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Test: barrel shortening | short barrel | various calibres (308 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, 8.5×55 Blaser, 300 WSM) barrel shortening in 2.5 cm steps | energy loss and bullet velocity
Barrel shortening test | Short barrels and bullet velocities | Different calibres - what is ideal for short barrels? Barrel shortening and energy change - test study in the FBT shooting cellar
The topic Run shortening resp. Short gun barrels at the latest since the spread of Silencers on everyone's lips. There are many different opinions on calibres, barrel lengths and the resulting calibre performance.
One Founded base is missing in most discussions, so we at FBT decided to give it a try.
We have focussed on standard range on the market from Ammunition served to achieve results with Practical relevance to receive.
Our Running lengths / speed Test series we carried out in our in-house shooting range. As a basis, we opted for the Weapon system Blaser R8 decided, as the R8 Interchangeable barrels all calibres could be covered.
The Run shortening were very simply created using Saw or cutting disc and the muzzle lowered in each case. The precision was successfully tested at the final length (46 cm) after fitting a muzzle thread.
ALL test results | 4 calibre groups test setup | 308 Win, 8.5×55 Blaser, 300 WSM, 6.5 Creedmoor | in the barrel length test with different ammunition makes
The FBT best list - our recommendation for rifle calibres
Not only Extremely effective on Long distances but also extremely comfortable to shoot. Due to the small bullet diameter of 6.5 mm and the very long bullets result in a calibre with good energy retention and high penetration at long ranges.
The sleeve shape itself and the Powder tuning of most ammunition manufacturers make them a suitable short-running calibre.
The Standard calibre of today - what used to be covered by 7×64 is now fulfilled by the 308 Win.
And for good reason Reason: Perfect suitability for silencers by corresponding quantities of gas, Sufficient power reserves for most game species and a wide range of different manufacturers.
If the shooting distances are max. 300 m, it is the logical choice.
The latest calibres in our selection is characterised by the Excellent instantaneous effect at distances of up to 300 metres.
Hardly any other calibre delivers a comparable effect at these distances. Availability is hardly a problem worldwide thanks to the namesake and developer Blaser.
Here, too, we immediately realised how big the Potential as a short-running calibre is. On paper, it is close on the heels of the 300 WSM, but in practice it loses penetration at +300 m, 8.5 mm is more than 7.62 mm and so it is not as good as the 300 WSM. Advantage at short distances to a slight disadvantage if it is wider.
Who Magnum performance for long distances in conjunction with a short run will find what they are looking for in the 300 WSM. The striking High inherent precision of the calibre is known anyway, but hardly anyone knows how well it also works from barrels under 50cm.
With appropriate loads (e.g. ELD-X, Hornady Precision Hunter) it still delivers more than 2000 joules at 500 m from the 46 cm barrel. Overall, it should be noted that experience has shown that the momentary effect at distances under 300 metres is worse than that of a 308 Win.
So when choosing the calibre, you should consider how long the actual main distances are!
Data detail E500 of different barrel lengths and calibres
Many things can now be visualised from the data. Here is an interesting presentation of data in a 500 m comparison. Bullet diameter and BC values play a major role in further shots.
Perhaps you would also like to shorten your existing barrel - with thread?
Our gunsmith will be happy to look after your gun and advise you on all matters!
