Cutting Down 12FV .223

[jtpistolero]

How much velocity would I be losing if I was to cut down my 12FV down to 22". Most of my shooting is done at less than 400 yards so I am not sure that I would be losing much. Would this be a stupid idea in general?

[hotbrass]

Does it really need to be 22"?

How long is it now?

[jtpistolero]

It doesn't have to be 22". Right now it's 26" and a bit hard to handle.

[hotbrass]

If twist is greater than 1:9 you will benefit from the extra length. If you are just shooting 55gr or less bullets, then you probably dont need the extra 4 inches.

[sinman]

It's pretty common to do and you would loose roughly 150fps maybe a tad more

[1Shot]

...Make it 20" & you'll have a good balance...Wifey handles her LE-1 .308 like a champ..

[ctrout]

I just had Sinman cut mine down to 21.75" and I couldn't be happier. I too was concerned about the velocity loss so I had him Ackley the chamber while he was at it. I haven't done any Ackley load testing yet. I've only had it back for three weeks or so and have been busy with duck and deer openers so it may be a while before I can check velocities but I don't think I'll see a loss. The barrel will drive finishing nails at 100 yards with the fire forming loads too. Have exactly the work done that I did by Sinman and I'm sure that you will be thrilled with the results.

[Appleseed]

I had a 12fv 243 cut to 22" and it was an accurate barrel, sold it to a member here that found the same, ah another barrel that should have stayed in the safe. Sinman made me a 20" .223 that is showing to be a shooter with some great groups, am working up loads now with 55 gr and have some 75 gr to load soon for deer season. It is a quick pointing handy rifle.