I'm shooting a 20" and a 26" 308.
This is all just conversation/opinion, but I'd suggest a 20-24" for all around use, depending on your preferences.
Longer or shorter lengths than that, are getting into niche-rifle territory, in my humble opinion.
Exactly. No basis for a decision on this thread other than popularity.
I tend to agree with the view that if you are beyond 800 a lot then a 6.5 is probably a better option. Other than that it depends on use and hit probability. 20" is easier to get out the truck door but loses some velocity. 24" is a bit more wieldy (but so what) but has that extra 100fps so a bit less drop and windage and more energy. Is the hit probability at say 800 much different? Probably not. Does the marginally better ballistics make much difference, possibly if you are target shooting or are focussed on energy on target.
Everyone is jumping on the short rifle trend but if you look at what the comp shooters use they have longer rather than short barrels (and 6mm or 6.5's). There is a reason. Hit probability