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shorter barrels vs longer barrels????

paboogerpabooger Member Posts: 13,953
edited May 2002 in Ask the Experts
Can anyone explain to me the advantages and disadvantages of different length barrels? No puns please longer is not always better L>O>L> I do realize that some of the hotter loads like the 25/06 need a longer barrel to burn up all the xtra powder. I recently purchased a .308 and it has a custom barrel that is only 20 inches long. Does this effect the accuracy and range it will shoot? Obviously it is a lot lighter than some of my other rifles. Just curious it's a rainy day here in Pa. and thought Id make use of my time and do some schoolin from the experts.
Thanks Booger
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Comments

  • He DogHe Dog Member Posts: 51,593 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    In general terms, each inch of change in barrel length will add or subtract about 50 fps of velocity. Jon R. Sundra did a test with 4 or 5 rifles where he literally sawed the barrels off an inch at a time and chronographed shots at each length. The result for several calibers was an average of 50 fps loss with each inch removed. Thus if you compare a 26" barrel to your 20" barrel the difference will be about 300 fps. That is significant if not huge and will mean some difference in range. Likely it affects accuracy as well, but I have seen nothing on that. Generally, for deer/elk hunting I prefer 24" barrels, but any more 22" barrels are common, as we seem to light light rifles.
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  • paboogerpabooger Member Posts: 13,953
    edited November -1
    See I told you I would get an education! Lots and lots of knowledge and experience on this site. Thanks guys
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  • JustCJustC Member Posts: 16,056 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Just a side note, Your 308 with a 20" barrel will shoot extrememly well with a large diameter custom barrel. The 308, due to it's consistent gas pressures and short design will group out of a 20" barrel just as well as a 24". Buddy of mine set a 300yd benchrest record with a 20" barreled 308 last year. Have fun.

    A great rifle with a junk scope,....is junk.
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  • sealyonsealyon Member Posts: 313 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    The velocity loss you've been given is right on as I understand it. Length of barrel, like contour, are perameters you use to get what you want out of a firearm. I wouldn't want a 20" barrel on a rifle that I was target shooting 500 yards nor would I want a 26" heavy barrel for climbing mountains. You have to match the barrel length and profile to the caliber and your preferences for what you'll be using it for.----That's about the long and short of it----Sorry, couldn't help myself.........
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  • 11echo11echo Member Posts: 1,007 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Interesting subject here! BUT I can't believe no one has mentioned that you need longer barrel to handle slower burning powers. You wouldn't want a short barreled mag rifle, because the unburned powder that was giving you all them FPS would go up in a BIG muzzle flash. I question the opinion stated here that shorter barrels are more accurate. Then you are shooting any length rifle barrel, the barrel vibrates. Heavy barreled rifle have a more uniform vibration, hence the better accuracy. I don't think whether shorter barrels are inherently more accurate then longer barrels when your talking vibrations. I'll give you the fact longer barrels are more accurate with iron sights because of the longer sighting plane. My 2 cents! Good luck. ...Mark

    "FEAR the Goverment, that fears your ARMS"
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