How short for a .308 bolt gun?

[DocGKR]

Not all Marines may agree with the specifics of the XM3 (and in fact I would have preferred a 16" semi-auto for that role), but the science behind a faster twist 16-18" barrel for a .308 is pretty well founded these days thanks to work by folks like Buford Boone, Todd Hodnett, and Ken Oehler.

[1911Nut]

I think Steyr has it right: 19"

I have one of the earlier ones that has a slightly slimmer profile than the ones being made today. Just right.

[LittleLebowski]

Not all Marines may agree with the specifics of the XM3 (and in fact I would have preferred a 16" semi-auto for that role), but the science behind a faster twist 16-18" barrel for a .308 is pretty well founded these days thanks to work by folks like Buford Boone, Todd Hodnett, and Ken Oehler.

Agreed; I was speaking specifically about the Chandler fiasco.

[DI1]

For a lightweight (6-8lb), bolt gun, that you plan on carrying, hunting with, 18" is about perfect for velocity and is very handy. For a heavier .308 (9-10lbs), I would go with 20" .

[dbateman]

1/10 will be fine at that range. However, I will NEVER purchase another custom .308 rifle with less than a 1/8 twist.

Why is that ?

[dbateman]

For me I have had from 16" to 26" in 308.

I found 16" to be handy but not great for shooting all day.

18" was pretty good but my ideal barrle length for 308 seems to be right around the 20-22" mark.

26" was a pain in the backside.

[DocGKR]

As noted above:

"With the newest research on external ballistics, we know that if a 1/8 or faster twist is used, the Mk316 175 SMK fired from a 16" barrel will not have transonic stability issues until well after 1000 yds."

[dbateman]

As noted above:

Hmm I have never tried an 8 twist for 308. I feel like it would be over spun.

[SLG]

Hmm I have never tried an 8 twist for 308. I feel like it would be over spun.

It isn't.

[DocGKR]

You can go to even faster twists, but need a more robust bullet and not just one with a thin, fragile match jacket.