Shortening barrel length on Creedmoor

Bolt action rifles, lever action, pump action, self loading rifles and other miscellaneous longarms.

Shortening barrel length on Creedmoor

Post by Ferrisweil » 21 Mar 2020, 8:43 pm

Question for those more in the know. I have a Lithgow LA102 6.5 Creedmoor and I’m keen to reduce the length of the barrel. I don’t use it for long range stuff and it’s only been used for thermal hunting (99% of this is under 100m)
I know there’s people who will say “why”? I don’t really mind as I’ve got other rifles to suit those purposes.
I know muzzle velocity will change etc etc but is there any reason why I can’t just take it to a gunsmith and have it cut down to 16” barrel? Is there anything like twist rates etc that need to be considered or is it just a case of chop it, use it, happy days?
TIA
Ferrisweil
Lance Corporal
Lance Corporal
 
Posts: 207
Queensland

Re: Shortening barrel length on Creedmoor

Post by Sergeant Hartman » 21 Mar 2020, 10:12 pm

I am sure i have seen a similar discussion... possibly on here about barrel lengths. At 16" you will have bigger flash, possibly louder, defiantly a bigger kick, less velocity and unburnt powder.

Which then brings the question, why not a 6.5 grendel (i don't think lithgow make grendel). Lithgow is never going to be a light rifle.
Sergeant Hartman
Sergeant Major
Sergeant Major
 
Posts: 1722
Victoria

Re: Shortening barrel length on Creedmoor

Post by Ferrisweil » 21 Mar 2020, 10:38 pm

Thanks Ziad. I know it doesn’t make sense to shorten it, but for what I wanna do with it, it all makes sense...As long as it still shoots fine under say 200m, (that’s where I defer to you guys) it will do exactly what I need it for
Ferrisweil
Lance Corporal
Lance Corporal
 
Posts: 207
Queensland

Re: Shortening barrel length on Creedmoor

Post by bladeracer » 21 Mar 2020, 11:14 pm

Length won't affect accuracy directly, but the reduced velocity might drop it out of an accuracy mode, requiring new load development. I'd look at the US sites and FB groups, there has to be people there shooting 6.5CM out of 16" barrels.

It'd be a waste though to cut it, then find you no longer enjoy shooting it, or have to hang a four-inch flash hider on it to make it tolerable.
If you hand load I'm sure you could tailor your loads, lighter bullets on faster powders perhaps.
Practice Strict Gun Control - Precision Counts!
User avatar
bladeracer
Field Marshal
Field Marshal
 
Posts: 12655
Victoria

Re: Shortening barrel length on Creedmoor

Post by bigpete » 22 Mar 2020, 5:58 am

Having shortened a 308 from 20 to 16 inches before,i wouldn't do it to be honest
bigpete
Colonel
Colonel
 
Posts: 3577
South Australia

Re: Shortening barrel length on Creedmoor

Post by Blr243 » 22 Mar 2020, 9:07 am

My Remington 300 blackout has a16 inch barrel. I have read somewhere that this cartridge only needs a nine inch barrel to burn its powder and achieve optimum ballistics,,,, so i guess if u knew what barrell length was needed for your 6.5 it might assist with your decision
Blr243
Brigadier
Brigadier
 
Posts: 4479
Queensland

Re: Shortening barrel length on Creedmoor

Post by Bill » 22 Mar 2020, 9:37 am

Ran a 20.5 inch tube on my Rem 260, 130 VLDs at 2840 fps plenty of grunt, 16 would be bit barky I reckon, 18 would be handy but resale will take a hit :drinks:
When a guy is digging his own grave, you don’t fight him for the shovel.

Success leaves clues, Fools follow failure !

20 Hornet, 218 Bee, 222 Rem, 256 WM, 6mm ARC, 6.5 Grendel, 6.5x55 Scan, 270 Win, 357 Mag, 358 Win, 9.3x62, 500 A Square
User avatar
Bill
Warrant Officer C1
Warrant Officer C1
 
Posts: 1253
New South Wales

Re: Shortening barrel length on Creedmoor

Post by TassieTiger » 22 Mar 2020, 9:57 am

The ppl who developed and shortened my 260 used a high speed camera, pointed at muzzle whilst shooting, to help identify powder burn completion...docking 1/2 inch then retesting.
Tikka .260 (Z5 5x25/52)
Steyr Pro Varmint .223 - VX 3
CZ455 .22 & Norinco .22 (vtex 4-12, bush 3-9)
ATA 686 U/O 12g & Baikal S/S 12g.
Adler a110 reddot
Sauer 30-06 - VX 3
Howa 300 win mag. SHV 5-20/56
Marlin SBL 45/70
TassieTiger
Colonel
Colonel
 
Posts: 3704
Tasmania

Re: Shortening barrel length on Creedmoor

Post by Ferrisweil » 22 Mar 2020, 2:42 pm

Hmm thanks fellas. I’m not worried about accuracy too much in terms of long distance. As long as its “safe” to do then I’m gonna give it a crack I think...
I’ve a few ideas what I’ll do with it once shorter
Ferrisweil
Lance Corporal
Lance Corporal
 
Posts: 207
Queensland

Re: Shortening barrel length on Creedmoor

Post by SCJ429 » 23 Mar 2020, 6:21 am

As far as accuracy goes a barrel just over 20 inches is optimal for short range. You will probably loose about 200 fps cutting your existing barrel to 16 inches. Here is a article where they chopped a barrel down inch by inch down to 16 inches.
https://rifleshooter.com/2016/02/6-5-cr ... creedmoor/
SCJ429
Lieutenant Colonel
Lieutenant Colonel
 
Posts: 3207
New South Wales


Back to top
 
Return to Centerfire rifles