I just purchased a new Savage LH VLP-DBM rifle in 223 Remington cartridge. I also bought a new YKM suppressor for the rifle. The suppressor is just under 7" long, and the rifle comes with a 26" barrel.

I want to cut the barrel shorter. My question is how short can I go without extremely effecting the velocity. I was thinking some where between 16"-18".

I am going to be developing two loads for this rifle. One will be a sub-sonic load, and the other wil be a standard velocity load. The bullet I would like to get to shoot is the Calhoon 52 grain double HP. The twist on the rifle is 1in9.

I am also concerned about the powder. I would like to get a powder that is clean and burns the powder as effectively as possible so that I can keep the suppressor as clean as possible??

What do you guys think?? Thanks, Tom.

FAST burning propellants, No ball propellants.



AD

I like RL-7 in a .223, fairly fast burning.

quote:

Originally posted by TEANCUM:
I like RL-7 in a .223, fairly fast burning.

Also my choice for low flash loads or cold temperatures.

AD

If you look at AR barrel lengths, the velocity dropped a bunch from 20" to 14.5".

16" is as short as you can go without reregistering it as a SBR. might want to keep it a hair over this just to be safe. I'd work on finding a favorable suppressed load first, then remove the suppressor and have a go at it with whatever. Good luck. Paul..

You think that 1in9 will stabilize a 100gr bullet?? How far you plan on shooting?

???????Do they even make a 100gr in a .223??
I think a 90 is the biggest, being that is what my brother shoots in his 7 twist..

quote:

Originally posted by 1/2moa@200:
You think that 1in9 will stabilize a 100gr bullet?? How far you plan on shooting?

No.

Agree with previous post about the 14.5" barrel. I love the 14.5 length -- short enough to manuever in tighter confines than the 16" and little loss of velocity over the 16. Under 14.5 things get hairy quick.

Hey Tom, If the rifle "balances well" the way it is currently set-up, when you go removing weight from the front of the barrel, it will end up handling like a Banjo.

It is always a trick getting everything to balance out just right. Not trying to discourage you, just mentioning something that may not have crossed your mind.

Best of luck with the chopping.

I like 20" barrels on a .223 and contrary to posts already, the best powder I've ever used in the .223 is BL-C(2)

I've had good luck with H-322 in my .223 with 40 gr.B-tips. That powder is on the fast side and is very clean in my 26" barrel.