308 WIN barrel length shortening test | Blaser R8 barrel shortening in 2.5 cm steps | energy loss and bullet velocity

To the overview of all speed tests - 308 Win, 6.5 Creedmoore, 8.5x55 and 300 WSM

308 WIN barrel length shortening test: A cartridge ideal for short barrels | shortened Blaser R8 barrel lengths or V0 Determination of barrel shortening - simply calculate energy loss!

The Cartridge 308 Winchester is ideally suited for silencers - especially reloaders can optimise a lot of performance here

Silencer (SD) unfortunately lengthen the long gun and, in the case of higher silencer weightand the point of impact by changing the barrel oscillation. Some Overbarrel silencer are also only a compromise - although they create a More damper volume - However, the performance in the overbarrel area is very low in comparison.

The best effect is achieved with the right internal geometry and an ideal volume about the Total length of the silencer achieved. If you still want to keep the gun SHORT, this is only possible with a short barrel. The .308 Win calibre is ideal for this.

It is designed for short runs, has a Enormous power in relation to the size and as a rule (except for long runs) a Fast-burning powder (very High degree of powder conversion in gas of as good as 100%). One 30-06 with short barrel is not useful, as the progressive powder burns outside the barrel (or in the silencer).

Kinetic energy online calculator HERE Calculate flight curve yourself HERE

Conclusion for the reloader: In practice, this means that Shooting with 308 Win. from short barrels is possible without loss of performance possible. The use of coordinated labours with offensive burning NC powderWith the use of a special bullet, adapted bullet weight and powerful primers, short barrels between 460 and 510 mm are possible without any problems.

The following equipment was selected for the 308 Winchester Test with speed measurements used

Series of pictures from the speed test in our Pistol shooting range

Table Overview of the results of the barrel shortening - and measured V0 bullet velocities

 

Barrel length in " | cm ⇒ V0 at 308 Win	SAX MJG 120.5 grs - m/s	EVO Green 139 grs - m/s	GECO Express 165 grs - m/s	Hornady ELD-X 178 grs - m/s
22 | 56,00	941	879	791	781
21 | 53,50	949	880	795	785
20 | 51,00	936	872	782	771
19 | 48,50	927	859	775	766
18 | 46,00	918	851	753	759
Averaged, mean V0 loss m/s per 2.5 cm barrel shortening	V0 became faster, then slowed down	V0 became faster, then slowed down	V0 became faster, then slowed down	V0 became faster, then slowed down

Graphic: Overview of barrel shortenings - and measured V0 bullet velocities

308 Winchester details incl. graphics calculated according to energy loss and bullet drop at various barrel lengths (Hornady Ballistic Calculator) and distances

Overview FBT silencers in the shop