Cutting 700 VLS 243 barrel to 20" form 26"

42MTD

42MTD

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Hi,

Just curious if anyone has reduced a 243 VLS from 26" to 20" and what the results were.
I realize I will lose some velocity but wondering about accuracy?
Using it primarily as a coyote gun and some paper out to 600 yards.

Thanks for any input
 
You should not lose accuracy as a result of shortening the barrel provided it is done by a competent individual, however any load development may need to be redone as the harmonics will
have been altered and bullet time will be different.
 
HerronArms said:
You should not lose accuracy as a result of shortening the barrel provided it is done by a competent individual, however any load development may need to be redone as the harmonics will
have been altered and bullet time will be different.
Click to expand...


:agree:

Couple hundred feet per second loss won't make much difference unless your shooting long range and/or in stiff winds
 
I shortened the barrel on my 7X57 from 23" to 20" last year - I'm pleased, as it's much handier now. It's difficult to estimate how much MV you'll lose, but 150-200 fps is a reasonable guess - I lost only 35 fps total (less than 2%), accuracy improved, but my point of aim changed dramatically (went 3" low and 8" to the right). Re-zero after the work is done.
 
If you're going to send the rifle to a gunsmith to shorten, have him cut it at the tightest point in the bore, rather than at a specific length; this should ensure the best accuracy. You could quantify your instructions to say not to cut shorter than 20" or perhaps just find the tightest spot in the bore that is between 24" and the legal minimum length. Although you haven't said, if your reason for shortening the barrel is to improve handling, be careful not to upset the balance of the rifle. Most rifles point best if they are slightly muzzle heavy, and if butt heavy, they tend to feel clubby.
 
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