Barrel length / 1:12 twist / bullet grains

[MTK]

I've researched this topic all across the internet but haven't arrived at a conclusive answer.

I got a Rem 700 in .308 with a 26" varmint barrel, 1:12 twist from a friend. It's weighty with that beefy 26" varmint barrel. Am thinking to shorten it to 16.5" or 18" to make it more portable. I only hunt Michigan whitetails and punch paper, no big game or long-range shooting (past 250/300 yds) so no big deal, with bullets under 168 grains.

If I shortened it to 18 or 16.5 inches, would I be limited to even lighter bullets, say 147 or 150 grains for stability? Or still OK to shoot 168 grainers even from 16.5" barrel?

Thanks in advance for any insights.

[Ol` Joe]

You should be good to go with bullets of std design up to 200 hrs as the 308 was designed to shoot

[command450]

I would go with 18 " Then your fine up to 180 Grn.

How are you going to do the crown on the barrel?

[MTK]

This is what I ended up doing - 18.5". It was done by a very good gunsmith. I haven't had a chance to shoot it yet but looking forward to the experience.

[command450]

good move. I like what you did !

[Buffman]

Shortening the barrel doesn't affect bullet stability until you perhaps get to a point to where you're cutting your barrel very short (IE 300 blk guns with 6-7" barrels). 1:12 should handle up to 175 gr bullets, maybe a little heavier depending on bullet shape/composition.