21 April 2006, 20:53
Dan HMeasuring Barrel Length
I know this sounds stupid, but can anyone tell me what they've found to be the best way to easily measure barrel length? I assume the distance would be from the bolt face to the muzzle, but don't really know for sure....guess it's supposed to be obvious....
Thanks,
Dan
To satisfy BATF, it is measured to the bolt face. Technically, it is measured from the muzzle to the base of the seated bullet. Use a good coated rod and watch that crown.
21 April 2006, 21:03
jeffeossobreach face to muzzle... drop a rod (metal, wood, whatever) down the barrel with the bolt closed, mark it at the muzzle, that's you atf length (to cloud the issue - if you WELD on an extenstion, the atf considers that for barrel length including permenante flash hiders...)
I have seen barrels measured to the action, to the end of the barrel when out of the action, and to breachface.
jeffe
22 April 2006, 11:30
Dan HThanks!
Guess it was even more complex than I thought...

I've been trying to figure out just how short the barrel on my 375 H&H really is...and the ATF answer is 19 inches plus 2 that don't count in the brake. Kind of explains why it's hard to get much velocity....
Cheers,
Dan
19" is pretty short for a .375 H&H. Of course the guides I've built stuff for over the years have always prefered short barrels because they swing fast.
23 April 2006, 06:36
Dan HIt is at that. 8.2 pounds, Sako AV, including scope. Carries great, comes up to the shoulder perfectly...just hard to get decent velocities with. It's amazing how much the ammo varies in velocity with this gun. It is really giving me a work out working up acceptable loads.
Dan
23 April 2006, 11:10
Tex21Just as an idea, could you perhaps try a slightly faster powder?
25 April 2006, 03:02
Dan HI am trying multiple powders....seems odd, but for some reason 300g bullets and IMR4350 seem closest to book values. I get 2500 fps with 79g of IMR4350. Just wish I had space in the case to do that with 300g TSX bullets!
Light bullets seem well off the mark...
Still searching,
Dan
25 April 2006, 06:04
stdonDon't forget, it is from the closed bolt position.
Don
25 April 2006, 11:08
georgeldI'll bet the blast and recoil is a real
bitch, right??
George