from what I read the velocity loss is not even an issue. I guess the recoil might be though
As for the stock I was thinking of getting a XLR Industries chassis without the folding stock option.
Yes and no.
IF you have a fixed stock and the rifles over all length after the barrel is shortened is more than 26" you are ok.
IF you plan to put the shortened barrelled action into a folding stock you "may" have an issue with the rifle being under the 26" over all length when the stock is in its shortest condition. Measure OAL BEFORE cutting and be safe.
You do realize that you will lose some velocity , whether it is significant is another question.
I thought you couldn't cut barrels? Thought you had to buy new, short ones if you wanted a shorter barrel. I'm very confused.
You can't shorten a non-restricted barrel beneath 470mm (18.503") and have the firearm remain non-restricted. Shortening to >18" make the firearm restricted, and shorting below 18" makes the firearm Prohibited. Buying, making and/or installing a newly manufactured barrel that is shorter is acceptable provided your OAL is greater than 26".
Thank you for...clarifying?
I think I get it now, but have no idea how anyone could have dreamt this up.
You are missing the point completely. A 300 win mag needs additional barrel length to burn the extra powder it has over standard rounds such as the 30-06. With a shorter barrel you are taking away this extra length therefore taking away most of the benefits you gain from a magnum round. You know there is a reason why manufactures have longer barrels on magnum calibers, otherwise they become kind of pointless. I think you should have done more research so you actually knew what you were receiving.I did not purchase it, it was a trade and I did not think a 26'' barrel would bug me but it does. All my rifle barrels are between 18.5 to 22 inch and I kind of like it. Also, if I could have the same benefits of having a 300 win mag in a shorter barrel why shouldn't I do it then, the shorter the better !?
There are several 18-22" barrelled 338LM production riflesYou are missing the point completely. A 300 win mag needs additional barrel length to burn the extra powder it has over standard rounds such as the 30-06. With a shorter barrel you are taking away this extra length therefore taking away most of the benefits you gain from a magnum round. You know there is a reason why manufactures have longer barrels on magnum calibers, otherwise they become kind of pointless. I think you should have done more research so you actually knew what you were receiving.
ok well if I'm missing the point, how would a 22 inch 300 WM barrel affect the velocity, energy and accuracy of my rifle compare to a 26 inch ?
Velocity is affected because the powder doesn't have sufficient space to completely burn in the shorter barrel. Any powder that doesn't burn while the bullet is still in the barrel doesn't accelerate the bullet. This lack of velocity cause a loss of energy throughout the bullet's trajectory. Accuracy wouldn't be affected very much but your drops to target will be larger.