Current Trend - Barrel Length/Twist/Projectile Configuration

[pveng]

Just curious, what is the current trend in regards to the barrel length (and contour) the leading competitors are using, barrel twist and projectiles weights?
I'm assuming going the longest barrel possible to allow total assembly under the 8.25kg limit, and projectiles somewhere between 185-200gr?
Would like to hear people's opinions on this...

[Tim L]

Not sure it's a trend, more just an opinion.
Heavy palma or Maddco 7ww up to parallel.
28" + (at 28" tuning seems to be easier)
1:10

I mainly use Maddco 7ww barrels chambered with 0.308 freebore and they shoot everything from 155.5s (my daughters f/std gun) to 215s ( my wifes ftr gun) while I sit in the middle shooting 210 vlds through a 27" parallel Maddco with the same chamber.

[Barossa_222]

I run 5R 32" 1:10 heavy varmints with 200gr pills. Just chambered a 4 groove 32" 1:9 heavy varmint for 208s. My preference is for heavier and longer barrels, but you have to work with what you can fit in.

[pveng]

Thanks for your responses...
And you guys are using AR2208, AR2206H or AR2209 powder with your setups?

[Barossa_222]

2208 Powder. Years ago when I tested with 2209 and 210JLKs I found I couldn't get enough 2209 in a case to find a pressure limit and when I started compressing powder, my ES and SD went to shit. Was beautiful and soft to shoot though.

The match rifle fellas reckon Winchester cases and 2209 get the job done, but they use ramrods to pack there cases haha

[pveng]

Yeah right...
You tried AR2206H, how does compare with AR2208?

[Barossa_222]

I never tried 2206H with and bullets in a 308. The case density is lower than 2208 and the pressures run higher. Not for me.

[Tim L]

I ran with 2209 behind 200 hybrids for a while. I would put the load tray on the floor and pour the 09 down a 1m drop tube. Shot great, like ES of 3fps over 10 rounds. Chamber freebore meant it wasn't compressing,,,, much

50.5.jpg

Vhitivouri N550 would be my choice if it were available but 2208 works fine.

[pveng]

200gr and AR2209 is the trend from my research....
You guys using palma brass, what primers are generally the best BR4 or Fed 205 with 2208 and 2209 powder?

[Barossa_222]

I think you'll find the majority of FTR shooters will be running 2208 with a 185/200gr pills. For me, palma cases are the standard in FTR. I found Federals too soft in the cup. I run CCI BR4s and 450s. I would run either with 2208 or 2209.

[pveng]

Ok thanks for your input...
You using a tuner?

[Barossa_222]

No, I haven't gone down the tuner path. I don't know enough about them, but can see an advantage in using one if you can get in under weight. I believe Jason Meyers uses them on his FTR gun and would be worth a chat.

[majaci@bigpond.com]

31.5" Benchmark Heavy Palma, 1/11 twist rate. You are limited what you can get barrelwise at the moment.
I like 11'' twist rate as it enables you to use 155-180's even 200gr and this is important at times like now when supply of high quality bullets is at its lowest.
I use both 2208 and 2206H however behind 155's at the moment. Do a ladder test for your individual barrel with both powders and bullets and data will tell you what your barrel likes. I usually pick lower node for practice and mid range (up to 600y) and higher node for 1000y and comps. 2206H does very well with 155's up to 3090fps and this is not to be underestimated at longer distance. Many people prefer heavier pills however in realty what is gained in wind control is often lost due to recoil and other factors.
There are different schools of thought regarding the barrel tuners. Personally I could not be bothered as whatever they can provide tuning wise I can easily replicate by seating depth. Best of luck