Best 6.5 CM Barrel Length ?

[Ought6]

My son is thinking of getting a Tikka T3X Lite in 6.5 CM and was debating on what barrel length would be best . It would be strictly a whitetail hunting rig with maximum shots at 300 yards and under . Most all shots would be 100 or less actually . Anyway , I told him I would prefer the 22" barrel but I thought I would see if there was a huge advantage to 24" . Thanks

 

[Edd]

I think it will be like most other cartridges, the longer the better. There isn't going to be a huge difference between a 24" and a 22" barrel but there will be a difference. Get whatever you want, it will kill a Deer.

 

[Deleted member 103481]

I would do 22

 

[MagnumManiac]

Not a Creedmoor, but my 6.5x47 Lapua wears a 24" barrel, there's really not a huge difference between these 2 cartridges. I would feel handicapped if it had a 22" barrel. It just feels right at this length.
I have a 22" barreled 270, it doesn't feel right when pointing it or swinging, especially on the long action.

It is your choice however.

Cheers.

 

[Rick Richard]

At the ranges you specified and the intended purpose, you will not notice that much of a difference. With That being said, I would choose what feels and handles best in your typical hunting situations.

 

[hunter67wa]

There is an article at Accurate shooter where they did a cut down, Very interesting that they only lost about 150fps from 27" to 16.25 with a 140 and around 233fps with a 120. There was a flat spot around 20-24. So at that distance it wont matter. Please look at the article for the facts.

 

[hunter67wa]

found it

 

[hunter67wa]

another

 

[Mike 338]

300 yards... I would think the best barrel length is the one that give the best balance and handling characteristics to the rifle. Ballistically speaking, at that range, any good shot from any length barrel should deliver equally excellent results.

 

[Canhunter35]

If ur handloading it's probable that you'll end up at the same velocity with either 24" or 22" barrel to get into your node

 

[jwing]

26

 

[Barrelnut]

If most shots will be inside of 100, I think the handling of the rifle would be more important. The rifle will probably be better balanced and swing and point better with the 22 inch barrel. As all said above, I think speed loss would be minuscule.

 

[djm670]

another

The data says between 24 and 22 inch barrels you lose
34 fps with 142 grain bullet
46 fps with 120 grain bullet

To some that is significant, particularly if you decide later to start stretching out the distance.

And the author did make the following statement when reviewing the data after his test as it was difficult to explain why with the 142 grain ammo, that his velocity actually increased from 27 inches to 24 inches..
"The decrease may be related to the barrel length, however, it may also be related to the fact the barrel was new and may have needed more fouling prior to the test. The 142 SMK has a much longer bearing surface than the 120 A-MAX, which may help explain why this was observed in the 142 SMK but not the 120 A-MAX. I would like to see this experiment repeated with a premium barrel and larger sample size."

When he said fouling, I suspect he meant break in. As the barrel was new before the start of his testing. And I would agree with that comment. He would like to see the test reconducted with another barrel.

I went 26" with my first creedmoor.

 

[Heavyiron]

I use a 20 inch barrel remington in 260 and have not felt handicapped with it, but only use it at 200 yards or less. For longer shots i use something with more range.