I wouldn’t sweat ballistics. Most powders will push a 150-grain bullet 2,700 fps in a short 308, and any bullet will work at the speeds that Barnes shows for the 308 in 18” and 20” barrels at
https://www.barnesbullets.com/load-data/ I’d focus on optimizing this rifle for offhand shots. For that, I’d look at balance, not barrel length. The rifle should balance as close to the front action screw as you can manage.
Most of the Ruger Scout’s weight is too far back. A conventional scope makes that worse, plus you lose that nifty little peep. A Scout scope moves balance farther forward, but the rifle still weighs as much as a classic 22” 30-06. An 18” Remington M-7 also balances too far back, with wood stocks being worse than synthetics in this respect. A few more inches of barrel is not a bad thing when it comes to balance.
Then there’s stock fit. My favorite stock for offhand shooting is the Pacific Research, which has been out of print for a decade or more. 90s vintage Remington synthetics stocks fit me well, they’re cheap and common, and they balance well.
Once up on a time, Remington made a 700 ADL Youth model in 308. It had iron sights and a 20” barrel. This one is a 243, but you get the idea.
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/974853883 That would be my first choice for something like this. They also made 22” rifles with iron sights in 30-06 and 270, which handle almost as well.
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/967878614 The 7mm-08 is an interesting cartridge. I’d use one in a heartbeat if I didn’t have to rely on factory ammo.
Okie John
