Thinking about choping my .375
- Thread starter KO
- Start date
- Location
- Somewhere on the Hudson Bay Coast
Another nice one!
Personal taste is the only real difference in most things rifle.
I honestly don't notice the difference between 18 and 26 inches here on the wet coast...I actually prefer the feel and balance of my 26 inch barrels....Go figure?
Maybe I'm a retard?
No, I don't think so. I wouldn't consider cutting my 25" ZG-47, as you say the balance is right, but the heavier contour typical of .375 rifles makes up for some length. My 602 balances between my hands where the ZG is slightly muzzle heavy. I can't say I have a preference though between the wand and the baseball bat, each has its job.
So I am thinking very seriously about shortening my sako 85 375 to the same length as the Kodiak, cutting off 3 1/8" leaving it at 21 1/4.
How about some honest crony reports from you guys that are already there, will I have any issues getting 2500fps from a Sierra 300 grainer?
How about some honest crony reports from you guys that are already there, will I have any issues getting 2500fps from a Sierra 300 grainer?
I listed the velocity loss with 270 gr and 300 gr factory ammo (before and after the cut) in an old post but I can't find it anymore.
- Location
- AB foothills
On my H&H I lost pretty much the same as Blargon, 20-25 FPS per inch taken off.
Myself and a friend shortened two Mark X 375 H&H rifle more than 25 years ago.
Chronographed the original 24" barrels, five shots each from a box of factory ammo. After the barrels were cut to 20", we used the last ten rounds of the same box to chronograph five rounds in each rifle.
Velocity loss was less than 50 fps in either rifle. You won't have to worry about any performance issues from a shortened barrel, especially at 22 inches.
Ted
Chronographed the original 24" barrels, five shots each from a box of factory ammo. After the barrels were cut to 20", we used the last ten rounds of the same box to chronograph five rounds in each rifle.
Velocity loss was less than 50 fps in either rifle. You won't have to worry about any performance issues from a shortened barrel, especially at 22 inches.
Ted
That is exactly the info I was looking for, thanks for that Ted, and the rest of you.
Did you notice a difference in the group for the rest of the box?
I am going to stop my quest for the sweet load and get her cut down. I am only taking off 3 1/8th, but it will feel like a foot for handling. Something about being able to hold my gun at my side without having the barrel in the dirt that puts a smile on my face.
- Location
- Lumby Town!!
Hhhmmm, I've been thinking of doing this too. Anyone out there chop a m70 stainless classic down to 20 or 21". It's barrel heavy at 24"...that barrel is so thick. I'm thinking 21" would really make it feel and handle better and souds like the velocity loss with be minimal.
The only drawback is a noticeably increased muzzle blast.......... Noticeably increased!
Not only is the gas pressure at the muzzle higher in the shorter barrel, but the increased blast is closer to your ears.
Marlin375, the accuracy was certainly at least as good as from the longer barrel. Probably because the shorter barrel is stiffer. No concerns there.
Be sure to let us know how yours works out: i.e. before and after accuracy, velocity, handling, etc.
Ted
Not only is the gas pressure at the muzzle higher in the shorter barrel, but the increased blast is closer to your ears.
Marlin375, the accuracy was certainly at least as good as from the longer barrel. Probably because the shorter barrel is stiffer. No concerns there.
Be sure to let us know how yours works out: i.e. before and after accuracy, velocity, handling, etc.
Ted
Yup. I shortened an L61R Sako .338 to 21" a few years back. Accuracy actually improved slightly (although that may have been due to the fresh crown) - but he muzzle blast became very severe.
I also have an L61R in .375 H&H, and due to the muzzle blast issue I'm leaving that one alone. I just keep telling myself that I like the longer sight radius.
