Jarrett rifles used to have an article a long time ago where he opined there was no need for anything longer than 27". I remember thinking at the time I read it that it made some sense even though there will always be those who disagree. The longest rifle bbl I have is 28. I won't ever build a rifle with anything longer. In fact I kind of doubt I'll have one over 27 inches.
I agree, & disagree
![Big Grin :D :D](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
Running something like a 375CT, you need an UBER slow burning powder, which in turn needs an UBER long bbl to burn said powder. Can you run a 26" bbl on that CT? yup, at the expense of needed velocity. Will any caliber be hurt accuracy wise, with a short barrel? Nope, just going to be slower. I run a 30" barrel on my newest LR rig, but it also weighs 16lbs, this is an ambush type of gun not a packer around (I have & it sucks
![Roll Eyes :rolleyes: :rolleyes:](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
). I built this rig for accuracy & velocity at all other costs & that's what I ended up with.
I think of it this way: "The more powder I have to burn, the more barrel I'm going to need to efficiently do that." Will it burn? Yup, after the projectile has left the barrel
![Big Grin :D :D](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
Makes for cool special effects but doesn't help you any.
In reference to your 308, 22" is fine, 20" would be fine & still get you out quite a ways, stability wise. A 308 can do that because it's a short cartridge with a moderate amout of fairly fast burning powder. I don't believe there is a "one bbl length fits all", too many variables.
Just a little different perspective, over generalizing a VERY broad spectrum
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