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Barrel Length
- Thread starter LocalJW
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sable tireur
Well-Known Member
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- Oct 8, 2010
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There is no shortage of opinions here, everyone wants to have their say.
The question needing an answer is what do you intend to use this rifle for? It can make a difference. Dual use of target and hunting can often make some compromises which will need to be addressed.
Will this shorty be suppressed?
Will it be a fast twist for longer, heavier bullets?
Tell us what's on your mind, please.
In my limited experience, you will likely lose 50-100 fps velocity as you shorten barrel length, depending on the load you are shooting. We have also found that shortening a long, slender contoured barrel can substantially increase accuracy. (My son took a Model 70 in .300 WSM that just wouldn't shoot anything to his satisfaction and cut and recrowned an inch at a time. When he got to 18 inches he found he had a sub MOA rifle that was previously shooting 2 or 3 MOA at 24 inches Barrel length. Not his go to long range rifle, but perfectly adequate for his purposes to 400 yards and super light and easy to carry.
We've also found with thinner barrels sometimes instead of free floating, a pad that contacts the barrel near the end of the fore-end dramatically improves accuracy.
So depending on your goals for ease of carry, maximum range and weight of the rifle, you might want the 22 inch. If you are hunting where over 400 yards is the norm and you don't mind the length and weight of the longer barrel you might want to go that way.
This! It boils down to personal choice and intended purpose.There is no shortage of opinions here, everyone wants to have their say.
The question needing an answer is what do you intend to use this rifle for? It can make a difference. Dual use of target and hunting can often make some compromises which will need to be addressed.
Will this shorty be suppressed?
Will it be a fast twist for longer, heavier bullets?
Tell us what's on your mind, please.
waveslayer
Well-Known Member
Barrel length and profile have no bearing on accuracy... it may take longer to find a node, but that is it. Heat is where the difference is and the POI shift from the heat.
1" can be 25-50 fps difference
Seekin Element is a 22" barrel in long action chambering.
Seems to be becoming the new standard because CA is also manufacturing a bunch of their long action in 22" barrel.
Less weight, easier to handle, and new data is showing shorter barrels are actually more accurate then longer I guess
Elk and Mule Deer. No target except load development.There is no shortage of opinions here, everyone wants to have their say.
The question needing an answer is what do you intend to use this rifle for? It can make a difference. Dual use of target and hunting can often make some compromises which will need to be addressed.
Will this shorty be suppressed?
Will it be a fast twist for longer, heavier bullets?
Tell us what's on your mind, please.
No suppressed, brake though.
205 Berger which require 1:11 minimum.
Trying to devices between the Seekin Element or PH2.
Element is 2.5lbs lighter but it's a 22" barrel instead of 26" (ph2).
Cost $1k more though.
Western4444
Well-Known Member
I shoot 1000 and 1200 yards weekly. My barrels for these yardages is 26". Those that come with shorter barrels as 22" are amazed their velocities are 400 ft/sec slower and don't have the velocity to register on the electronic targets. Also if they have a AR style they are surprised by their poor accuracy. Whatever barrel length you get, make sure it matches you needs.
LA/SA, makes no difference in barrel length, as it applies equally. Longer tubes allow more "work" to be done to the bullet. My 7WSM, 300 PRC, and 300 RUM all wear 30" barrels. Slap the 9" TBAC suppressor on, and it's a good sized affair. Carried that 19.2 lb (bare rifle) 7 miles thru the prairies of southern Colorado for late antelope doe three days ago. 450y shot with a 180 Berger at 3030 MV. Would the doe have noticed the 200-250 fps less with a 20" barrel? Doubt it. I might have noticed the 2 lbs less maybe.
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sable tireur
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I didn't think it was too long ago that every common factory rifle usually came with 22" barrels. As with all things in the shooting world, we asked for longer barrels and got them...and a higher price of course. So 22" barrels are really nothing new, just what goes around comes back around. Editorializing off.
The difference between the two models is really the construction (7075T6 vs steel) and the resulting weight.
Ralph Stolle brought these aluminum actions to the forefront:
The use of aluminum in rifle actions has been the ultimate goal of many people for a number of decades.
First developed by Ralph W. Stolle in the late 60's and the early 70's, the Stolle line of actions emerged after many changes in design and techniques. The rigidity and lightweight characteristics are highly desirable features, a must in today's competitive benchrest rifles. Made entirely of 7075-T651 aircraft aluminum and 4140 alloy steel, they insure the optimum in stiffness and durability.
https://www.kelbly.com/actions-aluminum/
As far as the barrel length is concerned, I've have/had it both ways:
30"/32" competition barrels.
20" suppressed tactical and hunting barrels.
I like and use both for obvious reasons. All you really need to realize is the difference in load development. They are not the same.
Enjoy the process!
KH_Outdoors
Well-Known Member
Personal preference for sure!
Personal rigs-
22" or shorter are generally for short-medium length action type cartridges or Supressed setups.
24-26" is a good all around length for long action cartridges.
Personally my long action hunting rifles have 24" because for a hunting rifle I favor compactness and pick the shorter option on the "spectrum". Never, one time in the field in a hunting scenario have I said to myself "I wish my rifle was longer"... so to that tune, for you I think I'd favor the 22" if those are your options!
Personal rigs-
22" or shorter are generally for short-medium length action type cartridges or Supressed setups.
24-26" is a good all around length for long action cartridges.
Personally my long action hunting rifles have 24" because for a hunting rifle I favor compactness and pick the shorter option on the "spectrum". Never, one time in the field in a hunting scenario have I said to myself "I wish my rifle was longer"... so to that tune, for you I think I'd favor the 22" if those are your options!
