Hello i decided to build a 308norma mag plan on using the m1999 Lh action i was wondering what barrel length you guys recomend and is there certain barrel makers i should look at the montana rifle company is willing to put a barrel on for 150 bucks.This is first custom gun and appreciate any info and suggestions.I will be asking other guestions when i come across them since this is all new to me thnx for your help

If you reload have the chamber on that belted case cut to headspace on the shoulder. There is a thread here by John Ricks that explains how and why.

For a barrel length it's really up to you on what you want for the rifles balance, weight and feel but 24" is common.

If you can afford the best of the best take a ride up to Hart and ask them to order the action and put a barrel on.

I'd treat a .308 Norma the same as I would a .300 Winchester and build it with a 24" barrel. I've had a couple of .300 Winchester rifles with 26" barrels (in between the 24's) and couldn't get rid of them fast enough.

If found that a 24" barrel gives plenty of velocity (not far behind a 26) with the short belted magnums, and it's so much handier and better-balanced. It works better with a saddle scabbard as well. Two inches of barrel doesn't sound like but, but it's a BIG two inches!

Ahemmmmm!!!!!!

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I'll agree with Allen that the 26" can be a little cumbersome and a 24" gives you adequate performance from a .308 Norma.

Many of my hunting rifles are Sakos with a 24.4" barrel. This length seems excellent to me. Since this is a custom rifle, have your barrel made a little on the long side, say 25", and if it's too long for comfort you can cut it back.

If you carry the rifle a lot, it depends how tall you are. I'm one of the vertically challenged, and I find for most of my use (including my 308 Norma) the 24" barrel is fine. FWIW - Dan