kbhillhunter
Active member
I have a stock Remington 700 ADL 7mag that comes with a 26 inch barrel. I'd like to make this my designated elk gun. I'm converting it to a BDL platform on synthetic stock that weighs 2.2lbs, and looking for ways to trim back the weight a little but also make easy to carry and handle in the field. Not looking to go UL, as I do want a little heft to absorb some recoil. But one thought is cutting the barrel back to 24 inches.
I've read a fair amount of content on the average loss of fps when cutting a barrel back. What i'm still unsure of is:
Is loss of fps as big a factor if my self imposed shot distance is 300-400 yards, and does it have a comparable effect on retained energy?
Does the 7mag get hamstrung with a barrel of this length or does it still offer the advantage of shooting a magnum cartridge? If it's ballistically indistinguishable from say an 06, I'm wondering if maybe I shouldnt saddle myself with the increased ammo cost.
Has anyone else cut a standard barrel back this length, and if so, how much weight loss did you see?
I've read a fair amount of content on the average loss of fps when cutting a barrel back. What i'm still unsure of is:
Is loss of fps as big a factor if my self imposed shot distance is 300-400 yards, and does it have a comparable effect on retained energy?
Does the 7mag get hamstrung with a barrel of this length or does it still offer the advantage of shooting a magnum cartridge? If it's ballistically indistinguishable from say an 06, I'm wondering if maybe I shouldnt saddle myself with the increased ammo cost.
Has anyone else cut a standard barrel back this length, and if so, how much weight loss did you see?