Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Lightweight short barrel hunting rifle?

Matching cartridge to barrel length is the key. I've had short barreled .350 Rem Mag, 376 Steyr and even a 18.5" barreled 7mm-08 that where real flame throwers.

Cartridge efficiency is key to short barrels. I generally do not have any shoots past 350 yards, so a "big gun" is not needed.

The original poster needs for Elk might rule out any cartridge suitable for super short barrels (16"-18").

If going with a .308 based cartridge I would recommend 19" plus.



Going lower than 18.5" it would be something in the smaller class.

6.8 SPC is pleasant out of super short 16.5" barrels.