24" or 26" 300wm barrel for elk

[Will83]

I am new to the sport of hunting elk, but I understand that alot of hiking will be involved. I am not sure of the areas or terrain that I will one day be hunting. I would like to know the length of barrel that would be best for most elk terrains. Keep in mind that weight difference would be minor because I will be purchasing a proof carbon fiber barrel. However, I would be adding a brake, which would add about 2" to the barrel length. Would the 26" + brake be too long for the rougher terrains or should I go 24"+brake?

 

[BigGrizz]

26" is fine.

 

[middleofnowhere]

If a shorter barrel is desirable, consider another round like the Winchester Short Mag.

 

[waltercrouse]

If a shorter barrel is desirable, consider another round like the Winchester Short Mag.

I have been reading a lot about Winchester short Mag. I do not have one at this time, I do like the 300 or the 325 WSM. These rifle are a little smaller , and get almost the same results as the longer case. But again shoot your game it is dead ,and it does matter to it what you shot it with.

 

[kbaerg]

I would go 26 with brake since the weight is minimal. I hunt with a 300 Wm 27" plus suppressor.

 

[Greyfox]

My 300WM has a 24" barrel with a break totalling 26". No problem achieving velocity of 2900 FPS with Berger 210/215's which are effective to 1000+ yards. I prefer the balance and handiness of the shorter tube in my Sendaro/Varmint contour.

 

[NEMTHunter]

I have a 28" barrel and have no trouble in thick brush. You just have to watch what you are doing. But then I would do the same with a Shorter barrel. I like to keep my guns as nice as I can.

 

[flatwater bill]

I prefer a shorter bbl on my horseback hunts. I do not believe you will notice a difference in ballistics in the field............but a good question.........thanks for posting.................FWB

 

[dfanonymous]

26 will burn all the powder you are using.