J E Custom
Well-Known Member
Well, I never thought my initial question would have sparked 7 pages of discussion. It was very informative to say the least - I learned a lot!
I think the bottom line for me is that I will keep my 26" barrel and H-1000 powder for now. If I get the accuracy I need out of that combo that is worth more than the little bit of mobility I might gain from a shorter barrel.
I wish I had the luxury of testing multiple barrel lengths with various powders to put some of these ideas through their paces. Sounds kinda fun.
In the mean time, if anyone has first hand experience (good or bad) with the combination I originally asked about, I'd be interested in your thoughts.
300 win mag
20" - 24" barrel
Slow powder (H-1000)
190gr match grade bullet
I think AJ cleared up the one issue very well so I will give you my opinion on your last question.
If you break it down to case capacity it is simple.
Cases that hold less than 50 grs of powder do well with short barrels, Because in order to reach
maximum pressures and velocities they use Fast burning powders and the gain per inch of
barrel over 20 to 22"inches is minimal .
Cases that hold less than 75 grs of powder are at there best when medium to slow burn rate
powders are used with 24" to 26" barrels 28 to30'' barrels can contribute to some increase in
velocity.
Cases that hold 75 to 100grs are at there best using slow burning powders and 26" to 30"in
barrels.
Cases that hold more than 100 grs of powder Need the slowest powders and can benefit from
30"inch + barrels . the maximum practical length that should be used is 34" inches because of
weight and performance.
The 300 win mag falls into the 75 gr group and 24" barrels would be considered the minimum
effective barrel length.
The 308,7/08 size cases work well with 18 to 20" barrels and are very portable, They like faster
burning powders like 4350,414,4064 and Varget.
There is one exception to this and it is the big bores (.375 and up ) they can burn huge amounts of
faster burning powder because of surface diameter of the bullets. But again they can and do use
short barrels.
There are a lot of cartridges that will work with 22" barrels ,and with the introduction of the short
magnums you can build a rifle that is short AND powerful,And because the short action saves
in overall length and uses less of the bore when chambered you can have a barrel 23" and have
the overall rifle length very short and handy.
I hope this answers your other question
J E CUSTOM
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