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16" vs 20" for 44M rifle?
geobex
Member Posts: 3 ✭✭
I'm considering buying a 44M lever action rifle. Is there any disadvantage with the longer barrel and a pistol cartridge?
Comments
Something like a 45acp? You'll loose velocity
Looks like after 17-18", velocity starts to go down, not up.
To answer your question, the 20" will perform better, velocity wise, even with factory loads.
Best
EDIT 1
quote:http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/44mag.html
The results of the minimal data they show are skewed. They don't even cover the whole range from 16-20", and some data shows a drop off, then another increase in velocity. I deem it unreliable, in the real world.
Best
I'm considering buying a 44M lever action rifle. Is there any disadvantage with the longer barrel and a pistol cartridge?
The question is what. . .20" vs 16" or rifle vs pistol?
Rifle significantly outperforms a revolver ballistically with the same loads. The stock and longer sight radius make it easier to hit with a rifle. And the more controlled recoil also potentially increase rate of fire with a lever action gun vs a revolver.
So no contest with respect to power AND accuracy. . .rifle wins.
If the question is 20" vs 16" barreled rifle, the longer barrel is a little harder to carry through brush or operate in tight spaces. That's the disadvantage.
Advantage is a longer sight radius if you're using iron sights, potentially making it a little easier to aim.
With most loads there is negligible ballistic difference between a 16" and a 20" bbl. In fact, with some loads you'll actually LOSE velocity with the longer barrel, though again, not enough to mean anything.
IMO unless you're absolutely trying to wring max accuracy out of iron sights, the 16" rifle is the way to go with this, if you have the choice.
Edit: Oh, longer barrel is also a little QUIETER since the blast exits 4" further from your ears.
Bought mine about '74 to hunt hogs in FLA. Had no problem carrying it through the swamps there [^]
As an example for a given load:
7 1/2" Blackhawk: 1352 fps
20" Winchester: 1784 fps
22" Remington: 1876 fps