Testing 3 New Barrels (300 BLACKOUT)

Published on April 24, 2025
Duration: 18:18

This video tests the optimal barrel length for 300 Blackout and 350 Legend cartridges using a Thompson/Center Encore platform. The expert demonstrates velocity testing across various barrel lengths, from 26 inches down to 10 inches for 300 Blackout and 15 inches for 350 Legend. Unexpected results, including a slight velocity increase in shorter 300 Blackout barrels, are analyzed, highlighting the efficiency of these cartridges in different configurations.

Quick Summary

Testing reveals 300 Blackout velocity can increase slightly with shorter barrels (16") due to reduced drag, and maintains performance down to 10" when suppressed. 350 Legend is highly efficient, even in 15" handgun barrels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does barrel length significantly impact 300 Blackout velocity?

Surprisingly, the 300 Blackout showed a slight velocity increase when the barrel was cut from 26 inches to 16 inches, likely due to reduced bullet drag. Velocity loss was minimal (approx. 30 fps) even down to a 10-inch barrel.

Is the 350 Legend efficient in shorter barrels for handgun hunting?

Yes, the 350 Legend remains very efficient. A 15-inch barrel, suitable for handguns, still produced velocities around 2150 fps, making it a viable and effective handgun hunting round.

What is the legal minimum barrel length for a rifle in the US?

In the United States, the legal minimum barrel length for a firearm to be classified as a rifle is 16 inches. Barrels shorter than this on a rifle configuration typically fall under Short Barreled Rifle (SBR) regulations, requiring special permits.

Can you improve accuracy by cutting a barrel?

While this test focused on velocity, cutting a barrel for accuracy requires specialized tools like a lathe to true the muzzle face and recrown it properly. A simple bandsaw cut is sufficient for velocity testing but not ideal for precision.

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