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Barrel Length, worth it to cut it down?
Hi everyone, I have a T3 in .270wsm that has a barrel just over a 24″.
My question is would it be worth it to cut the barrel down to 16″-18″ or better to just get another rifle? I have a couple other brands in that barrel length and for the type of hunting I usually do they work great being small and compact.
Would the speed and accuracy be massively effected?
Wouldn't really ever be taking shots longer than 200-300yds
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10 Replies
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My best guess… is you would lose about 35-40fps for every inch…that would translate to a difference of 2-3″ lower POI drop @ 300 shooting the same 130 bullet compared to your 24″ barrel.
3 charts attached show velocity changes / drop from a 24″ barrel, 18″ and 16″barrel chop…provided your current 24″ barrel can shoot Hornady SST 130gr bullets at factory test speeds of 3200fps…
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Thanks so much Dog, those charts are really good. I have been using 130gr Federal Powershok soft points they are sposed to be doing 3250.
How do you think recoil would be with a shorter barrel, the WSM isn't the gentlest shooting rifle.
Now I have to find someone who does quality gunsmithing here in Hawaii.
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I would install a brake if you are chopping the barrel…it will help a lot and with the recoil but mostly the barrel jump during recoil.
If you are putting this much effort into the gun I highly recommend this muzzle break. There is nothing like it available anywhere that actually performs…
http://www.gunsmith.co.nz/muzzlebrakes.html#quatromax
Its a radial brake design so its easy to install and remove, does not need the indexing like side ported brakes after its fitted to your rifle. And it will increase the guns, or “your” shooting accuracy. Just order it in the thread you want. I think mine is installed with a 9/16-24 thread (its on a sporter barrel) but you should be able to get away with a 5/8-24, but check with your gunsmith when you review the barrel chop.Don't think about the price…you will not be disappointed…it out performs any muzzle brake I have tried on my 300wsm…honestly my 300 kicks like a 223…I'm not lying or exaggerating when I say this. Guys at the range cannot believe it…this brake + LimbSaver butt pad as literally taken away 75% of the original recoil. Its my favourite gun to shoot and its my go to hunting rifle for everything. My 308 CTR with a Vais brake kicks wayyyyy more!
I hope you continue with the build, I think a short 270wsm muzzle braked would be an awesome bush gun and highly accurate with the shorter barrel. Keep us up to date and shoot me a PM anytime if you have questions.
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Thats a good looking brake, not too bad given the USA currency exchange. My main issue is finding someone locally who can do the work. I might have to possibly wait to do any mods until I am on the mainland cause shipping can be killer to Hawaii on larger items.
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Don't take this the wrong way, but what's the point in having a magnum cut down under 20 inches. You will get very heavy recoil and a good proportion of you powder will be burning after it leaves the barrel. A brake will solve the recoil issue, but not the flash and wasted powder. A .308 or 7mm-08 would be a much better option for a short barreled rifle.
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The “short” magnum case design won't give you the same powder burn issues as a long action, nothing you can't overcome. And a 270wsm with a short 16″-18″ barrel will still outshine any 308 or 7mm-08 pushing similar weight bullets.
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Please install a brake befor you cut the barrel length. I hate taking a barrel down for velocity adjustment
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Eric, I am trying to gain more maneuverability while hunting in thick forest so I am debating cutting the barrel for that reason. I need a short barreled rifle and am seeing if this would be a good route to go
My reason is being a magnum the loss of speed wouldn't be as significant as say a 270win,308 or 30-06 if I was doing the same thing.
Thanks everyone for the input, I really appreciate it
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Yes, a magnum with a short barrel will out perform a .308 or a 7mm-08, but what's the point? You will still be wasting a whole load of powder and getting a big blast and flash. If it's for close range work the velocity is of little concern. Far too many people get wrapped up with getting the highest velocity they can. A .308 with an 18″ barrel would be far more efficient and your choice of bullets better too. Have a look at some NZ websites like fishing and hunting, as they are really into shortened, moderated .308s,which they call bushpigs.
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My main reason is not to have a shortened magnum its because its the only rifle I have and I don't think I can afford a new one. If I saved for a while a .308 could work better but Im just trying to work with what I got. I would still be shooting out to 200-300yds.
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