.223 Remington Barrel Length Question

[gilream]

I am ordering a new rifle in .223 Remington. The standard configuration includes a 24 inch barrel (one inch no taper, 1:12 twist) and the trigger set at 2 to 2 1/2 pounds.

No cost options include a factory trigger setting as low as 1 1/2 pounds and a 26 inch barrel.

I definitely will opt for the lower trigger setting but am wondering about the barrel length. Would the extra muzzle velocity from the 26 inch barrel cost me in the accuracy department?

The rifle will be used to shoot groundhogs, feral cats, and crows but primarily to hand load for and shoot bug holes in paper at 100 and 200 yards.

Any opinions as to which barrel length?

Mike

 

[searcher]

You won't give up anything in the accuracy department by having another 50 f.p.s. or so in velocity with a 26" barrel as opposed to a 24" barrel. If accuracy were to be lost, it would be because the 26" barrel is not quite as stiff as the shorter barrel. Unless you are a VERY serious target shooter, I'd not give that much (if any) thought.

As for the length of the barrel, I had bought a Krieger 28" barrel in .223 for and now that length is what I think is the ultimate for a Varmint rifle that will not be lugged around a lot - and also shot at targets. The next big benefit to me (other than velocity increase) is having that extra weight up front as an aid to keeping your rifle from losing your sight picture when shooting at distant varmints with a high-powered scope. The slight velocity increase will benefit you ever so slightly in cheating wind drift on the distant critters. On mine, I also add a brake to the 26" barrel and with my scope cranked up to 4o power, shooting the little 40 grain bullets, I can go varminting alone and spot my own hits (or misses) To do that with a 24" barrel is not as good - and without a brake with a 24" barrel - is a bit more difficult - or at least not as easy for sure. I'd definitely add a brake if you have the option!

When shooting those distant varmints and when target shooting, you will most definitely appreciate the 1 1/2 pound trigger.

Personally, I'd opt for the 26" barrel, the 1 1/2 lb. trigger and have a brake installed. Have fun!!!

 

[stool]

GO BIG

 

[boltfluter]

I would go 22" and not look back. Very portable and very accurate. IMHO this is all the barrel you need with such a small charge of powder. ;D

Regards,
Paul

www.boltfluting.com

 

[SS427]

If the barrel is one inch diameter with no taper, a long barrel is going to be very barrel heavy unless the stock and action are heavy. My Savage LRPV (very heavy action and fairly heavy stock) has a 26 inch large diameter barrel and I would cut off 4 inches if I did anything other than shoot it from a bench.

At one inch diameter, I don't think you will give up any accuracy with the 26 inch barrel. I now tend to favor longer barrels, within reason, because they seem to be quieter. At 100-200 yard target shooting I don't think you get much if any return on the extra velocity.

 

[stool]

I LIKE MY 26" 1" DIA 1/14 TWIST HART...ON AN AR...bench gun...
i also have a 27" heavy krieger.....
if it to be mainly a bench gun..keep the extra length....