I have a 338WM with a 26" barrel, how would performance be effected if it is cut to a 22" barrel?

Thanks

I was interested in the balistics differences. Noise not a problem.

Barrel length affect on velocity is non-linear. By that I mean cut your .338 to 18 inches and you might lose 100 fps per inch until you reach a barrel length of say 22 inches at which point velocity loss is 25 fps and stays at an average 25 fps per barrel inch until you reach 26 inches and gains in velocity slowly taper off as you add barrel length. I estimate 25-30 fps gain or loss in velocity per inch of barrel on a average basis. Small caliber magnums like the .264 Win Mag and the .257 Weatherby are affected most because of the expansion ratio of case capacity to bore volume. Bullet weight is not a factor, bore volume is the key driver. Therefore, I'd estimate a total loss of approximately 100 fps for cutting your .338 from 26" to 22". The bigger the bore (caliber) the less affect because of bore volume.

Not to be argumentative, but a safety point; powder burn rate selection is based on case capacity and bullet weight not barrel length.

Good shooting.

quote:

Originally posted by Die Ou Jagter:
I was interested in the balistics differences. Noise not a problem.

I take your point but I don't think it pays to ignore the fact that that the increased noise, muzzle blast, muzzle flip and recoil are all going to affect things more than the drop in velocity.

I would say it would be rather unpleasant to shoot.

1894, my 416 Taylor has a 22" barrel with a break and it is no big deal. One thing to keep in mind one should ALWAYS wear hearing protection.

It was either Handloader or Rifle Magazine that tested the SAKO Handy rifles in 375 H&H and 338 Win Mag.
The SAKO Handy has a 20" bbl.

They did not loose as much velocity as you would think.
I have had a SAKO Handy rifle and currently use a Blaser R 93 with the Tracker [19 3/4", 50cm] bbl both were 375 H&H.
I like the short bbl bolt guns a lot.

You'll probably loose 100-150 fps depending on the load and the increase in muzzle blast will be very unpleasant.