20" or 24" for 308

[boychuia]

Hello all,

Looking for some advice on barrel length for my new 308. It comes in 20" or 24" options.

I tried to make some sense by watching tibosaurusrex but wow too much info.

Looking to shoot regularly out to 300yrds.

Thanks

 

[Trinimon]

For 300yrds, either will work well. Some folks have been using a 20" barrel to hit targets 800+yrds. If you're carrying it in the bush, 20" but if you're just shooting from the bench, I say go 24".

 

[radmacks]

I agree with Trinimon 20" if your plan on walking and stalking at all. 24" For a bench only gun. I have a 16.5" on mine. You loose a little feet per second once you start to stretch it out past the 800 mark. But it will barley be noticeable.

 

[Tomochan]

My TRG 22 with 20" was perfect out to 600m ( furthest I took it ). Out past maybe 800 or so the 20" may be disadvantaged but within that distance there will be no appreciable difference.

 

[StoneHorse]

This may help you to decide: http://www.tacticaloperations.com/SWATbarrel/

[SIZE=-1] In summary, the appropriate barrel length is closely tied to the caliber and the load or loads that will be employed. If a shorter barrel provides equivalent or better accuracy and little or no loss in velocity, why go to a longer barrel? Why sacrifice maneuverability and add excess weight? While old attitudes may die hard, chronographs and ballistics don't lie. Shorter barrels are often better. The proof is in the performance.[/SIZE]

 

[Trinimon]

Huh, very interesting read. Thanks for posting that.