Bullet weight and barrel length

[ivankonev]

Given rifles of the same caliber, is there any theoretical GENERAL idea that a shorter barrel (say 18") does better with a heavier bullet or lighter bullet? Or that a long barrel (say 26" or 29" etc.) does better with a heavier or lighter bullet?

Just for an example: A 30-06 rifle can have a short 18" barrel or a long 26" barrel and a choice of anything from 130 gr to 220 gr bullet. Is there any feeling that one weight goes better a certain barrel length?

I'm talking generalities here, not anecdotes.

 

[ChrisGarrett]

Given rifles of the same caliber, is there any theoretical GENERAL idea that a shorter barrel (say 18") does better with a heavier bullet or lighter bullet? Or that a long barrel (say 26" or 29" etc.) does better with a heavier or lighter bullet?

Just for an example: A 30-06 rifle can have a short 18" barrel or a long 26" barrel and a choice of anything from 130 gr to 220 gr bullet. Is there any feeling that one weight goes better a certain barrel length?

I'm talking generalities here, not anecdotes.

Bullet length, or rather bearing surface length, is what matters, so an appropriate 'twist' is in order. Faster/slower burning powders will also matter, in barrel length.

Barrels of the same width/diameter, favor the shorter barrel due to the shorter barrel being a tad 'stiffer.'

Chris

 

[Nortonious]

I assume you mean by "does better" you mean more accurate.

OBT
OCW
harmonics
accuracy nodes
quickload

Better get some coffee, cuz if you dive in now you'll be up awhile.

 

[Runamuk]

Generalizing here....I go heavy with a short barrel simply due to the the "heavier" (longer) bullets typically have a higher BC which pays off in shorter barrels due to velocity loss of the shorter barrel. I think longer barrels give you more options for either light or heavy for caliber bullets depending on what your purpose's are.

 

[redbullitt]

I have heard the same about heavy projectile and shorter barrels… I have not really gotten to do much comparison out of the short 308 rifle yet, but this spring it is getting some 208 amax for sure to compare!

The other factor to consider with a shorter barrel is how overbore your cartridge is. I would typically avoid a 243 win in a 16 or 18 inch rifle and go for a .308, 338 fed, or 358 win. There is less loss of performance/velocity in cartridges like that when using a short barrel. I have heard the 30-06 does loses more performance in a shorter tube than a 308 win, but I have not shot them side by side to compare…

If I am going to be working with a lower velocity I like to be able to throw a heavy bullet… but the great bc of a 260 rem bullet would probably work very well too. An 18 inch 260 rem would still probably stomp all over an 18 inch 308...

FWIW from my 16 inch 308: 178 amax, win brass, cci 200, 43.0g varget I get just around 2400 FPS. I regularly make hits a touch beyond 500 yards where I regularly shoot. Further would be no problem if the range were longer lol. Muzzle blast and noise are more noticeable than say a 24 inch, but it does not bother me much at all with hearing protection on. The exact same load gains 100-150 fps in my longer barrels (around 24 inches).