My 11 yr old son hunts with a 16” shooting 125 SSTs from Chad. You’ve seen that gun hit your 700 yard plate and we all giggled. I have a 10.5” for Justin, just in case. It shoots totally different ammo.

10" Brux 1-8 twist, unused piece of my bolt gun blank. Fantastic shooter.

Mine is 16” because it’s a rifle, and I don’t have a can so I only shoot super. I like how it’s done on deer so far for this admitted recoil wuss.

No dog in this hunt but what are you primarily building it for? 4 or 2 legged animals?

I suk at everything but why would you shoot stuff and not own a chronograph. You can get one very inexpensively and they provide invaluable information for the shooter.

Gonna make a short one for subs. It will probably only shoot coons and coyotes while bow hunting.

I don't know know where the chronograph discussion came in, but I own two. An old Caldwell optical and a Magneto Speed. I almost never use them. Been trying to find a Lab Radar with no luck.

Labradar has the Lite (not compatible with mobile app) version available. Limited quantities.

Chronograph was for anybody. I know you got yours.

sounds like a cool project. looking forward to seeing it.

JG - without providing "intended use" and type of firearm platform (assuming AR15) makes it a bit of a blind question. I have a few 300BO's and here is my take.

Short Barrel (8" - 12.5") - Primary use Home Defense or Truck Gun
> 10.5" because there is a significant increase in velocity from 8" to 10" with minimal length increase.

Mid Length (12.5" - 16") - Primary use General Purpose or Hunting
> 16" because you can travel across state lines and not SBR stamp. Also, allows for a 15" hand guard (front rail) which is great length to have for resting rifle on bag, window seal of hunting blind, or shooting free-hand.

Long Barrel (18" - 24")
> 18" - 20" is great for bolt gun. Higher velocities than AR15 and most likely able to load bullet longer so can add a little more powder. My 18" bolt rifle shoots 125gr bullets at 2400fps.

All of the above is based on my experience and preference. You can hunt with 8" shorty, but there is not enough forearm to comfortably rest the rifle while taking a shot.

If you plan to use a suppressor then you may want to consider shorter barrel lengths. I don't have any issue with 18" barrel with suppressor (24" total), but if it is a stalking/walking field rifle maybe 16" with suppressor.

Subs are fun, but you should consider it effective to 100 yard gun with a larger margin of error than a supersonic load. Honestly, a 22LR is better option for dispatching raccoons stealing your corm while you are bow hunting.

^^I know all of that.

Trust me, I have plenty of options of rifles to hunt with. And am well prepared for whatever type hunt I go on. Just like a toolbox full of wrenches. Grab the correct wrench for the job.

I just want one firearm dedicated to subs. And I want to learn about the .300 Black Out. I have never loaded for it.

Never know when someone might call wanting some help with theirs.