How short a barrel for .243?

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Picher, if I could have an accurate bolt action (or even a single shot) 30-30 with a 18.5-20" barrel that weighed under 7 lbs. scoped and was under 40" overall, I would. Being able to swap ammo between it and my Winchester 94 would be awesome.

My 30-30 runs 160 FTX's about 100 fps. faster than my 7.62x39 bolt action. BUT, my 7.62x39 bolt action is extraordinarily accurate, to the point that I'm comfortable (and have) taking 100+ yard head shots on does, and 200+ yard shots in general. I just wish it had an extra 100-200 fps.

I suppose a short-barreled .308 would get me there too, but I'd only be sharing bullets and not the whole round. There is something to be said for that though. Having three rifles that all use the same bullets is helpful, especially when they are as accurate as the 160 FTX has proven to be for me.
 
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Picher, if I could have an accurate bolt action (or even a single shot) 30-30 with a 18.5-20" barrel that weighed under 7 lbs. scoped and was under 40" overall, I would. Being able to swap ammo between it and my Winchester 94 would be awesome.

My 30-30 runs 160 FTX's about 100 fps. faster than my 7.62x39 bolt action. BUT, my 7.62x39 bolt action is extraordinarily accurate, to the point that I'm comfortable (and have) taking 100+ yard head shots on does, and 200+ yard shots in general. I just wish it had an extra 100-200 fps.

I suppose a short-barreled .308 would get me there too, but I'd only be sharing bullets and not the whole round. There is something to be said for that though. Having three rifles that all use the same bullets is helpful, especially when they are as accurate as the 160 FTX has proven to be for me.

What you just described is a contender carbine, better yet in 30-30 ackley improved so you could shoot regular 30-30 ammo or fireform to get yet another 100 fps velocity (and spire point bullets)
 
I would think between the 7mm-08 or 308, if you went with a 20" bbl you would be happier with the end result. 20" is a fine balance of retaining velocity, light and handy, and would most likely be better balanced with a good bit less muzzle blast to deal with to boot.

You have a good load for your 7mm-08 as far as velocity/energy and with a 20" bbl you wouldnt lose enough to miss it as long as they shoot tight enough to suitcha after the cut/crown job. Sounds like its running real close with the 270win right now with 120gr @3,000fps. 20" should keep it real close to that although id still opt for the .308win.

Anything from 7.62x39/30-30win all the way to hot .308/mild 30-06 loads with a short and handy rifle just invites me in a little more. That and in a pinch you could find ammo on the shelf alot easier too.
 
What you just described is a contender carbine, better yet in 30-30 ackley improved so you could shoot regular 30-30 ammo or fireform to get yet another 100 fps velocity (and spire point bullets)
We do think alike. I was just perusing the T/C 30-30's ;) I don't understand why they are so heavy though.
 
I don't understand what is to be gained by lopping off 4" (22" down to 18") of barrel and you will likely destroy any resale value.
 
I don't understand what is to be gained by lopping off 4" (22" down to 18") of barrel and you will likely destroy any resale value.


You can cut 1" off of a rifle bbl and it change the feel and balance significantly. That weight as far away from the balance point as it is, has so much leverage that it doesnt take much to notice. 4" is huge as it pertains to wt/balance in your hands. Not to mention how much easier it is to get around with in and out of cars, hunting stands and woods etc.

There are alot of guns that i just wouldnt want to modify because of value but there are several that arent worth enough to worry about. Ultimately, its always up to the owner and its value to them but as far as what is to be gained by lopping 4" off, a HUGE change in feel. Huge.
 
You can cut 1" off of a rifle bbl and it change the feel and balance significantly. That weight as far away from the balance point as it is, has so much leverage that it doesnt take much to notice. 4" is huge as it pertains to wt/balance in your hands. Not to mention how much easier it is to get around with in and out of cars, hunting stands and woods etc.

There are alot of guns that i just wouldnt want to modify because of value but there are several that arent worth enough to worry about. Ultimately, its always up to the owner and its value to them but as far as what is to be gained by lopping 4" off, a HUGE change in feel. Huge.
Great reply.

It's mostly due to balance and not weight. My 7.62x39 Savage has a 20" barrel and although it's only 2 oz. less than my Savage 7mm-08, it handles completely different. I would have never guessed what a few inches of barrel length could to to affect the handling of a gun. But I think especially when you're getting into lighter hunting guns, it makes a real difference.
 
As an update, I just purchased a .308 barrel and I'm going to start there by lopping it off to 18.5" and loading it with the 160 FTX's that I use for my 7.62x39 and 30-30. Great hunting bullet and it's amazing how accurate a bullet that is. I get the best groups from those with my 30-30 and routinely create one big hole at 100 using those from my 7.62x39.
 
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