new build .300wm barrel legth?

[deathwobble]

Im in the process of building a new rifle in .300wm but cant decide on the barrel legth. The barrel will be a brux standard palma contour and I will be shooting 200gr-240gr bullets. Im thinking Barrel legth between 26"-30". Keep in mind I would like to ring every drop of perfomance out of this cartridge but not sure if a 30 inch barrel is neccesary to do that. I no this has been discussed before in previous threads but any fresh perspectives would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[varmintH8R]

IMO you will get diminishing returns from the 300WM with barrel lenghts over 26". You should see some benefit but after 26" there just isn't enough case capacity to see huge gains. What bullet weights are you thinking?

 

[varmintH8R]

What bullet weights are you thinking?

I can read, I promise. I'm just dumb. With heavy pills like that a few extra inches of barrel might be a benefit with really slow powders. I've never done it, maybe someone will come through with some hands-on experience for you.

 

[silvercreekguide]

I have a few 300 win mags ranging from 24"-29.5" and I personally like a 28". I am actually in the process of building another with a Brux sendero contour finished at 28". With this barrel length with the 215 bergers I get 2910fps.

Mike

 

[deathwobble]

Thanks for the input probably gonna go with a 28.

 

[silvercreekguide]

Good choice! Keep us updated on the build and how she shoots

Mike

 

[Bart B]

I'm convinced one could go to 36 inches for any 30 caliber cartridge burning more than 70 grains of powder. I tested two .308 Win. barrel lengths, 22 inches and 32 inches, muzzle velocity went from 2800 fps to 3100 fps with the same M80 ball ammo I tested. In a 30" barrel, same load had a little over 3000 fps. All three had 4-grooves with about .3078 groove and .2990 bore diameters. The rounds had 41 grains of IMR4475 powder ('bout the same as IMR3031) under 147-gr. bullets.

I can imagine the big velocity increase from a .300 Win Mag barrel going from 24 to 30 inches with 70% more powder than a .308 Win. behind any bullet fired. There must be some reason why the 30 caliber magnums (including mine) used in 1000-yard prone matches had 28 to 30 inch barrels.

 

[silvercreekguide]

Bart, that is very true my 30" barrel does shoot much faster than even my 28". I like the 28" because for me that extra 2" always seems to catch on branches while I am hiking I use my 300 win mags to hunt elk and mule deer mostly out to around 1100yards and a 215 berger at 2900fps does the trick for what I use it for. So I guess a good question would be, what are your intentions for this rifle?

 

[deathwobble]

well now my brain is really spinning maybe 29" will do the trick should be a happy medium. pretty sure I gonna order next week. I will surely posts some pics when shes all put together. like I said thanks for the incite

 

[shawnb]

you can always cut it shorter if you think its to long......

 

[trueblue]

Go with a 28" barrel and use Retumbo

 

[Shoalwater]

I am trying to decide this very thing as well. I have been leaning toward a 27" to 28"+ brake, but may go 30". My buddies 338LM has a 27"+ brake and isn't to bad to maneuver around, just wondering if the 30" will make it more cumbersome to move around?

 

[Bart B]

I am trying to decide this very thing as well. I have been leaning toward a 27" to 28"+ brake, but may go 30". My buddies 338LM has a 27"+ brake and isn't to bad to maneuver around, just wondering if the 30" will make it more cumbersome to move around?

All you'll need to do is add another 2 or 3 inches to how close you'll walk to a tree trunk or overhanging branch.

Best thing about a 30 inch barrel for these overbore cartridges is after 1000 to 1500 roujnds (when it wears out), it can be set back 3 inches and you've got a brand new one at 27 inches for just the cost of rebarreling.

 

[BMF]

^^^^^^^^ Good Point ^^^^^^^

I have a broughton in the palma contour and had it cut at 25''. I push the 215 Berger hybrids at 2825fps. I thought about 26-28in but for mobility reasons, I didn't. Looking back I kinda wish it was a little longer....... (insert joke here). But I really like the Palma contour/ heavy barrel / because it defiantly absorbs some of the kick.
Brent