MudRunner2005
Well-Known Member
Personally, I'd keep it a 26"....Minimum 24. My current .308 Win is a Rem 700 5R MilSpec w/ the 24" barrel. Tack-driver of a rifle, for factory untouched, other than replacing the trigger and retorquing the action screws to 65 inch-lbs.I have a Rem. 700 SPS Varmint in 308 with a 26" bbl. 1 in 12 twist, with a Witt clamp on brake. I am wanting to go shorter for packing around. This rifle shoots under moa with 155 and 168 grain bullets. Thinking of going 20" with a 2" brake. I'm not really concerned with the 168's, but is this long enough to get the 155's up to speed, or do I need at least 24"? Any input would be appreciated.
I had a 20" custom .308 built off a Rem model 7 action. I didn't have chronys back then, and I wasn't reloading, but it shot factory Hornady red box (LE) TAP 168 BTHP's like fire. It would put 3 into the exact same hole if I did my part. Being a 20" barrel, I'm sure it wasn't the fastest rifle out there, but it sure was handy for carrying around, and was more than capable out to 500 yards.
Just food for thought.
But if you plan on taking it much farther than 500-600 yards, I'd look at 24" minimum, but possibly leaving it at 26" for maximum effectiveness.
Also, with your 1:12 twist, you can shoot up to 190gr Berger VLD's.
I have this EXACT same barrel you have, that I built a custom with, and had the chamber opened up to .30-06 Ack Imp. I shoot the 185 VLD's, and the load has been estimated (according to QuickLoad) to be around 2,900 fps.