Looking for best short barrel performance cartridge

[Greatgrandad]

This ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

I built a 27-08 this year that is Very Impressive. 133 Apex Rl-17 at 3000fps.
Working on C.E. 125 here when the weather breaks.
Throated properly the 277Fury would be AWESOME also.

Really nothing more than our 308's Win pushing a 130 TTSX @ 3,280 fps, or the 7mm-08 running a 120 TTSX @ 3,150 fps or a 139 LRX @ 3,000 fps. If one decides to load the steel head version of the 277 Fury, then a little more speed can be had.

 

[Roughrice]

This 308!
Pretty dang fast with 125's and the right powder for varmint @ 3100+fps.
Swap out for 165 and the right powder for deer or other big game @ 2650 fps.

 

[Justice1327]

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

7SS/18"/162g/2900

 

[akmtnhnt]

Best how? It's a cartridge that hasn't gained any popularity even though it's been around for a couple years, it's not often hunted with, even less often competed with.

It will give the most velocity for the powder in a short barrel of anything. Because it runs at 80kpsi.

 

[haisardao]

7 SAUM build in a LA, 20 inches, shooting 147 Apex Afterburners at 2940, ADG, CCI 250, H4350. It's a hammer.

 

[Aoudad shooter1975]

Efficiency 6.5 grendel on short action no doubt almost no difference between a 16 in barrel and 20 in barrel.

One of the most effective, efficient calibers I ever shot was a 358 win--for the amount of powder with a 200 grain round nose at 2580 out of a 21 in barrel--hammered stuff. My wife shoots a suppressed 338 federal--actually it's a family favorite--my daughter shot her last deer with it. But these may not have enough spice for you:

If you want the most bang for your buck--look at the RCMs I know they are almost dead--but I shoot a 19 in barrel 338 RCM and we have a factory 20 in barrel 338 RCM--speed is the same with the 1 inch shorter barrel. They were made for 20 in barrels.

Also the 338 RCM hits like a freight train too. A 190 grain HHT hammer should clock around 2850-2875 out of a 18-20 in barrel.

 

[DakotaFire101]

Remington 700 short action with a 20" barrel chambered in 7mm saw. I'm getting 2830 fps with 150 grain eldx loads. Going to work on a load for 162 eldms soon.

 

[southpa]

7saum

 

[Ultisol]

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

You might look at a Ruger Compact Magnum chambering also (essentially same case as 6.5 PRC). You can neck 6.5 PRC brass up to 7mm, .308 (300 RCM) or .338 (338 RCM) and have a dandy cartridge. They feed well, no rebated rim. Less case capacity than the WSM.

I built a 20" 338 RCM that pushes 230gr ELD-Xs over 2600 FPS with Varget. Very easy to load for, extremely consistent velocity. I bought some Reloader TS 15.5 to try, it looks like the perfect powder for that cartridge. You might get 2,700fps with a double base powder and a 225/230gr bullet. The 338 RCM is very efficient, like a scaled up 308. It produces a lot of energy with a modest powder charge in a short barrel.

I make brass from 6.5 PRC. I use mandrels to expand it to .308, then anneal, then expand to .338. Haven't had any issues.

 

[Jakeweb09]

Could just go with a 7-6.5prcw..headstamped brass from adg

 

[Longtine88]

Built a 18" 22 creedmoor for my uncle. He is shooting 68 grain hammer hunters with the plastic tips at 3,480 fps.

 

[haisardao]

Built a 18" 22 creedmoor for my uncle. He is shooting 68 grain hammer hunters with the plastic tips at 3,480 fps.

That thing is gonna put some hurt in critters!!

 

[IDtoND]

I had a 20" carbon prefit made for a 338 sherman short and screwed it on a titanium medium Lone Peak action. Shoots 246 hammer hunters at 2650 well, and 225 shock hammer over 2700, both group well. Makes a nice timber rifle for elk, as was intended. Little over 9 pounds with a can and scope.

 

[Longtine88]

That thing is gonna put some hurt in critters!!

It has this year. 2 bucks with golf ball size holes in them. Both drt. I'll add he's 82 years old also.