Barrel Length for .260 or 6.5 creedmoor?

[slednut3]

I have been thinking about picking up a new whitetail hunting rifle in either a 260 or 6.5 creedmoor. Most of my shots will be in the 200yds or less range, but I want to reserve the right to take some longer pokes. I have been looking at the browning a-bolt in a 6.5 creed with the factory 22" barrel and a Savage weather warrior in a 6.5 or 260 with the factory 22" barrel. I understand that a 26" barrel would be optimum for these calibers, but the factories only offer 22". Is the reduction in speed something to worry about with these calibers? I plan to use either a 125gr partition or 130gr accubond. Anyone with experience with these guns?

[Shortmagman]

I have experience with the 260 Rem and none with the 6.5 creedmoor. I have loaded my Rem Model Seven with the factory 20 inch barrel and with a 22 inch Hart barrel. Also, I load for a friends Savage 260 with a 24 inch barrel.

If your shots are 500yds. or less I don't think that a 22 inch barrel would be a great handicap, since I have been able to reach over 2900 ft/sec with a 130 Accubond bullet using RL-19 powder. I found that there was quite a bit of difference between the velocity of my 20 inch and the 22 inch(about 150 ft/sec). I have not done enough checking the velocity of the 24 inch to give you any numbers, but I don't think there is as much difference when you go to 24 inches.

[skyfish25]

I shoot the Creedmoor quite a bit, I don't think you will have any issues going to 600 yard with a 22" barrel. Mine is 24" and I push the 130gr Berger at 2850fps. Not working it very hard.