SmallCaliberCentral

Has anyone noticed a big difference with 22 -26" barrel length? I have noticed a lot companies are making them with shorter barrels.

Im sure there are more reasons. But for ME..the biggest reason in having a shorter barrel is versatility. Rifles with shorter barrels are not only lighter, but easier to manuever while walking and stalking. I still prefer longer barreled rifles just because i sit in one position instead of walking around but its all about prefrence. I did read an article that said accuracy is not affected as much as one would think. Sure velocity drops but accuracy is still on par with the longer barrels. Hope this helps a little for now. Im sure someone more knowledgable will be able to add to this.

Just my personal opinion based upon what I've read and been told. The builder of my .204 upper said to keep the minimum barrel length for a .204 at 22" for accuracy.

From what I've read, the more velocity you have on the bullet, the more stable the bullet is at longer distances, as once the velocity starts to fall off, so does the accuracy, and the bullet starts to become unstable. I've found this to be reasonably true, as my longer range shots get a lot more 'iffy'..as far as consistency...

There is a chart based on a barrel makers research that gives the specific velocity losses based on barrel length out on the internet, where he published his findings through experimentation by cutting a barrel down one inch at a time and measuring the velocity after each cut & crown job. Maybe someone will have the site where it's located. I thought I had it in my 'Favorites' file, but can't locate it..

Try this:

http://www.bullberry.com/204Rugerdata.html

thanx guys

I have several reactions to your question and the above posts:

First, the Bulberry test is very interesting. However, it does not reveal anything about the powder used. I am aware that a number of powders have been developed that achieve high velocities with shorter barrels. One of my friends, who is quite knowledgeable and has been in the military, told me that the military has used powders that achieve max velocity in 16 inch barrels with the 5.56. In this vein, I would surmise that handloaders using a chrono, could perhaps achieve relatively high velocities in shorter barrels using faster burning powders, other things being equal.

With regard to accuracy, I believe that many tests have shown that short, stiff barrels may be more accurate than long barrels.

I wouldn't argue about the difference a powder could make.... but, if all things are equal, it seems to me the longer barrel (26" vs. 16") would still provide a higher velocity and therefore more bullet stability at longer (600yds +) distances...

Under 300yds, there probably wouldn't be any difference noticed..

My 26 inch barreled .204 gives me about 275fps more than my 22 inch barrel using identical loads. When I ordered my Cooper with a 24 inch barrel, they told me the accuracy guarantee is only good for 22 inches or longer.