im thinking about shortening by barrel, is this a mistake?

aheppner

aheppner

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Hey guys, I have a Savage F/TR in .223, that's the one with the 30 in barrel 1 in7 twist.

I've been thinking about shortening the barrel on it. The reason I want to shorten it is its so heavy and it wont fit into any soft gun case I've found (OAL is 50 '').

What can I expect to change if I shortened it to lets say 24'' to 22''? Slightly reduced MV? I've only been shooting to 300m right now so i don't know if that's really critical at that range.

I've heard a shorter barrel will be stiffer and sometimes improve accuracy, is that true?

I am assuming i will have to redo my load development?
 
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quick run down, depending on the powder your using you may see a decrease in MV but this can be negated by useing a faster powder. a shorther barrel is stiffer and i wouldnt say it improves accuracy but it makes developing an accurate load easier, and yes you probably will have to tweak your current load to get back the accuracy, but flip side of the coin, it may widen the accurate node of your barrel and you may see no change in accuracy.

IMP a 22-24" barel in a .223 is plenty damn long and with the right skillz and set up still would be no problem being accurate to 800+ the loss in MV is easy to accomodat for with MOA rails etc
 
The idea behind a 7 twist to use the longest heaviest bullets... and to push them at the highest velocity... that is usually achieved with 28 to 30 inch barrels. I think you will see a big loss from 30" to 24 inches. And there is nothing you can do with loads to get that velocity back. High pressure is what limits your load and faster powder will simply reach that high pressure with less powder. The loss of velocity due to the shorter barrel is permanent. I suggest you chronograph it now and after...
 
Mr Heppner, if you check at wholesale sports they sell a soft case that the f/tr fits in, it is made by Kolpin and is under $100, that is what I use for mine and it will close with the Sightron scope mounted. Cutting the barrel would be a mistake.
 
You would lose about 25fps per inch. For long range you will miss any lost velocity.

That is not a premium barrel. If you cut 4" off it the bore might not be concentric with the muzzle. Cutting can be a big mistake. if it shoots well, stay with it.
 
I have a Model 12 BR model. It just fits in my SKB case that I got at Gander Mountain while driving through the States.

There are places that you can order cases outta the States. Could be in the $400 range. I have been looking at getting a case that is 62" in interior length for future rifles.
 
The idea behind a 7 twist to use the longest heaviest bullets... and to push them at the highest velocity... that is usually achieved with 28 to 30 inch barrels.
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This is true but if the OP is only shooting to 300m, it is all pointless. He could use 55gr bullets out of a 20" barrel and achieve the same effect. Right now he is using a 1000yd rifle at 300m and asking if he should modify his rifle to be better suited for the shooting he is doing. The correct answer is, "sure, if you want to, it will make little to no difference to your current shooting experience."

FWIW, I was recently using my 20" barreled Savage Precision Carbine out to 700 yds with no problem what so ever.
 
I would consider buying ti from you so that you could buy a different .223, I am convinced that by shortening the barrel you will LOSE ALL ACCURACY, as most barrels have a bit of a taper to them and I have done experiments by cutting off 1 inch at a time on BR and other barrels and ACCURACY SUFFERS OR GOES AWAY ENTIRELY, I have a .223 savage on order so I do not care either way but to tell htis young lad to go ahead is silly, your milage may vary, only those wh know the savage internals should comment Jefferson
 
my 700sps tac in 223 was cut down to 18.5 from 20" and i love it but i only go out to 600 meters with it ( 69smk)or 70berger
 
How much do savage barrels cost? You could swap out the barrel for a shorter one that's designed to be short
 
order a shilen select match barrel from Jerry at Mystic Precision $440 then sell your factory barrel on the EE you should be able to get $125 -200 for it . I have 2 of these barrel and they are of good quality and very accurate. The end cost to you would be about the same as having your barrel cut down and recrowned but you will end up with a far better barrel.
 
Jefferson said:
I would consider buying ti from you so that you could buy a different .223, I am convinced that by shortening the barrel you will LOSE ALL ACCURACY, as most barrels have a bit of a taper to them and I have done experiments by cutting off 1 inch at a time on BR and other barrels and ACCURACY SUFFERS OR GOES AWAY ENTIRELY, I have a .223 savage on order so I do not care either way but to tell htis young lad to go ahead is silly, your milage may vary, only those wh know the savage internals should comment Jefferson
Click to expand...


Apparently your "knowledge" is sweet f**k all then.



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thanks shotgunjoe,i will definably check out that gun case, im using a 2 gun hard case right now, so hard to get in the truck
 
thanks for all the good info guys, if i get a good soft case that will fit i think ill leave my barrel alone. I am going to try shooting at longer ranges next year so the extra MV would be nice. I have a good load right now too that i just finished load development on, im not to excited about starting that over (25.3gr varget, 80gr Amax and lapua brass br4 primers) . best groups were at 200m .8 in to about 1.1 in.

when i burn this barrel out i am defiantly getting a replacment pre-fit for it so i think ill just go with a shorter one in a year or two

thanks again guys
 
You have a rifle optimized for shooting a heavy bullet at long range.
As is, it will shoot any bullet you choose at short range.
Cut it and it will be fine for short range.
But it will never be as good for long range.
Shoot it as it is.
If you ever use up the barrel get a custom barrel installed with the length, chamber and twist best suited for the shooting you will be doing.
If you really want a shorter barrel now, buy the prefit, and sell the long barrel to offset the cost.
Win - win. You get the exact barrel you want right now, some lucky shooter gets a purpose built long range barrel.
Incidentally, if your barrel were rechambered to .22-.250, it could be one honker of a long range barrel.
 
so simpleton (good name it fits) that taking about 8 inches off (the barrel note your manhood or lack thereof) would improve accutacy in most barrels, mmmmmmmmmmmm no it will not Jefferson
 
I really hope english isn't your first language, as it would explain your complete lack of grammar.

.......and yes, apparently you do indeed know jack sh*t regarding barrels.




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iv never had a barrel cut down more then about 1/4 in just for a re-crown basically. but it sure shot good after that. It was an old enfield p-17 sporterized 30-06, my dad and I put in a timminy trigger and it shoots sub moa at 100 yards.

as far as cutting several inches off, maybe every barrel is different, that's why there is so much opposing opinions?
 
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