.308 in short barrels??

[oldcrusty72]

Hi guys,

was wondering if anyone has any muzzel velocity stats for short barreled .308's. I'm using a 11" barreled Fal at the moment, but am going back to one about 16". I know i'm loosing a heap of muzzel velocity because of the barrel lenght, but can anyone tell me how much??

I'm currently using a mix of L2A2 and M118 if this helps, not by choice but by availability

Thanks,

Tim

[Don Robison]

You're losing around 100-150 fps. Typically .308 loses about 20-25 fps per inch being taken away. It doesn't seem like much until you compare it to a 20" barrel then you're losing 225 fps.

[TOrrock]

Fortier wrote an article on the OSW and he chronoe'd some rounds; I have it at home, and I'll check tonight.

Basically, from what I can recall, you're getting AK-47 M43 velocities (2200-2300 fps), just with a heavier projectile.

[Gargoyle]

SHORT BARREL 308 RESULTS:

Rifle: DSA Para FAL 18"
AMMO: Wolf Gold 150gr PSP and Port NATO BF-79
MV (10shots): 2640 FPS for both types
Temp: 80 F.
Alt: 750ft ASL
Baro: 29.96

Rifle: Browning A-Bolt 20"
AMMO: Wolf Gold 308 150gr PSP
MV (10 shots): 2675 FPS
Temp: 80 F.
Alt: 750ft ASL
Baro: 29.96

COMPARISON:

Rifle: SA M1A STD Walnut 22"
AMMO: Wolf Gold 150gr PSP
MV (10 shots): 2750 FPS
Temp: 80 F.
Alt: 750ft ASL
Baro: 29.96

Rifle: SA M1A STD Walnut 22"
AMMO: Portuguese NATO BF-79
MV (10 shots): 2820 FPS
Temp: 95 F.
Alt: 750ft ASL
Baro: 29.96

I'd say 25 fps per inch difference in barrel length is a very good estimate.

[oldcrusty72]

Guys thanks very much for the info, The diference is even noticable in acuracy from my 11" OSW to the now 16" rifle i'm using now over 25m. Even though the 16" was cut down with a Pipe cutter and rethreaded for the flash suppressor. just a few more inch's helps heaps. Well thats what my wife says anyhow...:rolleyes:

Thanks again, Tim