Cartridge for Dedicated suppressed build?

[R.K.]

With the endless discussions on “which caliber is best for elk”, I thought I’d start another thread, with a couple specifics thrown in.

Basically- suppressors are amazing, and I intend to get one. However, the tradeoffs they bring in terms of rifle handiness (length & balance) and decreased MV, means I would not consider my beloved cheap .308 a sufficient elk cartridge anymore, since I would lose MV from the suppressor, and even more from chopping the barrel- bringing its maximum range to under 300.

So I need a new rifle to go with the suppressor. Most of my shots seem to happen under 150 yards, a fair amount of them offhand, so I like a rifle short enough to still be handy. Which is pushing me towards an OTB suppressor.

Criteria-
1- needs to be lethal at 300 yards
2- from a total barrel + suppressor length short enough for offhand shooting in timber, and preferably short enough to fit in a normal rifle case.
3- Preference for calibers starting at 6.8/.277.
4- Bonus points for reliable feeding, ammo price and accessibility. I like short actions, but not mandatory.

So that’s it, and it leads to three questions:

1- What cartridge?
2- What barrel length?
3- What is the superior flavor for elk jerky?

 

[Dan-06]

Sounds like you have already described it. The 6.8 western. 22 in barrel titanium suppressor, a basic jerky flavor with mandarin oranges added smoked over hickory and apple wood.

 

[Big Sky Guy]

I went with 6.5CM with the announcement of the plus peak ammo and for sharing your preference for short actions. I still haven’t found any to shoot so am just using regular factory ammo. Went with 20” barrel because that’s what the gun came with. I do think 20” is the MAX barrel length I’d want with a suppressor after my slog through deadfall up a mountain yesterday, it caught on some trees but wasn’t a deal breaker, I’m just getting used to the added length. If you can get away with 18” that’s going to be even better.

I think this question will evolve and answer will most likely change with future releases as this is the direction the market is going. Plus Peak in 308 will likely solve this issue for you as well and make me want to buy one. My prediction is March 8, 2027 or March 8, 2028 for this ammo.

The only other cartridge “designed” for suppressor use and big game hunting at 300 yards would be the 7mm Backcountry but just feels too niche/new.

Hi Country “Original” is the superior jerky flavor.

 

[brockel]

Under 300 yards your 308 barrel chopped will still be plenty lethal at 300 yards. Cut it at 18” and I bet you’d still have enough velocity at 500 yards for reliable expansion with a lead 165 grain bullet.

If you’re looking for an excuse to buy a new rifle a 7mm-08 doesn’t suck

#1 you could stick with your 308 and be fine. Though a 7mm-08 is a good one too
#2. I prefer 18” barrels
#3. Trick question don’t turn elk into jerky

 

[Potsie]

I’d challenge your assumption that you will loose velocity from just adding your suppressor. I’m three cans deep and haven’t seen that on any of the 5 rifles I shoot suppressed.

My current go to is a 6.5 PRC chopped to 18” shooting a 125 HHT at 3075 fps. Puts me carrying the 1800 fps out past 700 yards. With an US OG 6.5 can my overall length is equivalent to a 22” barrel.

 

[marksjeep]

I crono'd my latest handload yesterday. 145 Barnes LRX in 7PRC through 20" barrel, suppressed. I'm right at 3,000 fps with the load 1 full grain under max and no pressure signs. Overall rifle length with suppressor is shorter than my rem 700s with 26" barrels.

Several suggestions above worth considering as well.

 

[CowboyLeroy]

I may be wrong (its happened before) but I don't think you lose muzzle velocity with a suppressor

 

[keakakea]

Do you reload? I’m thinking of building a bolt action 375 raptor for the same reason. With a huge variety of bullet weights from 180gr to 400gr, I think it will be a pretty fun cartridge

 

[fishing4sanity]

I haven't seen MV decrease using a suppressor. Look into Unkown Suppressor's OG can, you'll have an extra 4" length past the barrel and 4" of suppressor OTB. Cartridge is a wide open debate, my choice would probably be 7 PRC, but that 6.8 Western would do as well.

 

[Addicting]

I built my daughter a 7mm08 with a 18” barrel. With the suppressor the total length is 23”. The Thunderbeast Magnus suppressor fits well within the conditions you are seeking. It’s shooting a 140g accubond at 2820 fps. It’s a very nice woods rifle. I wouldn’t hesitate to shoot out around 400 yards with it.

The best jerky is homemade with whatever floats your tastebuds.

 

[brockel]

I built my daughter a 7mm08 with a 18” barrel. With the suppressor the total length is 23”. The Thunderbeast Magnus suppressor fits well within the conditions you are seeking. It’s shooting a 140g accubond at 2820 fps. It’s a very nice woods rifle. I wouldn’t hesitate to shoot out around 400 yards with it.

The best jerky is homemade with whatever floats your tastebuds.

What powder you using to get 2800 out of an 18”? That’s a good velocity. Handy rifle for sure

 

[Addicting]

What powder you using to get 2800 out of an 18”? That’s a good velocity. Handy rifle for sure

I did a lot of testing and ended with N540.

 

[Addicting]

Correction, the overall is 22”. The TB Magnus with CB brake takes up 1” of barrel length.

 

[Wild Bill]

Correction, the overall is 22”. The TB Magnus with CB brake takes up 1” of barrel length.


View attachment 420362View attachment 420363

Nice looking rifle.

 

[brockel]

I did a lot of testing and ended with N540.

View attachment 420361

Good to know. Haven’t played with a lot of Vihtavuori powders

 

[Marshian]

I haven't seen MV decrease using a suppressor. Look into Unkown Suppressor's OG can, you'll have an extra 4" length past the barrel and 4" of suppressor OTB. Cartridge is a wide open debate, my choice would probably be 7 PRC, but that 6.8 Western would do as well.

I bought an Unknown Suppressor OG in 6.5 for my 257 weatherby as I wanted to keep the barrel at 26 inches which is already plenty long. I’ve been very happy with it in every aspect so far.

 

[Dan O]

I went with 6.5CM with the announcement of the plus peak ammo and for sharing your preference for short actions. I still haven’t found any to shoot so am just using regular factory ammo. Went with 20” barrel because that’s what the gun came with. I do think 20” is the MAX barrel length I’d want with a suppressor after my slog through deadfall up a mountain yesterday, it caught on some trees but wasn’t a deal breaker, I’m just getting used to the added length. If you can get away with 18” that’s going to be even better.

I think this question will evolve and answer will most likely change with future releases as this is the direction the market is going. Plus Peak in 308 will likely solve this issue for you as well and make me want to buy one. My prediction is March 8, 2027 or March 8, 2028 for this ammo.

The only other cartridge “designed” for suppressor use and big game hunting at 300 yards would be the 7mm Backcountry but just feels too niche/new.

Hi Country “Original” is the superior jerky flavor.

View attachment 420357

High country in Lincoln has went out of business.

 

[Addicting]

Good to know. Haven’t played with a lot of Vihtavuori powders

They have become my go to. Everything seems to run better and faster.

N555 is an amazing powder. Very similar results to RL26, but for lighter bullets. My 260ai and 127lrx is pushing at factory PRC speeds.

 

[Big Sky Guy]

High country in Lincoln has went out of business.

Noooo, when was this??

 

[mtmuley]

Noooo, when was this??

Sad deal. Used to be a normal pit stop on our way North to Shelby. mtmuley