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.300 win mag barrel length recommendation #5653538 03/16/15 05:42 PM
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Getting ready to place my custom order for a .300 win mag. I can't decide between a 24 or 26 inch barrel. It will wear a muzzle break as well, so that has me leaning towards the 24 inch. I feel I'll likely use the break most of the time since I am not that big of a guy (5'10", 160lbs) and the recoil is going to be a step up from my current rifle. If memory serves me correctly I believe I read somewhere that every inch shorter decreases velocity by about 20-25 fps (don't quote me on that). I am okay with sacrificing the speed if the shorter barrel makes it a little easier to maneuver around in the forest/mtns etc. This rifle will mainly be for hunting purposes, though the possibility of long range target shooting is likely as well.

What are your thoughts? Thanks

Re: .300 win mag barrel length recommendation [Re: Theringworm] #5653650 03/16/15 06:54 PM
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Not a recommendation but an interjection of personal preference.

I'd go 26" because I am a sucker for long barrel. My 308 is 26" long. i totally recognize it's not "necessary," but neither are many things about not necessary about my rifle. Also, I would find it hard to believe lugging around a 24" barrel is noticeable better than lugging around a 26" barrel.

Out of pure curiosity, What style of rifle is this going to be?


I'm a dude who likes long barrels!
Re: .300 win mag barrel length recommendation [Re: Theringworm] #5653687 03/16/15 07:22 PM
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Shorter barrel will be more noticeable. I would go as short as you can and still get good powder burn.

Re: .300 win mag barrel length recommendation [Re: Theringworm] #5653772 03/16/15 08:18 PM
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What I meant by "maneuvering around in the forest/mtns" was aimed at the issue at hand; the length of the rifle and it getting caught up on limbs, brush, etc. I am not too worried about the weight. Korean Redneck, if I understand your question regarding "style" it will be based a classic synthetic style stock, bolt action, fluted barrel. Main intention is mid weight hunting rig that can reach out and touch someone if I need it too. I.e. My aoudad hunt coming up this fall with Mulie Mike grin

Re: .300 win mag barrel length recommendation [Re: Theringworm] #5654101 03/17/15 12:23 AM
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If I'm building a 7 Rem Mag or 300 Win Mag I am going to spec a 26" barrel so all that Retumbo or H-1000 gets burned and lets the magnum be a magnum.

Not 100% sure but the 20-25 fps rule of thumb does apply to short actions. It may be more significant in the 7 and the 300, due to the slow burning powder they use.

On the other hand, the shorter the barrel, the stiffer the barrel. The shorter the barrel the more velocity loss, but it will be less picky on "the" powder charge for a given bullet.

I know, I'm no help at all.


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Re: .300 win mag barrel length recommendation [Re: Theringworm] #5654159 03/17/15 01:04 AM
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No, you guys know way more than me and are a great deal of help. I greatly appreciate the input. Dumb question, a 26 in barrel wearing a muzzle break is now like 28 inches in total length, correct?

Re: .300 win mag barrel length recommendation [Re: J.G.] #5654160 03/17/15 01:05 AM
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Originally Posted By: FiremanJG
If I'm building a 7 Rem Mag or 300 Win Mag I am going to spec a 26" barrel so all that Retumbo or H-1000 gets burned and lets the magnum be a magnum.

Not 100% sure but the 20-25 fps rule of thumb does apply to short actions. It may be more significant in the 7 and the 300, due to the slow burning powder they use.

On the other hand, the shorter the barrel, the stiffer the barrel. The shorter the barrel the more velocity loss, but it will be less picky on "the" powder charge for a given bullet.

I know, I'm no help at all.


That's why barrel tuners like the Winchester/Browning BOSS system should be much more common. Instead of going through an elaborate, time-consuming and expensive load development regimen, you tune your barrel to the load instead of the other way around.

It makes more sense and saves you money. Another bonus is that you can tune up for a common factory load and have settings recorded in case you lose your reloads on a hunting trip and have to buy factory stuff.

There are a number of ways to make tuners that are not covered by the Winchester/Browning patent. Take a look at .22lr match guns and you'll see a variety of systems. - What it basically involves is a movable weight near or at the end of the barrel that has markings for repeatable settings, which will change the barrel harmonics to suit your load.

It doesn't have to be real big, heavy or tacky-looking, but it can.

The simplest tuner is a rubber do-dad that you slide up or down the barrel to find the sweet spot, and friction holds it in place. It's pretty tacky but it works.

Last edited by charlesb; 03/17/15 01:10 AM.

Kind regards, charlesb


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