Optium Barrel length for a 22 lr

[Topstrap]

I have everything from 10" Exemplars to 28" rifles. Long heavy barreled guns are more forgiving to shooter input. My 15 7/8" custom Exemplar pistol is probably my most accurate gun but the 28" old target rifles are right there with it. Velocities and scope settings for the 16 and 28 are nearly identical. We have a few with 20" and they are faster. Don't know if there is a best overall barrel length for accuracy but there may be a best barrel length for specific uses.

Topstrap

 

[Rob01]

Same velocity at 16” and 28”? Sounds more like an anomaly as a friend shot the same ammo in his 38” and my 18” and he was almost 100fps slower. Same with guys with 22” being about 40fps slower than my 18” with same ammo.

 

[grauhanen]

It's worth noting that barrel length is not the only factor in the MV of the same .22LR ammo. Bore characteristics play an important role, too.

In other words, two barrels that are the same length and even the same make may not shoot the same ammo with the same MV.

Edit to add "only".

 

[Rob01]

Same can be said for centerfire barrels but there are basic generalizations to work with to help make a choice but seems like there is so much voodoo with rimfire it doesn't matter. So basically no reason to choose any specific length barrel as there are so many different factors no way to tell what you are going to get. LOL Just choose what you like and go have fun.

 

[gkgeiger]

With a large shift to 22rf due to short supplies, 22rf is having a rebirth in long range shooting challenges.
What is the Optium length for a barrel 16",20",26".
Thanks

I’ll bet you are really confused now. So many different replies.

 

[Thud]

No I'm not.

 

[kzin]

I feel more secure in my manhood with at least 26"

 

[USMCDOC]

I feel more secure in my manhood with at least 26"

 

[Thud]

There is always one guy in the group

 

[Cade]

For what it's worth I have 2 tricked out Ruger 10-22's. Both have Lilja barrels on them. One is 18" and the other is 21". Slight breeze and 46 degrees.
Took them both to the range and did some chronographing at 50 yds with the Magneto Speed V3 shooting CENTER-X
I shot 4 5 shot groups from each and averaged them.
The 18" lilja shot an average low of 1028 and average high of 1052 for an overall average of 1039 with an average SD of 9.77 and an average ES of 24.5.
The 21" lilja shot a average low of 1005 and average high of 1032 with overall average of 1017 average SD of 10.67 and average ES of 27.
All shot groups from both rifles shot one ragged hole at 50 yds off the bench with bi-pod and rear bag.

 

[danny]

With a large shift to 22rf due to short supplies, 22rf is having a rebirth in long range shooting challenges.
What is the Optium length for a barrel 16",20",26".
Thanks

Some years ago, an article was posted based on the barrel length where maximum velocity was attained, and from my memory, that was 16", certainly not over 18". Past this maximum length, additional barrel length slowed the projectile. With that said, you may need a longer sighting radius, so you will have to figure what works best for you.

Danny