Quick Answer
A shorter barrel length can increase recoil and muzzle blast, but may not significantly affect the 7mm SAUM's accuracy or range performance due to its relatively fast twist rate and high BC bullets. However, it can affect the cartridge's kinetic energy and effective range. A 20-inch barrel is a good compromise between recoil and performance.
Ballistic Performance Considerations
The 7mm SAUM’s high BC bullets and fast twist rate make it less sensitive to barrel length. Even with a shorter barrel, the cartridge can still maintain accuracy out to 400-500 yards. However, the reduced barrel length can affect the kinetic energy and effective range. For example, a 20-inch barrel can result in a 100-150 ft-lbs reduction in kinetic energy compared to a 26-inch barrel, potentially reducing the effective range by 50-75 yards.
Practical Considerations for Hunting
When hunting elk with a 7mm SAUM, a 20-inch barrel is a good compromise between recoil and performance. This length can reduce recoil by 20-30% compared to a longer barrel, making it more manageable for follow-up shots. However, it’s essential to ensure the rifle is properly sighted in and that the hunter is comfortable with the reduced recoil. A good practice is to sight the rifle in at 100 yards and then test its accuracy at longer ranges to ensure it’s performing as expected.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.