barrel length for new build

[MaddHatter]

I am going to use a axis rifle in 223 as the parent chassis for my 7x33 sako build what I need help determining is do I use a 22 inch 24 inch or 26 inch tube with this small cartridge ans what barrel contour will best suit me either a #2 or a #4?? I plan on hunting with it...... so whats your opinion???? Rusty

[Robinhood]

Have you considered the difficulty you may have with extraction and ejection? If I am not mistaken that round was designed for use in a horter action similar in size to the Howa designed for 223 and 7.62. you will need a custom bolt head.

Sometimes it is the journey and I can relate as just recently I tried to help a guy do the go down a bad wabbithole. My recent post on this was named the 6mm Hagler. I think that project may have been more doable from a practical standpoint. In the end there are better options like a 6.8 sps (or 7mm-6.8 spc?)
Good Luck

[MaddHatter]

I am making 7x33 sako cases out of 350 legend cases and the rim is .223 all the way so no extraction issues

[txrob5150]

If the main use is hunting, the shorter the better. None of my hunting rifles are longer than 22" now, most are 20", and I am seriously considering all future ones to be 18". The small drop in velocity between 24" and 18" means nothing inside 300 yards.

I don't know the velocity tables for the 7x33 sako, but I bet you can go down to 20" easy.

[Stumpkiller]

What powder are you planning to use? Slower powders prefer longer barrels. I like 21" to 22" for hunting with a relatively slow powder in a standard (non-magnum) cartridge. I've hunted with barrels as long as 29" in centerfire (44" in muzzleloaders) in tight NY woodlots and don't see that shorter gains you . . . anything. You can save a few ounces with an inch less sporter weight barrel. But how often does the added length really interfere with anything?

Indoors or in vehicles, yes. Hunting in the woods, no. And unless you are snap shooting offhand there isn't much gain dropping below 22" IMHO; just a loss of velocity.

My favorite .223 Rem has a 21" medium weight barrel. Light and handy.

[Robinhood]

I am making 7x33 sako cases out of 350 legend cases and the rim is .223 all the way so no extraction issues

The case is 33 millimeters long. 1.300". What will happen once the...............nevermind. Let us know how she turns out.

[MaddHatter]

go on,,,,," what will happen once the ......."' just like a good book, leave me hanging!!!

[Robinhood]

Rusty, I don't have any way of knowing or being certain if you would have issues but in the past people have tried very short rounds in standard length actions have had extraction issues. What has happened or at least this is what I recall is, as you pull the bolt back the extractor has control of the case and pulls it back. Simultaneously the case is getting pushed towards the ejection port. As the case clears the breach there is nothing to control the case from flipping itself off of the extractor. Now your case has fallen down into the bolt raceway or loading port. Not good.

Some guys have gone to a controlled round feed, claw extractor with a standing ejector system. I'm not an expert but I do recognize that few bolt actions are made at the factory with short cartridges. Lever actions maybe. Get the details of the Sako rifles that were chambered in that cartridge. That model if I am not mistaken came in a very short action for that cartridge.(Howa has done the same thing and that may be another option.) All I'm saying is, before you buy your barrel, do your homework. If you need to get a cartridge that duplicates the ballistics but works in your action you are a winner.

The 44 AMP is just under 33mm. If it worked well I think that's what I would do. Got 500 pieces of brass waiting.