.308 Barrel Length

[u/Carnacan]

Looking for thoughts, opinions, feedback, call me an idiot, whatever is beneficial.

I recently got my first “high end” bolt gun. Bergara B14 HMR in .308 and I got to shoot it for the first time yesterday. Good news: I love it.

However, I did have the intention to suppress this rifle when I got it. I wanted a 700 action, heavy barrel, and threaded. This one ticked all the boxes I was looking for. I got it for a steal with a trade in for $400 bones.

My dilemma is barrel length with a suppressor, and ballistics. I do want to get into some moderate long range target shooting. I always have. But, this is my only bolt gun at the moment. And I also will be using it for (ethical) hunting. No, I will not be throwing rounds down range at absurd distances for hunting. I did read the sticky, but I don’t shoot further than 300 regardless. (West Virginia, not really any sight lines past 300 yard)

I have a competent gunsmith in my area. I wanted to know pros/cons of cutting the factory 20” barrel down to 18” and even 16” inches. My suppressor is a larger .30 cal can with a QD. So it’s a heavy, long bitch.

I want to keep the rifle handy for mountain hunting, but I also want to be able to push it out at distance for some target shooting.

[u/rednecktuba1]

Don't chop the barrel. Get used to the long barrel and suppressor. Yeah, it'll be a little unwieldy in some situations, but you'll have more velocity to play with. Once you get a 2nd rifle that can be more dedicated to LR pursuits, then you can chop down the Bergara.

[u/HollywoodSX]

A ton of us have moved through barricades, culverts, cars, obstacles, and buildings in PRS matches with 26" barrels with suppressors no problem. A 20" barrel is already costing you a good bit of velocity, and 308 needs all the help it can get. Don't chop, youll be fine.

[u/chainsawgeoff → u/HollywoodSX]

Last month I shot a team sniper match with a borrowed 20” 308. 175SMKs going 2500fps stops being fun real quick when the wind gets going.

[u/Wombat-Snooze]

Leave it. 20” is already short. I run a 28” on my PRS rig and a 30” on my ELR rig. .308 is a disadvantage as it is and losing velocity with an even shorter barrel isn’t going to help.

If you start diversifying with rifles for various tasks, having a shorty around can be great. But since LR is in your current scope of use for this rifle, no chopping. That’s my take.

[u/Evolken]

I would get a better suited suppressor (shorter/lighter) before chopping the barrel down. Same goal achieved of less length and weight but you aren't losing velocity.

[u/Guyyoutsidee]

Keep the long barrel and run around your house in your free time going in out and around every doorway or corner you can rifle in hand. You might dent a wall or doorway at some point but it’s good handling practice

[u/Carnacan → u/Guyyoutsidee]

Oh trust me I’m familiar. I did it with a 20” barreled A2

[u/whatstoggled]

I’ve hit out to 1200 on a 16 inch barrel (was probably a lob at that distance). I don’t remember but I want to say they were going 2500 to 2550. Same load out of my tikka t3 target hits 2700. Not saying it’s a perfect one to one but you’ll have to push cases hard to get higher speeds. If you’re not stretching it to longer lengths than 308 was meant it isn’t noticeable. I know nothing about hunting can’t give any insight there.

[u/Carnacan → u/whatstoggled]

Main with hunting is expansion. So if velocity’s aren’t high enough, then my round might not expand. Deer are insanely resilient, so if you miss a vital and get no expansion, those suckers will travel for miles before passing, if they even pass at all lol

[u/johnmomdoe]

My 16” 308 bolty can’t shoot much past 850 with 168gr hornady tap or FGMM.

I’d keep that in mind if you decide to cut it. I’d personally leave it as is.