Originally Posted by jwall
Originally Posted by rugerdiggs
and will be using it on coyotes and hogs from up close to probably 400yds. Thinking of 223, 243, or 6.5 creedmoor and wondering which one is going to be affected the least with that barrel length? Thanks


First off -- I don't have a prejudice toward/against any of the cartridges you mention.

Secondly - hogs out to 400 yds, I'd think you'd need punch and bigger holes.

Thirdly - Denton or Mathman etc. could explain this better than I. The larger the bore (caliber) the less velocity (speed) is lost by shorter barrel length.
Example of the principle - I had a 20" bll 308 W, yet I was able to get the same velocity w/ 150 gr bullets AS with 22"ers.

Bore Capacity can only be increased so much by added bll length >> to a point. In converse, a larger bore is less susceptible to velocity loss in
shorter lengths. HELP Denton <grin>

So, if you follow me, the 6.5 or even 7-08 will fair well in shorter barrel lengths.

Good Luck

Jerry
......................................I will agree here and would go with at least a 6.5 mm with better bullet BCs and for reduced wind drifts at longer ranges. No personal experience with any shorty tubed 6.5s, but have considerable experience with my short barreled 300 WSM Ruger Frontier. Using many identical hand loads with varying powders, bullet weights and brands, it lost on average 4.5% in velocity during side by side chrony test comparisons with two 24" barreled 300 WSMs. Based on several articles I have read, 16.5" barreled 7/08 and 308s should give the same results. A 4.5% loss in velocity from a barrel that is 7.5" or 31% shorter than a 24" tube is excellent...

If the same above results can be gotten from a 6.5 mm, where the loss is minimal at say 5% on average or less (assuming you use a 16.5" barrel length) then imo, a short 'n handy 6.5 mm would make an outstanding choice followed up by the 7/08.

28 Nosler,,,,300WSM,,,,338-378 Wby,,,,375 Ruger