Go Back  HuntingNet.com Forums > Firearms Forum > Reloading
 Question about barrel length in 7 mag. >

Question about barrel length in 7 mag.

Reloading Share techniques for reloading, where to get the hottest in reloading equipment and learn how to reload from fellow hunters.

Question about barrel length in 7 mag.

Old 12-17-2004, 09:14 PM
  #1  
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Big Sandy TX USA
Posts: 280
Default Question about barrel length in 7 mag.

I have a 21 inch barrel on an Encore in 7 mag in order to have a short tree stand gun. Knowing there is a loss in velocity in the shorter barrel but will that effect the accuracy? It is a bull barrel. But groups are 2" at 100 yards with Hornady SST 162 Grain. Have sub MOA groups with same ammo with other 7 mag rifles. Is 21" not enough time for rifling to stablize the bullet? Or is the powder burning out the end of the barrel having an effect on the bullet? What would be the best way to improve the accuracy? Would shooting a lighter load help?
WThunter is offline  
Old 12-17-2004, 11:59 PM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location:
Posts: 45
Default RE: Question about barrel length in 7 mag.

Barrel length really doesn't have any effect on accuracy according to the custom barrel folks. Actually a shorter barrel should have less whip and thus have the potential for better accuracy. I've never tested the theory personally. As per rifle accuracy, that barrel might not like that bullet. Mt Browning Medallion does not like the 162 SST but shoots almost every other bullet sub-moa. If your handloading try Alliant RL-22 powder. It shoots well in most 7 mags I've seen.
7mmaniac is offline  
Old 12-18-2004, 11:03 AM
  #3  
Giant Nontypical
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: fort mcmurray alberta canada
Posts: 5,667
Default RE: Question about barrel length in 7 mag.

Each rifle has it's own preference for loads and just because a load shoots well in one rifle,it doesn't mean it will be accurate in all rifles.Try other loads.
stubblejumper is offline  
Old 12-18-2004, 12:36 PM
  #4  
Nontypical Buck
 
driftrider's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Coralville, IA. USA
Posts: 3,802
Default RE: Question about barrel length in 7 mag.

Sounds like your rifle doesn't like that bullet, or that weight of bullet. The bullet might be heavier than what your rifle likes. Try a 140 grain bullet and/or try a different bullet. With a barrel as short as yours the velocity is probably in the range of a 7mm-08 or a touch faster, so you may consider a 140 grain Nosler Ballistic Tip. They are well renouned for their accuracy, and should work well at the velocities your gun likely produces.

Good luck.

Mike
driftrider is offline  
Old 01-12-2005, 08:57 PM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 9
Default RE: Question about barrel length in 7 mag.

encore barrels need a little more detail in correct head space measurements to shoot to there fullest potential. you need to know barrel to frame gap and resize your cases so they protrude .001 less than that distance. you can measure barrel to frame gap with feeler gauges. case protrusion can be measured with a depth mike or by sizing cases till a piece of aluminum foil slips out between the case head and cylinder face on a closed chamber.
a loose barrel hinge pin that allows wiggle when your action is open also can effect group size as well. good luck in your quest for accuracy.
Capt ace is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Offshootboy
Guns
5
02-22-2007 12:36 PM
jcpopejr
Guns
2
03-24-2006 02:20 PM
zac76156
Guns
5
05-25-2005 08:55 PM
bnhcomputing
Turkey Hunting
5
03-23-2005 08:21 AM
GOBBLER TRACKS
Black Powder
6
01-20-2004 05:24 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are Off


Quick Reply: Question about barrel length in 7 mag.


Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.