Barrel length for 7-08AI

[Norm]

Anyone got an idea on the ideal barrel length for a 7-08AI?
Looking to maximise velocity, while not making the rifle ballance point too far forward.
Cheers Norm.

[bruce moulds]

28" to 30".
bruce.

[Matt P]

Norm
I always start with 30", you can always shorten it if needed.

Matt P

[Norm]

Yeah, I was tossing up between a 28" a 30" and a 32" not sure the case capacity will make any benefit from a 32" tube?

[Chopper]

Can anyone tell me where the balance point is of a rifle ? and what that is ? Chop

[Norm]

Can anyone tell me where the balance point is of a rifle ? and what that is ? Chop

For me I am after the balance point to be well behind where the pedistal rest contacts the stock so as to impart some downward force onto the rear bag.

[bruce moulds]

norm,
2/3 on front and 1/3 on rear bag is a good place to start.
your face could add a little to the rear bag on top of this.
if you don't use a parralell profile barrel, you can go longer for the same balance.
a 32 incher will be 30" after a rechamber, which improves the economics of the job.
even a heavy palma barrel will mix it with parralell barrels, and there are several varmint profiles and the good old williamsport profile in between.
have you looked at the 7x57 ackley chambering? it might handle 180s better than the 7/08 which is more suited to 162/168 bullets. norma and rws brass can be had in 7x57.
keep safe,
bruce

[Norm]

norm,
2/3 on front and 1/3 on rear bag is a good place to start.
your face could add a little to the rear bag on top of this.
if you don't use a parralell profile barrel, you can go longer for the same balance.
a 32 incher will be 30" after a rechamber, which improves the economics of the job.
even a heavy palma barrel will mix it with parralell barrels, and there are several varmint profiles and the good old williamsport profile in between.
have you looked at the 7x57 ackley chambering? it might handle 180s better than the 7/08 which is more suited to 162/168 bullets. norma and rws brass can be had in 7x57.
keep safe,
bruce

Thanks for that Bruce,
I think I will most likely stick with the 162/168gn pills as you suggest in this rifle. I have the .284 to run the 180’s in when shooting the longer distances.

Good info on the balance of a rifle. It is a bit of a mystery to me at what point is best. A bit of trial and error is needed maybe to work out the best ratio.
I tend not to place my cheek on the rifle at all, but do pre load the recoil pad just a tad to steer the bullets where I want them to go.
Or close my eyes and hope.

[Brad Y]

Norm

I like having a bit more weight on the front to stop any potential jump. My 308 is butt heavy and I can feel its nowhere near as good as my 6.5mm