Short barrel muzzle blast?

[greg788]

I'm looking at the Ruger M77RSI International for my next rifle, probably in .243. Question: in your experience, how much worse is the muzzle blast out of a shorter barrel than a standard 22-24" length?

The M77RSI has an 18" barrel and I've read conflicting stories about how bad the muzzle blast is out of a short barrel. I plan on doing a lot of range shooting and will probably start reloading finally as well.

Related question: will the *potential* accuracy be good out of this rifle? I've also read conflicting stories about the accuracy of Ruger M77 Mk2 in general. Accuracy is high on my "needs" list but I've always loved the Ruger Internationals.

 

[Shawnee]

Hi Greg...

I've owned the 77RSI in .243 and .308, plus the #1 RSI in .243.

I have no numeric decibel figures to quote so my description is subjective.

Neither of my .243s was bothersome and I used just the basic Pelter headphones without adding earplugs. I hunted with both .243s (without ear protection) and the report did not bother me.


The 77RSI in .308 was a MUCH different story. It was LOUD - in my opinion - way out of proportion to a .308 from a rifle length barrel. I tried to like it but putting up with that blast was just so ignorant, I sold it after only a few weeks. Even not counting the velocity loss (from the short barrel) that seriously diminishes the .308's performance - it is simply pointless to accept a muzzle blast that can curdle kerosene.

Both of the .243s would shoot MOA or very close to it as long as I was paying attention to my riflery.

I just bought another .243 carbine - a Remington Model Seven. I haven't tried to shoot any serious groups with it yet but I have sighted it in. The noise from it is not at all troublesome.

HTH,

 

[lipadj46]

Well it depends on a few things like the caliber, powder charge and length of the barrel, but in general yes shorter barrels will yield more blast because the powder has less time to burn in the barrel. Some things like muzzle brakes, sound suppressors, and flash suppressors can help a good deal.

I don't have any specific experience with the M77 but since there is no attenuator of any kind at the muzzle end you will probably get a fair bit of blast out of the business end even with the .243 (though the .243 may be small enough not to be as bad as say a .308). Accuracy wise, as with all rifles, the shorter barreled rifle will always have less velocity and range (and therefore less accuracy at long ranges) and more times than not will have worse accuracy due to the muzzle blast and lower weight.

 

[Art Eatman]

My .243 carbine has a 19" barrel. While it's loud, it hasn't really bothered me. One notable thing is that when coyote hunting at night, the muzzle flash is truly impressive!