barrel length for accuracy in a scoped 22lr shooting from bench?

[logic factory]

i have found many threads discussing when maximum velocity may be reach but i am still searching for more information about accuracy. i found one source that mentioned an article in a magazine many years ago that determined a 18-19" while remaining < 20" barrel to be the most accurate?

are there benchrest .22lr competitions? if so what length do people generally use and what are their reasons for choosing that length? e.g. shorter -> stiffer?

i can understand how longer barrel can help with iron sights but that is not what i am asking here.

second part is if anyone has a crowning tool i could rent could you pm or email me at fishforlife@gmail.com?

 

[bheadboy]

there is 22lr competition and even long range out to 200

go to Cherokee gun club of Gainesville, ga web page, and they are a major bunch of 22 long range and br shooters

bob

 

[Cort]

There is .22 LR benchrest. There are a couple of governing organizations with slight variations on the theme. Most of the BR matches are shot at 50 yards but there are other matches shot at 100 and 200 yards. Dan Killough of Killough Shooting Sports in Winters, TX is very knowledgeable about .22LR BR. He has several used rifles and can give lots of good advice.

My .22 LR bench rifle is at the gunsmith so I cannot measure the barrel for you. I had Dan oversee building it for me so it came as he directed. The rifle is a Hall action with a Shilen ratchet barrel, a Jewell trigger and a McMillan Heavy Varmint stock. I have lots to learn before I can claim to be a bench rest shooter.

Cort

 

[LCazador]

Twenty inches is the max length for rimfires . I've shot many over that , you will lose acuraccy and velocity with every inch over 20 !!.

 

[cb1229]

I agree on the length affecting velocity but I don't totally agree on its affect on accuracy I have a 40X with a 26inch barrel and with me doing my part and Eley black box I can keep it under .5 to.7 at 100yds this is a factory barrel on a CMP trainer and I have a CZ-452 ultra lux has a 28inch barrel shoot pretty good also its my rimfire sporter rifle

 

[Outrider27]

Calfee, a really first rate XP100 and smallbore gunsmith (even converts XP100s to .22 RF for benchrest work), has written an interesting book on the subject of .22 RF accuracy (can't remember the title; mine is out on loan). MANY factors involved (surprise, surprise ;D), but on barrels, after the other details are taken care of, presence or absence of a tuner will make more difference than length in all likelihood.

 

[TonyR]

Is this the book you mentioned: http://www.amazon.com/Art-Rimfire-Accuracy-Bill-Calfee/dp/145679776X

 

[Outrider27]

Yup, that would be the book.

 

[katokoch]

Twenty inches is the max length for rimfires . I've shot many over that , you will lose acuraccy and velocity with every inch over 20 !!.

I don't think I've seen a barrel under 20" at a rimfire benchrest match (yet). I'd guess most are around 24-25" long.

 

[Shynloco]

Twenty inches is the max length for rimfires . I've shot many over that , you will lose acuraccy and velocity with every inch over 20 !!.

REALLY? Guess I've been reading about and shooting in the wrong competitions. I've been quite fortunate over the years with my 25" barrels and have won or placed very highly in some local competitions and like others, have yet to read about or see a rimfire barrel win any ARA standard competitions (anywhere) with anything below 24". I suppose my 50+ years of shooting have been sheltered affairs.

 

[gtl1946]

I would think that if you were serious about accurate 22lr rifles from a bench you would get Calfee's book ASAP and listen to what he says on EVERYTHING to deal with on barrels ,actions ,etc. The man has forgot more than most most of us will ever know about 22lr rifles .

 

[tunered]

Twenty inches is the max length for rimfires . I've shot many over that , you will lose acuraccy and velocity with every inch over 20 !!.

REALLY? Guess I've been reading about and shooting in the wrong competitions. I've been quite fortunate over the years with my 25" barrels and have won or placed very highly in some local competitions and like others, have yet to read about or see a rimfire barrel win any ARA standard competitions (anywhere) with anything below 24". I suppose my 50+ years of shooting have been sheltered affairs.

Thats funny, but so correct.

 

[Chuck51840]

23-26 inches is good. Calfee builds many in the 23-24 range. I prefer around a 26 inch barrel.

 

[GRCameron]

FWIW, my Anschutz 1413 free rifle, mid 60's vintage, has a 27" factory barrel and shoots just fine at 100, though I never shot it from the bench, just 3-position.

 

[750k2]

The smith usually decides the final length by slugging
to find the tight spot for the crown.
If your blank is taper lapped you can have some play for what you wish.

 

[10/22 Nut]

I am searching for the same answers, and so far 20" is about the best. in a Stainless Snake Flute Barrel.
I am also searching out Tuners, as how much that they improve your Groups
at 50-yids. on a .22-Lr.
Also who makes the best Tuner for a .22-Lr.