Mtnhunter1
Well-known member
Reloading for shortened barrel length…..
Thumb through any reloading manual or while viewing online and the test barrels are usually listed at 24” or 26”. There are many shooters that have shortened their barrels and there are manufacturers now offering shorter barrel options.
Shortening a barrel usually will result in lower velocities compared to published loads. Is the velocity loss acceptable? Have shooters reduced their bullet weights to make up for the velocity loss? How is the accuracy out of the shorter barrel?
With the current trend in shortening rifle barrels, what are the loads that have turned out to be keepers?
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6.5 PRC Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT 20” barrel:
Lapua brass, Rem 9 ½ LRM primer, PP-4000MR, 127gr Barnes LRX.
C.O.A.L.: 2.865” or .060” off of the lands.
Hit pressure at 54.0grs and backed down to 52.75grs for accuracy.
Sub MOA, with average 100yd groups at .786”.
20” barrel velocity averaged 2,941.53 FPS using a Garmin.
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6.5 PRC Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT 20” barrel:
Lapua brass, Rem 9 ½ LRM primer, VV N565, 150gr Nosler ABLR.
C.O.A.L.: 2.885” or .045” off of the lands.
Hit pressure at 57.0grs and backed down to 55.75grs for accuracy.
Sub ½ MOA, with the average 100yd groups at .405”.
20” barrel velocity averaged 2,703.4 FPS using a Garmin.
Same rifle, 20” barrel, Factory Ammo: Hornady PH 143gr ELDX, 2,871.95 FPS and 1 ½” group size.
All velocities are with a thread protector, no brake or suppressor installed.
As always, every rifle is unique, so work up the load for your rifle accordingly.
Thumb through any reloading manual or while viewing online and the test barrels are usually listed at 24” or 26”. There are many shooters that have shortened their barrels and there are manufacturers now offering shorter barrel options.
Shortening a barrel usually will result in lower velocities compared to published loads. Is the velocity loss acceptable? Have shooters reduced their bullet weights to make up for the velocity loss? How is the accuracy out of the shorter barrel?
With the current trend in shortening rifle barrels, what are the loads that have turned out to be keepers?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6.5 PRC Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT 20” barrel:
Lapua brass, Rem 9 ½ LRM primer, PP-4000MR, 127gr Barnes LRX.
C.O.A.L.: 2.865” or .060” off of the lands.
Hit pressure at 54.0grs and backed down to 52.75grs for accuracy.
Sub MOA, with average 100yd groups at .786”.
20” barrel velocity averaged 2,941.53 FPS using a Garmin.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6.5 PRC Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT 20” barrel:
Lapua brass, Rem 9 ½ LRM primer, VV N565, 150gr Nosler ABLR.
C.O.A.L.: 2.885” or .045” off of the lands.
Hit pressure at 57.0grs and backed down to 55.75grs for accuracy.
Sub ½ MOA, with the average 100yd groups at .405”.
20” barrel velocity averaged 2,703.4 FPS using a Garmin.
Same rifle, 20” barrel, Factory Ammo: Hornady PH 143gr ELDX, 2,871.95 FPS and 1 ½” group size.
All velocities are with a thread protector, no brake or suppressor installed.
As always, every rifle is unique, so work up the load for your rifle accordingly.
