Older Rem 700 PSS chop to 16"?

[ASH556]

Hey guys, I'm wanting a 16" .308 bold gun to use as a suppressor host for deer hunting in Georgia. Additionally, I wish to bang steel out to 600 our so on occasion. I've had 3 different custom 700 builds in .308 over the years, but the shortest so far has been 20" (an LTR with some work done). I've read about as much as I can find, but don't feel like I still have a solid answer. Lots of guys in the sniper forums talk about 18", but I think they're probably playing a different game than I am, trying to get to 1,000, etc.

I just picked up an older 700 PSS and it still has the factory 26" barrel. I was considering chopping it to 16" to get what I want. Any thoughts, experience, feedback?

[Auto-X Fil]

I have run 308s from 16 to 24". For 600yd, 16" is just fine. Drop gets nasty, but you are over Mach 1.2 and accuracy should be great. You can push 168SMKs around 2450fps with a mild load, and get 2550 with certain powders and pushing things a bit. For suppressor use I suggest a faster powder (IMR3031, Benchmark, 8208XBR, Reloder 10x, TAC) in order to keep powder from burning in the can itself.

As far as cutting down a barrel... You're looking at a decent bit of money to have someone pull the barrel, cut it, crown it, thread it, and reinstall it. Probably $250.

You can get a match-grade barrel like an X-Caliber in whatever contour and twist you want for $280. Then it's just a standard re-barreling, probably $120 or so.

Spend $250 and get mediocre accuracy, or spend $400 and get awesome accuracy. Hmmm...

[VooDoo6Actual]

You will happy w/ 18". I would not do a 16".

[krm375]

http://sniperschool.com/media-3/

GPS defense has a package that they recommend cutting to 18 inches, and they take those 18 inch guns out to some pretty impressive distances.

[misfit47]

Accurate ordnance does a chop and thread for a c note. If you want a great woods and deer gun, check out the mossberg mvp patrol 308.