Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles .308 22" vs 18" barrels

Looking at getting a .308 of some kind. Main purpose will be backup/loaner elk rifle and because I have never owned a .308.

I have been looking at the Ruger American Standard (22" barrel) $399 and the RA Predator (18" barrel) $499.

What are the real world differences between the two barrel lengths? I think I read someplace, maybe here on the fire, that you reduce by 50 FPS per inch or something like that. So IF that is true the Predator will shoot the same load about 200 fps slower.
That seems like a lot. Will that elk notice?

I have handled both. I must not be terribly discerning about firearms because when I handle guns at the store I like most of them and they all feel pretty good in my hands. The Predator seems pretty handy with that short little barrel. I don't look at or handle the high end stuff (Sakos, Kimbers and such) for the same reason I don't test drive sports cars... it isn't happing.

Anyway looking for some enlightenment and experience with these two choices? Also considering hitting the pawn shops to see what classics might be available in .308 but concern I might pick up a lemon that way.

For the 308 the loss is typically closer to 25 fps per inch.

My experience with the biggest difference between the two barrel lengths is the amount of noise. I had an 18 1/2" Model 7 in .308 and the concussive muzzle blast was just nasty. Have had a few 22" .308's and the muzzle blast was no worse than any other short action round.

The shorter barrel is much quicker to handle but doesn't "hang" as well, which can be a factor when you're out hunting and the shot might have to be taken when you're not as rested as in a store. Short barrels on rifles have their place but unless you're talking about pistol rounds or maybe a .30-30 I'm definitely a fan of more standard lengths

If you're shooting suppressed, the Predator is a no-brainier, because the barrel is shorter and stiffer and threaded. Add the AICS pattern mags vs. the Ruger rotary mags and you're so far ahead with the Predator that the generic American isn't even in the competition.

I don't think the elk will care..... but I bought a Vanguard in 30-06 during the Wally World big sale last September. It is the first rifle I have owned with a 24 inch barrel. Maybe I am crazy but it seems significantly quieter than my other '06's with 22 inch barrels when I have fired it at game and the time I forgot to put my ears back on when sighting in....it was 90 degrees then and I took them off while waiting on the barrel to cool. Other than that I haven't noticed the two extra inches on the barrel as making the rifle "unhandy".

An 18 inch barrelled .308 must be a loud rascal. If you are gonna use it for a loaner, maybe loan your friend some earplugs with it....or use a can.

I get 2850 with a 155 in a 20" 308 and 2670 in a 16" with the same load...

A buddy of mine hunts with an 18.5 inch .308, I use a 20 inch and a 22 inch.

All deer have been equally dead.

20" here on Rem 700 action

Thanks for the input!

Less difference in speed than I thought. I hadn't really considered the noise and blast. A suppressor is a really interesting idea! More research required...

I'd be fine with an 18" with a supressor, and you can't run fast enough to give me one without. Learned my lesson in 1970.

My 22" guns are only 50-60 fps faster than my 18' Ruger Predator.

Was going to gig you for the typing error. But I make them too JMR. Guess you don't have an 18 foot barrel?

For Colorado hunting in your place I would get the 22" because you guys out there don't climb trees for you deer and elk hunting. We do that here in the Midwest and the 24" on my 7mm RM hit every limb and got hung up with it on a sling over my shoulder pointed up or down. The 18.5" barrel on my .308 was way handier for tree climbing and bullet velocity was never a consideration. That 7mm RM still has that 24", but when I built up a custom 7mm-08 it has a 20" for these parts. I'm more of an in tents hunter these days and a 22" like on my .300 Savage works just fine.

I've got an 18 inch scout, my son has a 16.5 scout both in 308. The velocity difference makes no real difference, but the 16.5 is a lot louder.

Aside from handling and balance it won’t make much difference with 150 gr and 165 gr bullet out to 300 yds or so. Reducing the 308 Win by 4 inches will reduce velocity in a 165 gr bullet by roughly 90-110 fps. Starting a 165 gr from 18” barrel would track a similar speed as starting a 180 gr out of a 22” barrel if that means anything to you. Main thing is impact velocity being around 1,800 fps for good performance. That’s why the 308 Win shines on elk with a Nosler Partition as that bullet works very well at 308 Win speeds. I prefer 22”, but 20” would be a better compromise in lieu of 18” for me. If weight is the issue I’d rather make it up on the stock, mounts and glass.

That 18" barrel will work just fine.

Tried the short barrel .308 thing more than once, I wont go there again.

realised I bought them only because they were a cute novelty.

That thing is a PITA to get in the truck

Short = Loud & Loud = No fun to shoot...

try a RA Compac & you'll know what i mean...

22''

My favorite deer rifle this year is a 20" 308 and not bad loud to shoot. Wouldn't go shorter though.