Looking for best short barrel performance cartridge

[Bang4theBuck]

Ive got the itch to build another rifle, and I want to go short and light. The ask here is for real data that will help me decide which cartridge to build. I'll make my own decisions on build components, and method of build (gunsmith custom vs prefit assembly). I'm looking for real world experience and data for short barrelled (16" to 20") bolt action rifle cartridges that retain the highest amount of initial velocity compared to a 24" barrelled version of the same.
The only thing I won't be using this rifle for is varmint hunting, so any cartridge for deer-sized animals on up will be considered.
An example of the help I'm looking for might read like this"
7mm-08 with 18" barrel shooting 120 gr (insert brand) bullets with Hxxxx powder achieving xxxx velocity at the muzzle.

I promise to share my decision and how I got there, as well as pics of the build, range results, and hopefully images of the animals that volunteered to rode in the bed of my truck.

Thanks in advance.
BANG

 

[Tom264]

I know that the .308 has been long touted as a great short barreled cartridge as long as the bullet weight is within reason.

 

[P7M13]

I chose 7mm-08 in 18" for this very reason, but long ago discarded the research.

 

[Bang4theBuck]

I know that the .308 has been long touted as a great short barreled cartridge as long as the bullet weight is within reason.

I neglected to mention, I already have a 308 shorty. That is one cartridge that I won't be choosing for this build

 

[Wind Gypsy]

While I wouldn't go building a 16-20" RUM I don't believe there is any special little unicorns that do something different with short barrels that others wouldn't at least until you get into very pedestrian cartridges that cant take advantage of additional barrel length.

Edit to add: It's all bullet, powder, pressure dependent as well. If a 7mm08 loses 100 FPS and a 7 RM loses 110 FPS from chopping down to 20" from 24", are you going to feel better about having a 7/08 being only 240 FPS slower because you have a short barrel rather than 250 FPS slower if it had a longer barrel?

My main hunting rifle is an 18" 6 Creedmoor because it pushes bullets I want to shoot fast enough to satisfy me with an 18" barrel and there's generally quality factory ammo available for cheap. Would a 6ppc lose less velocity from 24" to 18" than a 6 creedmoor? Maybe but it doesn't matter because a 18" 6ppc isn't pushing 103-112 grain bullets fast enough to interest me with an 18" barrel. Primary hunting load now is 109 ELDm @ 2830 FPS over N555. Can push a little more but I'm happy with where it's at. Most factory 107/108 ammo hovers right around 2800 FPS.

 

[bamban]

Dated rig, but still effective today as it was back then. 788 in 7-08 in 18-1/2 carbine. Just duck tape the mag to stop it from rattling. The old school Sierra flat base 120 grain soft point projectiles work real well on TX WT. Discontinued IMR 4320, still a great powder if can find any.

 

[nwmnbowhunter]

16.5 inch 6.5 saum. Berger 140 hybrids at 2825fps

 

[bhovda]

I'm not done with the barrel breakin or load development yet. Bartlein 3b cut down to 20 inch 300wsm, barrel by alex wheeler, defiance medium ruckus action, berger 185 juggernaut. RL16 and H4831sc both look like they should be able to get 2900+ at the muzzle. 3.08 coal. Not exactly light 10 lbs for the complete rifle with suppressor. Barrel itself 3.14 lbs

 

[Bang4theBuck]

I'm not done with the barrel breakin or load development yet. Bartlein 3b cut down to 20 inch 300wsm, barrel by alex wheeler, defiance medium ruckus action, berger 185 juggernaut. RL16 and H4831sc both look like they should be able to get 2900+ at the muzzle. 3.08 coal. Not exactly light 10 lbs for the complete rifle with suppressor. Barrel itself 3.14 lbs

Let me know when you get a load developed, as 300 WSM could be a candidate

 

[Bang4theBuck]

16.5 inch 6.5 saum. Berger 140 hybrids at 2825fps

Good stuff, I'll add this one to the list. Did you build on a short or medium action?

 

[Quicksilver338]

18" 6.5 saum 130 berger hybrids 2920fps

 

[Bang4theBuck]

18" 6.5 saum 130 berger hybrids 2920fps

That's 2 for the 6.5 SAUM. Did you build on a short or medium action?

 

[Quicksilver338]

That's 2 for the 6.5 SAUM. Did you build on a short or medium action?

I built on a tikka, so medium you could say. I got a C6 prefit though so it's chambered for a short action. 130-140gr bullets I'd say the chamber is optimal for bullet seating length.

I wanted to keep weight down and in turn recoil, so a lighter bullet was the plan. I have a 300nmi and a 7 saum to handle heavier duties and longer ranges.

If this was my second in line rifle I would have probably gotten it custom chambered and throated more towards 140-156gr bullet to get some BC. Essentially this is a backcountry deer rifle for me.

100rds down the barrel and hoping it can speed up, if not I'm perfectly fine with it. Held a sub moa 6 shot group at 600yds with some wind so really don't need much more.

 

[06 SB]

300WSM. Most likely 30-06 type velocities and a large range of bullets. Use a good suppressor like a OCL Hydrogen K 7.62 with a 18" barrel and it will be a good killing machine.