HOW LONG???

[Jase PTRC]

Hi what would the optimum length Barrel if im running 185 jugs in a 308 with a 1:10 twist?

[AlanF]

Jase,

Barrel length is always a compromise - the longer the better with respect to velocity, and for TR a longer sight radius. But here's a list of some of the things that work against that :

• The longer the heavier and we have maximum weight limits
• The longer the more prone to sagging as the barrel heats up
• The longer the more stress on the tenon thread
• The longer the more stress on the action and bedding
• The longer the greater the cost, and barrel makers are limited by the size of their machines

Another contributing factor is powder. You'll only get significantly more velocity gain from a longer barrel if the powder is still burning. So you wouldn't gain as much if you plan on loading with one of the faster powders used for a particular cartridge-bullet combination.

Most F-Class shooters use at least 30". Maybe F/TR rifles tend to be a bit shorter to save weight? No doubt there will be some F/TR shooters comment here.

Alan

[Jase PTRC]

I should have mentioned this is for F/tr rifle im planning to build so yes weight will be a concern. Powders im unsure of at this stage but what you say makes perfect sense in that regard. with a londer barrel is it right i dnt need to run loads as hot as i would in a shorter barrel to get the same velocity?

[AlanF]

Jase,

Yes I had guessed you are talking F/TR (the juggernauts gave you away ). Yes all else being equal, you can run lighter loads to get the same velocity with a longer barrel, subject of course to the powder being slow enough to get the benefit.

Alan

[MCLE]

Hi Jase
We use 30 inch Barrels and shoot 185 gr Bergers.They shoot verry well out to 1000y.You don't have to have them screaming out as they have a good BC.Some have longer than 30inch if you start shooting the heavier pills like 200 /210 /215 and the like then some use 31" 32" and longer but as Alan said the longer you go this can start to add to the weight .You probably need to see what weight you have to play with.To soot the 185 gr you probably don't need to have a 1 in 10 some use 1 in 11 and even 1 in 12 . The 1in 10 is the way to go for the 200 and heavier pills.
Thanks Michael H

[AlanF]

Michael,

Will you be bringing those juggernauts to Rosedale this weekend?

Alan

[Jase PTRC]

excellent, as you may have figured out im new to the sport so any info you guys give me is greatly appreciated.

[Jase PTRC]

also if i wanted to have some flexibility in projectile type am i better off with the 1:10 or will 1:11 stabilize heavier pills?

[Matt P]

If I was to shoot FTR, I would go with a 10 twist, it'll shoot 155's all the way up to 210 +.
Matt P

[MCLE]

Hi Alan if we get there it will be on Sunday have to see.it was a blast last year.Everything comes in a distant second to your Cannon .Jase It doesn't take long in FTR to start getting close to your 8.25KG.A 30 " Barrel Threaded and chambered comes in at around 3KG a stock around 2.1KG scope say NF BR 1.1KG say a Barnard Model P 1.450KG with trigger and Bipod around .550g before you know it there is 8 .2 KG Roughly. so it pays to keep an eye on your components.All good fun.
Thanks Michael H

[aaronraad]

If I was to shoot FTR, I would go with a 10 twist, it'll shoot 155's all the way up to 210 +.
Matt P

+1

using the same theory you could always go for a 34"; and cut it down if you go over on weight, or want to cut a fresh chamber/throat/leade angle (within reason), or re-crown etc.

A properly set-up barrel block arrangement can help reduce stress on the action and act as tuning device, but does add more weight and an unconventional stock fit. Maybe a bit complicated if you're just getting started.

[mike H]

I have a Maddco 30",it weighs 2.486 kg's with a light tuner fitted,1-11 twist.The 1-10 twist is very versatile as others have already stated.The fly in the ointment here is the throating of the barrel,if you long throat it to get the most out of heavy projectiles,you may find the lighter 155's have little grip in the case neck.You need to make up your mind what projectiles you would like to use so the gunsmith can provide the optimum clambering.Hope this is not too confusing.
Mike.

[AlanF]

Hi Alan if we get there it will be on Sunday have to see.it was a blast last year.Everything comes in a distant second to your Cannon .Jase It doesn't take long in FTR to start getting close to your 8.25KG.A 30 " Barrel Threaded and chambered comes in at around 3KG a stock around 2.1KG scope say NF BR 1.1KG say a Barnard Model P 1.450KG with trigger and Bipod around .550g before you know it there is 8 .2 KG Roughly. so it pays to keep an eye on your components.All good fun.
Thanks Michael H

Be great to see you again Michael - hope you can make it - the F-Open field will be quite strong. Richie Neil with his 300 WSM is expected, as is Mike Waites who is expected to go very well because (keep this under your hat) he's on the rebound from another unfortunate encounter with his son at the Lang Lang Pennant . Sorry Mike, but the public has a right to know.... .

[MCLE]

We will try Alan.Its good to see that Mike lets Nick have a win to keep him keen.

[Matt P]

Hi Alan if we get there it will be on Sunday have to see.it was a blast last year.Everything comes in a distant second to your Cannon .Jase It doesn't take long in FTR to start getting close to your 8.25KG.A 30 " Barrel Threaded and chambered comes in at around 3KG a stock around 2.1KG scope say NF BR 1.1KG say a Barnard Model P 1.450KG with trigger and Bipod around .550g before you know it there is 8 .2 KG Roughly. so it pays to keep an eye on your components.All good fun.
Thanks Michael H

Be great to see you again Michael - hope you can make it - the F-Open field will be quite strong. Richie Neil with his 300 WSM is expected, as is Mike Waites who is expected to go very well because (keep this under your hat) he's on the rebound from another unfortunate encounter with his son at the Lang Lang Pennant . Sorry Mike, but the public has a right to know.... .

No energy restrictions @ your range yet Alan ???
Matt P