26" vs 28"

[matt_3479]

Getting a 300. Win mag customed and will be using the 210 vld's for long range hunting. Would the 28" or 26" be better, I would like to keep wait down but if the 28" is that much better you can't argue with that

 

[WildRose]

Getting a 300. Win mag customed and will be using the 210 vld's for long range hunting. Would the 28" or 26" be better, I would like to keep wait down but if the 28" is that much better you can't argue with that

Matt somehow you ended up posting this in the Classified section vs one of the regular forums so you might want to try again in the LRH Hunting or gunsmithing sections.

If it's going to be a dedicated LR rig though I'd go for the 28" and at least something as heavy as a light varmint contour or heavier.

 

[FEENIX]

Go 28"! You can always have it shortened later if 26" better suits your needs.

 

[WildRose]

Getting a 300. Win mag customed and will be using the 210 vld's for long range hunting. Would the 28" or 26" be better, I would like to keep wait down but if the 28" is that much better you can't argue with that

As far as keeping the weight down, 2" of barrel won't add 8oz of weight, probably closer to 1oz per in or less.

 

[runshort]

+1 on what WR said. Just got back a rebarrel on Rem700 that had a 26" fluted barrel and replaced it with 28" Hart Sendero contour. With the 2" extra barrel and not being fluted it weighs about another 5.5 ozs. if my scales are correct. We haven't got to go out and chrono any loads yet but feels great set up with a bipod. It will be used to hunt open crop fields. Its not my carry rifle but still weighs less than 12#s with scope, mounts and rings. Good luck on which ever way you jump.

 

[royinidaho]

The only reason for 2 more inches of barrel is more velocity.

I think it best to get in in 28" then shorten if appropriate.

This is base on experience with several rebarrels on several different rifles.

Rifle A:

Original barrel 24" Douglas Premium- 270 Win cartridge. 140gr bullet accuracy load 3190 FPS. 0.75 MOA consistency.
Replaced barrel, 27" Lilja- 270 Win cartridge. 140 gr bullet accuracy load 3200 FPS. 0.25 MOA consistency. Same powder and charge weight in both barrels.

Rifle B:

Original barrel 30" Lilja 8 twist 3 groove - 270 Allen Mag cartridge. 169.5 gr bullet accuracy load 3400 FPS. 0.25 MOA consistency
Replaced barrel, 28" Lilja 8 twist 3 groove- same cartridge. Same bullet. Same velocity. 2 0.25 MOA consistency. grains less of the same powder.

The 28" barrel on the Allen Mag is smaller contour and way way more convenient than the 2" longer barrel.

Knowing what I now know I'd go with the shorter barrel as velocity loss due to taking 2" off of a longer barrel will not be noticed at all by whatever it is that you're shooting at.

 

[Mikecr]

There is more to barrel length than velocity and weight and even stiffness.
With large slower powder burning cartridges, with boat tail bullets, there is MUZZLE PRESSURE to consider.

The lower the muzzle pressures, the cleaner the bullet release.

 

[WildRose]

There is more to barrel length than velocity and weight and even stiffness.
With large slower powder burning cartridges, with boat tail bullets, there is MUZZLE PRESSURE to consider.

The lower the muzzle pressures, the cleaner the bullet release.

Good point. Muzzle flash blindness is another. The more completely the powder has burnt prior to the exit of the round, the less muzzle flash is an issue. In the low light conditions we often encounter hunting it is a valid consideration.