If you were to build a .300WM for hunting…

[Upnorth1]

How short can the barrel be before it's too short using silencer, and what weight should I keep the gun under? Thx.

 

[bultinkle]

That depends on the suppressor

 

[Quintus]

If it were me, I would do a 23" barrel and keep the bare rifle in the 6 3/4 to 7 3/4 pound range.

 

[Rick Richard]

I think around that 22" mark is the point where you don't give up too much speed, but short enough to accommodate the suppressor. My opinion anyway.

 

[K.E.C. Darkside]

22" Minimum, but I think 23" would be the sweet spot. IMO

 

[snox801]

Agree with the above. 22" if the can is longer 23" sweet spot.

 

[Hoss50]

What ranges do you want to hunt at, and what animals?

 

[shootist7]

Depends on what velocity you're willing to live with to achieve your goal. As far as weight, that too is what you're willing to live with. Questions like these draw opinions, build your opinion.

 

[lancetkenyon]

Read up on your suppressor of choice's requirements for barrel length. Since you did't say what suppressor you will be using, here is an example. Thunderbeast lists 18" minimum for the .300WM, but 22" for the 300PRC as a minimum barrel length.

Lightweight, suppressed .300WM is going to be fairly stout in the recoil department. My 9.5lb scoped/suppressed 26" 300PRC is not real comfortable to shoot more than a few rounds at a time with. Granted, I am running a 230 Hyb @ 2997fps, but still...

 

[Buttermilk]

I've got a couple 30 Nosler's, one with 18.5" bbl, the other with 19" bbl. I get excellent performance from both (2850 fps with Berger 210's and 1/2 moa accuracy). The 300 WM will perform similarly to the 30N.

I say make it as short as you want. Sure, you will give up some speed vs a longer barrel, and that equates to a bit less range, but otherwise all good.

 

[Upnorth1]

What ranges do you want to hunt at, and what animals?

I have a Banish 30 suppressor, and will mainly use it for elk. 600-700 yards hoping to get proficient at.

 

[Hoss50]

If you are hunting at those ranges on larger animals, I would try and keep the barrel as long as you can easily run. 22-24". Having a little.more barrel for big animals at those ranges is a good thing.

If you had said deer to 500 yards I would say 20" would probably be fine.

 

[ArmaHeavy]

22" Minimum, but I think 23" would be the sweet spot. IMO

A 300 WSM with a 22" barrel is money with a can. I have a 22" Proof barrel on mine. Pushes a 178 ELDX @ 2930 fps without pressure sign. 63 grains H4350. A really great all-around big game rifle. Elk at 700 no problem. Done it. Mind your wind.

 

[bultinkle]

If you're serious about it, find the bullet you want to shoot and pop it into a ballistic calculator and see what your usable range is.

The velocity needed for different bullets is different.

And the velocity you'll get depends a lot on the bullet you want to shoot.

I bet a 20" can do more than a lot expect. That 60fps you get from a 22" is unlikely to be the defining factor here