Question About Rifle Barrel Length

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GunWhatGun

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I was planning on getting a bolt action rifle in .223. I'm debating between Remington M700 XCR Compact Tactical vs XCR Tactical Long Range. They both have heavy contour barrel, and 40x trigger. The only difference seems to be the barrel length difference of 20" vs 26." Does the 6" make any difference either way? What would you get, and why? I know there's a trend towards shorter barrels but I assume it's because it's a compromise towards lighter weight, not that it's actually better?

I am planning on trying some Groundhog hunting, and some target shooting also with it. I figure the groundhog distance here in PA would be 50-200 yds. But also I plan to do some target shooting out to 600 yds. Would the extra velocity (which might be helful at 600 yds) be worth lugging around the extra length (which might be annoying when groundhog hunting)? The difference in weight is only 1 lb, and I'm not out there for extended periods of time, so I've been leaning towards the longer barrel. Any thoughts?
Thanks for the replies.
 
longer barrel= greater velocity. I'm guessing 200fps with 6" difference. at 200 yards, there is no real advantage to the extra velocity. At 600, there will be less drop, but if you are shooting at known distances it shouldn't be a huge deal regardless.

I don't think barrel length has anything to do with accuracy, but some people will tell you the shorter 20" barrel will be more accurate because there is less for the barrel to whip around as the bullet leaves.

The way I look at it, you can always shorten the barrel if you think it's too unwieldy. You can't add to it without starting over. I don't personally see the problem with 1-2 extra pounds with a weapon, but I am fairly young and have a job that keeps me in pretty good shape. I guess only you can answer that question for you.

And welcome to the forum! :)
 
well just about all the target rifles come with long barrels and a longer barrel does give you more velocity so i would go with the longer one but thats just me
 
Generally longer barrels = more velocity. All rounds have a sweet spot on barrel length. A 223 does fine with a 20" barrel. Going longer will still give more velocity, but the velocity gains after 20" are small and get smaller for each inch you go longer. Some rounds really need that extra length.
 
In 223, a 20" barrel is already more than 80 caliber length, plenty of barrel to get good use out of the powder. 26" is something I'd expect on a 45/70, or some of the modern magnums with lots of slow powder, those rounds can profit from longer barrels and still get significant velocity gains past 20".
 
The short barrel will be just as accurate. Maybe better because of higher relative stiffness, but you would have to compare a lot of factory barrels for that to show.

The long barrel gets you some free velocity which is always good for trajectory and windage. It also has a lower muzzle pressure farther away from your head, which can be a comfort factor, especially when shooting a lot at targets.
 
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