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Not sure that's conclusive. It's a single charge weight and loss for fps for h1000. Those speeds are really low for 140. IMHO the conclusion is that 25 fps loss per inch applies from 18-26" in a single controlled test. 16-18 is a bigger jump likely due to the powder burn rate. My 22 vs 18 shows 25 as the difference per inch for 560 and rl 26 as well.
I can see that. I know I have zero issue running a 140 at 2950 vs the 2765 shown for an 18. I think the exercise was simply to pick a charge and do a length test, makes sense. I just don't know that 20 is more or less optimal then other other lengths. I suppose if you have a target fps in mind and know it's roughly 25-30 fps loss then you work back from that. Now that I think it through, that seems to be what you are saying, ie the factory 147 fps example a 26 to 20" shows 3010 - 150 = 2860.
| Barrel length | Average | FPS Diff | Loss per Inch |
26 | 2961 | 0 | 0 |
24 | 2921 | -40 | -20 |
22 | 2888 | -33 | -16.5 |
20 | 2822 | -66 | -33 |
18 | 2765 | -57 | -28.5 |
16 | 2659 | -106 | -53 |
For me, I could handle losing 75fps to go from 26" to 22". But not losing 300fps from 26" to 16".
Gotta ask why the f*#k anyone would want to corrupt a fine long range cartridge by chopping the barrel. My PRC is choice for >700 yard competition
Handy as can be for hunting out west is the only reason I did! After packing a 28 inch barrel around for years, I decided I was sick of the getting snagged on every bush and tree limb. For competition use though 26 is the way!
Can't blame you. However, the point for most of this is more about desiring a short barrel rifle for use with a can, lightweight, or for handling/carrying etc. So while going down this road and desiring x fps out of y bullet you have choices to make. For example people will say well just get a creedmoor vs a PRC. No, it's not apples to apples. A sherman, saum, or PRC in a 6.5 will far exceed a creed inch for inch. So, it boils down to whether a 140 grain bullet at 2800 fps is going to work for you. If so, then you can decide what barrel length and cartridge gets you there within your parameters. I only went the route of a 18 due to the way in which I carry the rifle coupled with can. I actually like the 22" better for the performance but the 18 is no slouch and does much better than I expected.
It's a hunting page, not a comp page. Weight, handling, carrying, etc...... It all becomes a sum game of what works for you. There is no right or wrong unless terminal ballistics is not adequate for the range you are hunting.
20" 6.5SS suppressed. Mean medicine for a light pack rifle. 130 OTM @ 3075, 140 Hyb @ 3033, or 156 Elite @ 2916fps. Pick your poison.
Because with a suppressor screwed on a normal length barrel is way to long. Really anything over 25" of total barrel length is to long when I have a gun in my Kifaru gunbearer for hiking in the dark. Barrel blocks my headlamp and it's just annoying
I agree, his numbers are way too low. The PRC numbers should be closer to my numbers. Maybe not quite there, but close. And those numbers work really well on deer-sized game in a light, short, handy pack rifle.
