20" Barrel ??

[Bacarrat]

Re: 20" Barrel ??

But I need a longer barrel for my 1k journey.

 

[nobody13]

Re: 20" Barrel ??

Shorter barrels.... like Bigger Rims on cars and trucks?? It's whats for dinner!

 

[TonyAngel]

Re: 20" Barrel ??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> But I need a longer barrel for my 1k journey.</div></div>

I'm a relative newb to long distance and am still working my way up, but I don't believe this to be true. I'll agree that any particular bullet needs to be moving at a certain speed when it leaves the muzzle (depending on atmospheric conditions) to stay supersonic out to its destination and I do agree that there is a relationship between barrel length and muzzle velocity, but I really don't think that a sweeping statement like the one quoted is universally true.

I recently sold a semi custom R700 that had a 22" Krieger barrel on it. I had the chamber cut specifically for SMKs, meaning that when I loaded the round to 2.8" OAL, the bullets was jammed by .020" into the lands and the chamber dimensions were cut on the tight side. When I full length size my brass, it takes almost no effort at all and essentially, all I'm doing is bumping the should back a couple of thousandths. With this barrel, I can easily get 2650 mv with a 175gr SMK. I don't know for sure, but the ballistic calculators that I've used say that this should keep me supersonic out to 1K yards.

My point is that I know guys with stock rifles with 24 and 26" barrels that don't get the velocity that I do out of my 22" with my loads. So...it would appear that in my case, a longer barrel won't always yield higher velocity.

On the flip side, assuming two like rifles, one with a 20" barrel and the other with a 24" barrel, how much difference would there be in velocity? 50fps? If so, that isn't enough to give up the compact package that the shorter barrel affords. It only takes an extra grain of powder to make up 50fps (provided that the load is still safe in your rifle).

Barrel length, from what I've seen, is only one factor that determines the velocity that you'll get. I've come to see the value of a good tight chamber and proper throat. With these two things on your side, you can afford to give up some barrel length. Personally, when getting into a new rifle, my first choice is to have one put together. My second choice would be to buy a stock rifle with a 24 or 26" barrel, have the chamber set back and recut to better specifications and then have the length brought down to 20".

I just bought this rifle....

although I knew the previous owner and had some input (or at least the opportunity to express and opinion) into its being put together.

After having spent some time with it, it is a PITA to deal with. It's super front heavy. Difficult to negotiate in tight spaces or in the woods and just plain lacks appeal. It's at 26" now and I'm going to have it knocked back to 22". I'd go straight to 20", but with the barrel profile that I have, I can have the chamber set back a few times without sacrificing thickness at the breech. It'll be a 20" someday, I'll just have to shoot my way to it.

 

[tbugher62]

Re: 20" Barrel ??

I have the 20 inch FN TBM A5 rifle and it has been very accurate for me out to 1000 yards,so I simply have no reason too carry a longer stick at all.........