Cutting down a .28 Nos barrel

[ElCidAviator]

I have a Fierce twisted rival in .28 Nos with a 24in barrel that shoots 175gr ABLRs really well (best group was .137 and regularly shoots under .25"). I got a can and started really enjoying shooting suppressed. The only thing I hate is walking around the woods with that long of a barrel (with the can attached).

What would be the problem cutting the barrel down to 20 inches? I know I'll loose about 100-150fps, but that would still put me right at 3000fps with a 175gr pill. Anything else I should worry about?

 

[V35BTC]

I think you can get mid 2900's.

I tested one last week, with a 22" bbl and 195's, and got to 2905, no pressure signs yet. However, this was not in a sammi chamber, so depending on what chamber you have, ymmv.

 

[ElCidAviator]

I'm pushing the 175s at 3125 right now. No pressure signs and below max charge of Retumbo.

Any other negatives besides the reduced velocity? I should see similar accuracy right?

 

[V35BTC]

sounds like you will be fine then. The precision should be good provided it is properly crowned, I have cut numerous barrels for this reason and never had an issue. The 28 nos rifle we did load development on last week was a CF barrel that I chambered, and our best load was .212 moa, it never repeated that, the next two groups were .312 and .389 moa, shot at 200 yds, that is the minimum distance I will load test. Those loads are plenty good for a hunting rifle.