.25 Creedmoor optimum barrel length

[moorepower]

What would be the optimum barrel length for a .25 Creedmoor? How much velocity gain would, say a 28-30" barrel add over a 26" barrel?

 

[Kurz]

It will depend on the bullet and powder combination. I have run shorter barrels 20-22", and longer barrels out to 30" depending on both the bullet and which powder burned efficiently. Now I shoot the 131 ACE and the Berger 133, 135 in both short and long barrels. I don't shoot anything lighter.

The ACE are probably a dead issue since Sierra makes them for that company and they aren't making any currently. But the 133/135 Bergers work quite well so no worries right now.

 

[moorepower]

My plans are 135 Berger's, running N555 or H4350. It will be a prone rifle so weight is not an issue. Thanks for the reply!

 

[Kurz]

As to shooting in competitions, the VVN-555 burns fairly cool so barrel heating might be slower. Always a good thing to consider.

 

[moorepower]

I bought 8lbs of it partly because of that!