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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

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.

Geordie bloke wrote: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.

Geordie bloke wrote: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?

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.

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.

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.

Small, medium and almost adequate?

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

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?