Im looking at buying a new browning abolt II or Tikka T3 in 30-06. I'm wondering what barrel length to get, is 22" an acceptable barrel or do i want to go longer? I'm planning on using this in the woods of northern MN so shots will be inside 200 yards. Thanks for any input.
.30-06 barrel length
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ohiohunter
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200yds and in, you'll never know nor see the difference.
Me personally I'd look at a smaller round for the distances noted.
Engineering101
Well-Known Member
I rebarreled my old trusty 24" Sako Finnbear 30-06 with a 26" Krieger heavy sporter - also in 30-06. Since I hand load I like a barrel as long as I can get without upsetting the balance of the rifle. A side benefit of a longer tube - it moves the muzzle blast further away from your ears and reduces the pressure at bullet exit and increases velocity. I cringe when somebody mentions a barrel length shorter than 26" - but that is jut me. For what your intended use, I would go with the length where the overall rifle has the best balance.
MudRunner2005
Well-Known Member
You'll enjoy the A-Bolt II rifle. They're awesome actions. 22" barrel is kind of short, but for your specified ranges, you'll never notice any difference. The .30-06 is also a classic round, as well.
If you ever want a longer barrel, or a different caliber based off the '06 family (.270, .280, .280 AI, .30-06 AI, .25-06, 6.5-284 Norma, etc...) you will only have to swap out the barrel, and have a custom barrel installed. They make excellent custom rifles.
gohring3006
Well-Known Member
Although its not my preference, I prefer a 24" or longer in 30-06. I wouldn't let the 22" shy me away from a nice Browning. Shane AKA Montanamarine uses what I think is a 20" 30-06 and gets some amazing velocities. And shoots very very far away with it. I don't know this personally, I have followed his posts...
Mort
I hunt northern Mn every year. I have found 22" or shorter to be the best. My favorite rifle is a 7-08 with a 22" barrel. I have a Tikka and like it a lot but is a 338 Winchester with a 24" barrel. I have never shot a Browning so can not offer an opinion. Pick the one you like best and good hunting.
I hunt northern Mn every year. I have found 22" or shorter to be the best. My favorite rifle is a 7-08 with a 22" barrel. I have a Tikka and like it a lot but is a 338 Winchester with a 24" barrel. I have never shot a Browning so can not offer an opinion. Pick the one you like best and good hunting.
