I want to purchase a new hunting rifle in either 270, 308, or 30.06. I'd like to have a light quick handling rifle which is also easy to lug in and out of deer stands. My question is whether I should get a 20" barrel or opt for the longer 24" or 26" barrels. How much difference is there in accuracy and muzzle velocity between these barrel lengths? Accuracy is very important, but a short barrel makes life a lot easier.
Barrel Length/Accuracy?
- Thread starter Hammy
- Start date
Art Eatman
Staff in Memoriam
Talking hunting, not benchrest: There is no practical difference in accuracy between an 18" barrel and a 26" barrel.
For the cartridges you mention, there is roughly a 50 ft/sec to 70 ft/sec velocity loss per inch of barrel shorter than 26", from the usual factory data. A deer does not know the difference between 2,700 ft/sec and 2,500 ft/sec.
FWIW, I've never had any problem in climbing into a stand with my 26"-barrelled critter. I grant that a 20"er is handier, but that's too trivial a detail to seriously enter into any gun-buying decision I might make. (In my arrogance, I suggest that if 4" of barrel is truly a safety issue, don't walk and chew gum at the same time.
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Smart-mouthed as ever, Art
For the cartridges you mention, there is roughly a 50 ft/sec to 70 ft/sec velocity loss per inch of barrel shorter than 26", from the usual factory data. A deer does not know the difference between 2,700 ft/sec and 2,500 ft/sec.
FWIW, I've never had any problem in climbing into a stand with my 26"-barrelled critter. I grant that a 20"er is handier, but that's too trivial a detail to seriously enter into any gun-buying decision I might make. (In my arrogance, I suggest that if 4" of barrel is truly a safety issue, don't walk and chew gum at the same time.
)Smart-mouthed as ever, Art
Hammy, go for the longer barrel. More than an accuracy issue, is the power issue. With the calibers you listed, the short barrels just don't give the cartrige the opportunity to burn all it's slow burning powder. That's one of the reasons velocity drops off. If you never shoot beyond 200 yards, go with the short barrel. But if you'll use it where your shots are going to be farther than that, get the longer tube. You'll appreciate the difference in bullet drop.
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"Charlton Heston is my President"
Danny45
NRA, NAHC, Buckmasters
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"Charlton Heston is my President"
Danny45
NRA, NAHC, Buckmasters