Considering folks are shooting 15" 308's in T/C encores, that would give a decent answer to the muzzle blast. I have a Ruger ultralight .308, w/ the 20" tube, and its not that bad. I would highly recomend not using ball powders, as I've used them in contenders, and muzzle blast is most pronounced! <P>I would think the 140 gr X bullet could be driven at useful velocities (2700?) from the 16 1/2" barrel, and should have good terminal effects.
