at 1000yds benchrest at Diggle and am sure it was a 26 inch barrel.

Thanks Geordie,
I was hoping I hadn't got it all wrong
I don't intend to be running about with the rifle, so the extra weight, as far as I can see, will only be an advantage.

[The Gun Pimp]

Your thinking is good. Go for the longest to gain maximum Mv. Best to have a good all rounder for distances up to 1000yds.
I used to have a .308 Remington 700 VSSF and used it at 1000yds benchrest at Diggle and am sure it was a 26 inch barrel.

I remember that gun Geordie Bloke - shot some amazing 1000 yard groups with 190gn bullets if I remember..............

But, if you were starting from scratch, with a custom fit barrel, I'd be looking at 30 inches for a 308Win out to 1000 yards. Most blanks start off at at least 30 inches, so why chuck fifty-quids worth of barrel in the scrap-bin?

[BobSki]

I see your point, but I'm not starting from scratch with a custom rifle, it's a production rifle and the lengths I quoted are the ones offered.

[The Gun Pimp]

Yup, OK, I see the issue - not many factory rifles offered with a decent barrel-length. The Savage 308 FTR is about the only factory rifle I can think of that offers a 30 inch tube.

[BobSki]

The savage looks a very nice rifle but I have fallen for the idea of the AI - AXMC in .338 with the .308 conversion kit and that only comes in the three lengths I mentioned.

[meles meles]

Small, medium and almost adequate?

[Dannywayoflife]

I personally love uber short barrels. With modern reloading powders you may loose less speed than you think.

[lapua338]

If you're going to be using long range specialty bullets greater than 180 gr. in weight I thought you would require a twist rate faster than 1:12?

For example 1:10?

Perhaps Gun Pimp can advise?