Optimum barrel length for 38-50 Rem

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PhilRich
Posts: 71
Joined: Tue Jan 03, 2017 4:06 pm

Optimum barrel length for 38-50 Rem

Post by PhilRich »

For shooting pp bullets, which barrel length would be best in consideration of fouling control?
MikeT
Posts: 667
Joined: Sun May 25, 2003 7:48 pm
Location: Saint Cloud, MN

Re: Optimum barrel length for 38-50 Rem

Post by MikeT »

PhilRich,

I have a 31.5" barrel on my 38-55, and I have no problems wiping the bore between shots. I shoot paper patched bullets.
Anything over 30" may just be a waste of iron.

Keep on hav'n fun!
MikeT
beltfed
Posts: 1962
Joined: Sun Jun 03, 2007 10:07 am
Location: Central Wi

Re: Optimum barrel length for 38-50 Rem

Post by beltfed »

My 30" is working just fine with DDEPP bullets over up to 67 gr Swiss.
NO problem with fouling control with my bore critters or with 2 wet, 1 dry
of dist water or using RV antifreeze for the winter Frostbite 200 shooting
So, 30"works for me. Not need for longer.
beltfed/arnie
ian45662
Posts: 717
Joined: Mon Jul 30, 2018 3:42 pm

Re: Optimum barrel length for 38-50 Rem

Post by ian45662 »

I have not shot one yet but I have one that is being built. If I can make weight with a 32” barrel then I will get that. I like to have the rifle a little front heavy for off hand work but that’s just me.
bruce m
Posts: 3350
Joined: Tue Aug 04, 2009 5:25 am
Location: australia

Re: Optimum barrel length for 38-50 Rem

Post by bruce m »

a barrel length that allows around a 36" sight radius will make 1 point on the rear sight = 1" at 100 yds.
you can get technical and space the sight radius to get 1 moa per point as they did in the old days.
keeping the foresight a bit back from the muzzle does not hurt.
bruce.
ventum est amicus meus
beltfed
Posts: 1962
Joined: Sun Jun 03, 2007 10:07 am
Location: Central Wi

Re: Optimum barrel length for 38-50 Rem

Post by beltfed »

ian,
My Browning BPCR, rebarrelled to 38-50 -full octagon with same taper as
the orig Brg Oct part, 30' hangs real good with what I think is almost ideal
if you like muzzle heavy. "But that is just me"

Just remember that a 38 cal takes less steel out
of the barrel than larger bores and so is heavier for a given size and length.
Also, some say a smaller bore will be harder to control fouling.
beltfed/arnie
ian45662
Posts: 717
Joined: Mon Jul 30, 2018 3:42 pm

Re: Optimum barrel length for 38-50 Rem

Post by ian45662 »

I will be able to see how it feels with the 32” barrel and if I don’t like it we can just chop off 2”. It’s a Green mountain 3.5 profiled barrel.
beltfed
Posts: 1962
Joined: Sun Jun 03, 2007 10:07 am
Location: Central Wi

Re: Optimum barrel length for 38-50 Rem

Post by beltfed »

ian,
Maximum bullet length for your 12 twist GM barrel will be about 1.4"
A good one if you are going to PP bullets is the BACO Jim #371345E
beltfed/arnie
SSShooter
Posts: 2910
Joined: Mon Feb 20, 2012 7:06 am
Location: Jersey Shore

Re: Optimum barrel length for 38-50 Rem

Post by SSShooter »

ian45662 wrote: Thu Jan 28, 2021 4:17 am I will be able to see how it feels with the 32” barrel and if I don’t like it we can just chop off 2”. It’s a Green mountain 3.5 profiled barrel.
If memory serves Rick Moritz shoots a 30" barrel on his 38-50 BPCR rifle and does well with it. Believe he shoots a 370gr bullet, though I don't know the bullet length. With the additional velocity available with a PP bullet (additional powder space) you could likely shoot the 370gr DEPP bullet, as well.

The GM 3.5 profile barrel should give you plenty of 'nose heavy' feel with the 38cal bore. I cut my 40cal GM 3.5 profile barrel back from 30" to 32" as it was too heavy for off-hand.
Glenn
ian45662
Posts: 717
Joined: Mon Jul 30, 2018 3:42 pm

Re: Optimum barrel length for 38-50 Rem

Post by ian45662 »

beltfed wrote: Thu Jan 28, 2021 8:39 am ian,
Maximum bullet length for your 12 twist GM barrel will be about 1.4"
A good one if you are going to PP bullets is the BACO Jim #371345E
beltfed/arnie
Thanks for that tidbit. I am excited to play with this thing.
ian45662
Posts: 717
Joined: Mon Jul 30, 2018 3:42 pm

Re: Optimum barrel length for 38-50 Rem

Post by ian45662 »

SSShooter wrote: Thu Jan 28, 2021 9:47 am
ian45662 wrote: Thu Jan 28, 2021 4:17 am I will be able to see how it feels with the 32” barrel and if I don’t like it we can just chop off 2”. It’s a Green mountain 3.5 profiled barrel.
If memory serves Rick Moritz shoots a 30" barrel on his 38-50 BPCR rifle and does well with it. Believe he shoots a 370gr bullet, though I don't know the bullet length. With the additional velocity available with a PP bullet (additional powder space) you could likely shoot the 370gr DEPP bullet, as well.

The GM 3.5 profile barrel should give you plenty of 'nose heavy' feel with the 38cal bore. I cut my 40cal GM 3.5 profile barrel back from 30" to 32" as it was too heavy for off-hand.
It does have some heft to it with that little 38 cal tube.
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