I was wondering if there is a resource out there to help me with the barrel length. I am putting together a 20 practical heavier bench rifle. I am trying to get over 15 pounds. The barrel i purchased is a bartlien #9 heavy varmint 1-11 twist and 29 inches long (for now). I am planning to shoot mostly 40 gr bullets at average speed. I guess what I am getting at is how long is needed but not to long to be useless. Still looking at laminated stocks too.
determining barrel length?
- Thread starter Doug30racer
- Start date
I would pick the barrel length your gunsmith suggests. You can easily add weight in the butt stock.
That's my standard way of doing it as well.
I can cut it off but I shure can't make it longer. Larry
I would like one too long . I wish I had a 36" to try. The next would be 40". LarryThere's a joke in there somewhere.....
I am guessing you are going to be at 15 plus with that barrel. Unless you have a really light action, scope and stock. The only disadvantage to a long barrel is if you don't have a long forearm on the stock it can get front heavy and not track good. Weight in the rear can help some there. Matt
I think he said over 15 pounds . Larry
Ditto this.
If you have it already, just weigh it and do the math.
I prefer weight in the barrel rather than the stock (to a point).
Weight in either location reduces recoil on the shoulder and can increase steadiness.
However, weight in the barrel contributes more to reduced barrel recoil before the bullet leaves the barrel. The less the barrel moves before the bullet leaves, the less inaccuracy is introduced by barrel motion. This is probably more important with larger calibers than .223's.
I prefer weight in the barrel rather than the stock (to a point).
Weight in either location reduces recoil on the shoulder and can increase steadiness.
However, weight in the barrel contributes more to reduced barrel recoil before the bullet leaves the barrel. The less the barrel moves before the bullet leaves, the less inaccuracy is introduced by barrel motion. This is probably more important with larger calibers than .223's.
Dusty Stevens
Shiner
Falling on deaf ears, Nat
It’s been a while but, to see what effect it would have on velocity, ‘some guy’ cut down a 28” barrel chambered in 204 Ruger, whacking it in one inch increments. Thinkin’ guy was using a factory loaded somethinganothers. IIRC, there was a very slight increase in velocity with each one inch reduction until peak velocity occurred at 23”, and then velocity was a little less at 22” and etc. thereon. A Google or some other search thingy might turn up the guy’s testing along with all the specifics, instead of having to rely on an oldish ‘Freak’s memory.
DSP10
Gold $$ Contributor
Yup, that looks familiar. Looks like I only wished he’d started with 28”, I’d have liked more rounds over the crono at each length, but then I wasn’t the guy paying for it or putting the efforts into it either.
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