8.5×55 Blaser cartridge 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

8.5×55 Blaser cartridge 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 8.5×55 Blaser is ideal for short runs - 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 correct internal geometry 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 8.5×55 Blaser 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: In practice, this means that Shooting an 8.5×55 Blaser from short barrels is possible with very little loss of power. possible. The use of coordinated labours with offensive burning NC powderWith the right bullet weight and powerful primers, short barrels between 460 and 510 mm are extremely effective. The factory ammunition tested also performed very well. It is particularly interesting that the shortening even resulted in an increase in performance.

The following equipment was selected for the 8.5×55 Blaser Cartridge test with speed measurements used

Picture series of the speed test with 8.5×55 cartridges in our Indoor shooting range

Table Overview of barrel shortening results - and measured 8.5×55 Blaser V0 bullet velocities

Barrel length in " | cm ⇒ V0 at 8.5×55	SAX KJG 138.9 grs - m/s	NOSLER Accubond 180 grs - m/s	NORMA Soft Point 210 grs - m/s
22 | 56,00	1024	868	817
21 | 53,50	1035	878	816
20 | 51,00	1027	883	810
19 | 48,50	1011	851	802
18 | 46,00	1001	829	790
Averaged, mean V0 loss m/s per 2.5 cm barrel shortening	V0 became faster, then slowed down slightly	V0 became faster, then slowed down slightly	V0 degraded slightly

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

8.5×55 Blaser cartridges / 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