308 barrel length

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308 barrel length

Post by KennyA » 18 Jul 2016, 6:54 am

Hi, I'm thinking about buying a new 308 for target shooting. Our local range is only 100 meter so I will mainly shoot this distance. Maybe in the future I'll look at other ranges that offer say up to 500 meters.

I'm looking at the Howa 1500 options in a varmint barrel profile. They offer both a 20" and 24" barrels.

The 20" barrel has the option of a threaded barrel. I'm keen on using a muzzle brake on this rifle.

20" with threaded barrel
24" no tread

Question: will I be disadvantaged by using a 20" barrel
If I go with the 24" then what would it cost to have the barrel threaded

Thanks in advance.
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Re: 308 barrel length

Post by Milsurp98 » 18 Jul 2016, 7:31 am

1-500 meters the 20" will not be over handicapped.
Over 500 you might feel a little short on velocity. The 20" will handle longer ranges, will just have to allow extra elevation for drop.
If you want to shoot 1000+ in the future, buy another heavier rifle with a longer barrel like 30"
Not a great difference from 20-24" , but a huge difference in 20-30"
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Re: 308 barrel length

Post by AusTac » 18 Jul 2016, 7:48 am

Howa's are a great rifle for the $$$ you might find you'll loose a tiny bit of velocity without those 4 inches at longer ranges but a shorter stiffer barrel will be better for shorter distances.

But i don't think theres much in it
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Re: 308 barrel length

Post by Gwion » 18 Jul 2016, 10:49 am

Either will be fine at the distance you want to shoot. As mentioned, you will lose some velocity with a shorter barrel and will have more drop to allow for over longer distances. No big deal when shooting targets. I'd tip that if you decide to start shooting further you will be looking at another rifle for comps; this will probably have a 30" barrel.
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Re: 308 barrel length

Post by OODAH » 18 Jul 2016, 10:50 am

I was at the range shooting 800 yards with a 30" barrel and that was a purpose built target rifle, but there was a young fella there with a Howa 1500 in a XLR evo stock and 24" barrel and he was doing real good with Winchester super X ammo and no muzzle break.
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Re: 308 barrel length

Post by happyhunter » 19 Jul 2016, 9:40 am

You need a 30" to 36" barrel to get complete combustion of the powder but that length is impractical so we compromise with shorter barrels, hence the muzzle flash. I'd go the 24" barrel unless you plan on hunting in thick forest or shooting from a vehicle as there is bugger all difference in velocity between the 20" and 24" barrels.
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Re: 308 barrel length

Post by KennyA » 19 Jul 2016, 6:16 pm

Thanks for all the replies. I just picked up a good deal and a Howa 24" fluted barrel with a Boyd tactical stock.
I'm sure that I'll have a ball with it.
Cheers
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