effect of barrel length on velocity

[wboggs]

Does anyone know of experimental data on the effect of barrel length on velocity for cartridges like the .284, .280, .30-06 using slow powders and heavy for caliber bullets? I am wondering why they use 32" in Creedmore.

 

[TonyR]

It depends on many factors but it is possible to get some idea using QuickLoad with specific cartridge, bullet, and powder information.

 

[kentuckytroutbum]

FWIW, there was an article in one of the gun magazines, in 2009 or 2010, about the effect of velocity vs. barrel length. I don't remember the specifics on the cartridge and rifle. But I do remember that it was a caliber suitable for hunting, non-magnum type in a bolt action rifle. This writer started out with a long barrel, I believe 30", and progressively cut off an inch at a time, and re-crowned the the barrel each time. Nothing was changed on the cartridge load, except the barrel length.

Net-net, I do remember that there was approx. a 25 fps velocity loss for each inch of barrel cut. But TonyR's advice is solid.

Bill

 

[wboggs]

Where do access Quick Load? Sounds like it is very useful.

 

[TonyR]

QuickLoad is a software program sold by Neconos:
http://www.neconos.com/details3.htm
It is a great money saver if you work with different cartridges and want to explore only the most promising alternatives. I find it very useful when evaluating powders and determining starting and maximum loads for ladder tests. It isn't a substitute for actual load development but it does help eliminate things that aren't likely to do what you want.