Shilen .260 question

[czgunner]

So, I've got a Shilen barrel in .260.
I bought it from Midway.
I've notice the trend to go to shorter barrels in .308.
Does the .260 NEED the 26" barrel?
I wouldn't mind dropping a few pounds off this thing.
Thanks!

[pdog06]

Compared to what it shoots like now you will probably have a little less velocity and more bullet drop at longer ranges, but it still should shoot ok for you.

How short you wanting to go?

[czgunner]

What I'm trying to do is cut some weight. This thing is a tank!
I have asked around about fluting, but people have told me that it will ruin the barrel.

[jpdown]

If you are using it for a target barrel, then keep it at 26" for maxiumum performance. Plenty of 20" barrels on 260 Remington compact or mountain rifles like the Model 7. If it is for hunting and packing around, then cut it down to 20" to 22" in my opinion. I just put a 22" Sin Arms 260 barrel #1 contour on Savage LA. Shoots like a dream and hopefully will find out what it will do this weekend on deer.

[WiFowler]

Is the barrel in question a Varmint contour? What about leaving the length and turning it down to a #3 or #4 contour? Not sure what issues there would be re-contouring.

[loaders_loft]

I'm struggling with the same thing, on a tactical match custom build with a heavy #10mtu, mounted into an A3-5 adjustable stock. I know its going to be heavy, but I want it balanced well. This is a match rifle, not a hunting rifle, but these practical/tactical matches have the full spectrum of positions and various target engagements.

All the reloading manuals call for a 24" barrel. Why then, do guys shoot a 26"?? I'm concerned about rifle balance, and being muzzle heavy.

Let me know what you find out. I have a similar thread started on another forum (LRH.com)

[Afy]

There is a school of thought that says that 21 3/4 inches is the optimal length for a barrel. In so far as accuracy goes. That being said, my .260 barrels are 28 inches.

The .260 does not need a 26 inch barrel, however it does offer better velocities.

[jpdown]

Fred at SSS put together a list of optimum barrel lengths for the various calibers they offer. Optimum length for the 260 Remington is 24" based on the copy I saved. I believe there is a link to the list on this site, but I can't find it.

[BrentWin]

You might consider chopping it off a few inches and while its in the shop, having it AI'd. That way you could pick up some of the velocity that you lost from shortening the barrel. Just a thought.

[northlander]

Before you cut off any of the length, weigh the barrel. Now divide the barrel weight by 26 (26"). Now you can roughly see what benefits you will see from shortening it XX" will buy you. This is not exact as barrels do taper from the 1.060" chamber end to the .800" muzzle end but it will give you a ballpark number. I am sure if you want to really get techinical you could compute it exactly.

Jim Briggs
NSS

[loaders_loft]

What I'm trying to do is cut some weight. This thing is a tank!
I have asked around about fluting, but people have told me that it will ruin the barrel.

What you should do is keep that gun for the range and buy another for toting around!