Barrell length and bullet selection?

one2hutn

Ok all. I've got my reloading equip and am going to start with my 270 since I have the most brass saved for that. I don't even know the twist rate of my gun but will verify before I make my final selection. My question is this.....does the length of the barrell do anything other than give the bullet a little more speed if it's longer vs. shorter?

Tailgunner1954

Nope

nononsense

one2hutn,

"My question is this.....does the length of the barrell do anything other than give the bullet a little more speed if it's longer vs. shorter?"

Yes, it does.

If you use open sights, a longer barrel increases the sight radius which allows for greater acutance.

Shorter barrels can be significantly louder and harder on your hearing since the muzzle blast is closer to your face.

Longer barrels can increase the efficiency of some loads/components.

Balance and handling characteristics can be improved by using longer or shorter barrel lengths.

Best.

glabray

Barrel length can have an impact on which powders may be optimum in your gun. For example, if you have a very short barrel and burn very slow burning powder a lot of that powder might be burning after it has left the barrel. This results in lower velocity, more muzzle flash, and can effect accuracy as that burning powder accelerates due to the huge pressure drop and passes the bullet in flight.