Barrel lenght for 308 F class newbie

M

miele

Guest
Hey guys-
I am thinking about trying F class :confused: I have a 308 Sav Model 10
Tactical model that I dropped in a model 12 laminated stock , having needed a new barrel,now I have a choice of
barrel length:D In a custom barrel.
I liked the feel and handling qualitys of 24 inch,but should I go with
the longest barrel possable to get the highest velocity ??
My "long range load " has been the 175 MK over 43 gr Varget which
shoots really well.I know a lot of folks use the 155 Lapua but have not
tested these yet .
Thanks
John
 
1000yds with 308

I think if you want to shoot F-class at a 1000 yds, I would want a 29 or 30". If your F-class event only goes to 600 yds then even a 24" or 26" would work fine. I don't know if you can push a 308 hard enough with a 24" barrel to stay supersonic at 1000 yds. I have 308s in 26" and 22". I get about 125 fps more with the 26" over the 22". That much difference is critical if you want to go to 1000 yds. I know my 168 SMK will not stay supersonic at 1000 yds. I can load 175 SMK really hot and make it, but I am pushing the limits on my gun. I would choose the 30". Balance is not as critical when you are lying prone and shooting off a bipod.

This page has some good info about twist and loads for F-class. http://www.6mmbr.com/308Win.html

Luck in your choice, tiny
 
John

It depends upon what you are going to do with the rifle - I would go with a minimum of 26" for a barrel. If you intend to shoot any tactical matches, that is pretty much the max you can get away with and still have the maneuverability to go after the movers and other things that happen in tactical matches. If you are going for a dedicated target rig, then 28" is the Minimum I would consider - but most will say 30" or 32" is the standard.

The extra barrel length gives you free velocity and lower chamber pressure to help fight the wind at 1,000 yards. My brother currently shoots F-Class TR with a 24" barrel (using the Lapua 170 Lockbase) and does very well, especially at 600 yards. When he drops back to 1,000 he is pushed around by the wind more then he would be if he had the extra 50-100 fps that a 30" tube would give him. When he rebarrels his rifle, he has already said the shortest he will consider is 26."

JeffVN
 
tiny68 said:
I don't know if you can push a 308 hard enough with a 24" barrel to stay supersonic at 1000 yds.
Click to expand...
You can. M14 rifles have 22" long barrels, yet can keep bullets supersonic at 1000 yards. Most such loads use 170+ grain bullets, but it can be done. If given the choice, I'd use a longer barrel.

There's more loading info (and F-Class discussion) on the long-range.com site.

DISCLAIMER: I am an Admin at Long-Range.com, but derive no benefits (material or financial) from doing so.
 
Last edited:
Would you happen to have a phone # I can contact you on a 1000 yd FTR Gun? Thanks Ryan
tiny68 said:
I think if you want to shoot F-class at a 1000 yds, I would want a 29 or 30". If your F-class event only goes to 600 yds then even a 24" or 26" would work fine. I don't know if you can push a 308 hard enough with a 24" barrel to stay supersonic at 1000 yds. I have 308s in 26" and 22". I get about 125 fps more with the 26" over the 22". That much difference is critical if you want to go to 1000 yds. I know my 168 SMK will not stay supersonic at 1000 yds. I can load 175 SMK really hot and make it, but I am pushing the limits on my gun. I would choose the 30". Balance is not as critical when you are lying prone and shooting off a bipod.

This page has some good info about twist and loads for F-class. http://www.6mmbr.com/308Win.html

Luck in your choice, tiny
Click to expand...
 
Curious on the 1000yd gun or FTR Gun Would you happen to have a phone # I can contact you at thanks Ryan

JeffVN said:
John

It depends upon what you are going to do with the rifle - I would go with a minimum of 26" for a barrel. If you intend to shoot any tactical matches, that is pretty much the max you can get away with and still have the maneuverability to go after the movers and other things that happen in tactical matches. If you are going for a dedicated target rig, then 28" is the Minimum I would consider - but most will say 30" or 32" is the standard.

The extra barrel length gives you free velocity and lower chamber pressure to help fight the wind at 1,000 yards. My brother currently shoots F-Class TR with a 24" barrel (using the Lapua 170 Lockbase) and does very well, especially at 600 yards. When he drops back to 1,000 he is pushed around by the wind more then he would be if he had the extra 50-100 fps that a 30" tube would give him. When he rebarrels his rifle, he has already said the shortest he will consider is 26."

JeffVN
Click to expand...
 
.308win Barrel

I was at connaught Ranges in Ottawa Last year for the Worlds Target & Palma shooting. over 400 shooters and they all where shooting 29 to31" +barrels they are only allowed to use 156gr bullets alot where using Vaget
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top