Recoil vs Barrel length

[gerard488]

Will a shorter barrel cause harder recoil on a 303 british? Shortened my barrel from 26 inches to 20, Haven`t fired it yet.

 

[cam1936]

The gun will be lighter with less barrel and will recoil slightly more. The .303 is a pussycat though, I wouldn't worry about it too much.

 

[Homesteader]

I doubt your recoil will actually change much, but your percieved recoil will be up at bit. 20" isn't too bad, but you will notice a little extra volume.
Let us know what you think after shooting a bit.

 

[rombat]

I cut mine back to 22" and while I can't say that the recoil increased, the muzzle blast most certainly did. Read somewhere that the tapered case shape of the 303 required a longer barrel to burn the powder completely or something like that.

 

[TheTooner]

I cut mine back to 22" and while I can't say that the recoil increased, the muzzle blast most certainly did. Read somewhere that the tapered case shape of the 303 required a longer barrel to burn the powder completely or something like that.

That depends somewhat on which powder is used, but yes, if the powder selected has a burn rate appropriate for a longer barrel it may not burn completely in a shorter barrel.

That was the reason for the "flash hider" on the No.5 rifle. With the 18.5" barrel and service ammunition designed for a 24.5" barrel, the flash would be significant, especially at night. (The cone was to hide the flash from the firer.)

 

[Juster]

Boyle's law, the gas will leave a shorter barrel at a higher pressure. More noise, more rearward force. Assuming all the powder burning that contributes to pressure has occurred. Some of the combustion products of the burning powder are themselves flammable and contribute to flash, but don't contribute to pushing the bullet forward.

 

[teenahlake]

the reduced weight and change in balance may change the recoil a bit, put on a recoil pad and be glad you're not shooting a 300WM