Muzzle devices

[Kevin11mee]

I'd really think hard about cutting that barrel down to 16". The .308 is already a low-velocity cartridge and taking off more velocity would just handicap your hunting too much in my opinion. You can certainly rebarrel to carbon or build on the action and rechamber to a 6.5 CM, but that's probably more than a new rifle. Personally, I'd sell the rifle and get a 6.5 CM or PRC. If elk is on the table, get a .300 win mag.

[splithoof]

I’ve hunted successfully with a number of 16” barreled rifles in .308W, and never regretted it. I run thread protectors on three Ruger GSR’s, and a few other “scout-like” rigs as well. The shorter barrel is very convenient for getting in and out of vehicles in a hurry, and for me it balances and points quite easily. Having a threaded barrel is a plus IMO, as I have run my rifles with cans when visiting America on occasion.
As to the Barnes TSX bullets beyond 300 yards, I can’t comment, as all my experiences with those (168’s) have been around 200 yards and closer. I will say that within the distances that I’ve shot game, they have never required more than one shot. IMO, for a .30 caliber bullet, they are certainly some of the best available.

[River Jack]

My Spanish FR-8 Mauser has a factory original flash hider on it.

[SharedShots]

Any reason to having a flash hider on a bolt gun?

I was considering a 16" 308 setup. I feel that a brake would be too obnoxious as a 16" is loud already as is.

Maybe to help control concussion? Or just run it with a crown or thread protector and call it a day? Hunting rifle setup.

Have or get the barrel threaded so you have a choice. The 16" on a .308 does reduce your effective range but lets all be real about this distance thing, most hunting doesn't take place at 500+ yards. While some does it isn't most so sometimes the distances being used to justify this or that apply to such a small percentage of people it makes no difference to anyone else.

OP, with your contemplated 16" barrel think about reloading. You'll be able to choose your powders and projectiles to maximize performance while also reducing flash as much as possible. The concussion is as much a factor of where you are shooting. At some range with cover and close proximity to building structure there can be the ear slap concussion but that is true of a lot of guns. Out in the open not so much.

A 16" barrel can be a wonderful choice for packing the rifle all day or where you'll be holding it at the ready instead of trekking to some grassland or mountain side and just sitting there all day shopping for the 700 yard shot.

If your anticipated shots are going to be what most of them are then a 16" barrel in .308 will work just fine. Just work out your zeros and drops/deflection and go for it. If you can find a rifle where you can easily change barrels that works even better.