22" or 24" Barrel Length?

[LandDiver]

My wife gave me the go ahead on getting a rifle for this year's hunting season. Continuing my research on what I thought would be the gun of my choice (Winchester Model 70 Featherweight 7mm-08) I came across some data that lead to this post.

Guy posted about him and his dad. Different guns but in the same caliber 7mm-08 (Weatherby Vangaurd S2 vs. Savage 111), same bullet, but the longer barrel (24" Weatherby vs. 22" Savage) came out with 60-100fps more consistently out of his chronograph.

Thanks everyone.

 

[406LIFE]

The numbers are accurate: longer barrel=more fps. The real question that you need to answer is subjective: Is the increased length, weight, and cost worth what you will get in terminal performance? I think you'll have answers from both sides of this.

 

[Mthuntinfool]

Unless you are getting into the long range craze, 50-100 fps at the muzzle makes no real difference at most hunting ranges. I have a rifle with a 24" tube and several with 22", and I find that I grab the shorter rifles every time. Lighter and easier to handle in my opinion. As for your rifle choice, I would go with the 22" in a M70 featherweight. just my 2 cents worth.

 

[fishing4sanity]

Everything else being equal, the longer barrel is going to be faster. Speed is a good thing, but in a general hunting rifle either of the rifles you mention will work just fine. It's good to research all aspects of the rifles before you buy one, but at the same time don't let it bog you down. IMO, I'd focus on how the rifles feel, how comfortable they are when you shoulder the gun, how the trigger pull feels, balance, even which one you like the looks of more. Guns fit each hunter differently and it comes down to personal preferences, at the same time I enjoy researching rifles and hearing opinions. Good luck!

 

[Southwind]

It is true that longer barrels can produce more velocity, however every cartridge has a point of diminishing returns and a 7mm-08 performs very well out of a 22" barrel. In practical hunting situations you will never miss that 60-100 fps you might gain. If you run ballistics of your cartridge out to lets say 400 yards with a 100 fps difference your drop will only change 3" if it's 60 fps only 2" difference. Your 300 yard drop would change less than an 1 1/2".

If it were me I wouldn't worry about it a bit, BigFins Howa Alpine 7mm-08 has a 20" and if you have noticed it doesn't seem to limit him much. Good luck and congrats on getting the green light from the wife!

 

[JLS]

I prefer a 24" tube over a 26", and a 22" over a 24". You'll certainly get more velocity out of a longer barrel, all else being constant. However, I prefer the shorter barrel for ease of handling while I'm hunting.

If you're in love with the Vanguard you can always have the barrel shortened and a new crown cut. At that point though, why not just buy a Howa?

Edit: I see others were faster than me on the keyboard.

 

[BuzzH]

Longer barrel doesn't always mean more velocity in 2 different rifles.

My 7-08 has a pacnor barrel finished at 24" and with 43 grains varget and 140's...I get 2850. My wife has the exact same pacnor finished at 23...same load of 43 grains varget and 140's...her rifle gets 2910.

I'm in the camp of mthuntinfool....and if I had it to do over again, I would likely go 22" finished and will do that if I ever shoot the barrel out of the one I have now.

 

[BuzzH]

If it were me I wouldn't worry about it a bit, BigFins Howa Alpine 7mm-08 has a 20" and if you have noticed it doesn't seem to limit him much.

Agreed. My brother bought my nephew a left hand 7-08 in a Remington youth...also has the 20" barrel and it shoots very well. I wouldn't hesitate one second to buy the Howa Alpine with the 20" barrel.

 

[1_pointer]

Decide based on how the rifle feels not the ballistics. 2" don't mean that much ballistically. My 6yo can probably throw a 140gr bullet faster than 60fps (~40mph).

 

[TimeOnTarget]

I'm the opposite of all you guys I guess, I prefer a longer tube. My current hunting rigs sport 26" and 32" barrels. Although once my suppressors show up, I might have to re-think that a bit.

 

[sbhooper]

Decide based on how the rifle feels not the ballistics. 2" don't mean that much ballistically. My 6yo can probably throw a 140gr bullet faster than 60fps (~40mph).

Agreed, but I always prefer 24-26-inch barrels. I will take the ease of attaining more velocity, over the perceived weight issue every time. I have never had a handling/weight issue with 24-26-inch barrels on my rifles.

 

[LandDiver]

Thanks everyone for the input. The exchange on base doesn't have the particular rifle I'm wanting to get even though they can order it in. But the next time I go into the big city I'll stop in at the big stores and see if they have one.

Right now I'm reading up on Nosler's 140gr E-Tip and AccuBond. Don't really understand the ballistics of it all, but on paper the E-Tip appears to be a better bullet in terms of velocity and energy up to 300 yards.

Thanks again for the responses. Keep them coming!

 

[nidahunter]

Personally, I don't think a dead animal cares about an extra 60 fps. Either one would be so close you probably couldn't see much of a difference out to 300 yards. Get the one you like best and go have fun!

 

[Southwind]

This is specific to the 6.5 Creedmoor but it is an interesting test none the less.
http://rifleshooter.com/2016/02/6-5-creedmoor-effect-of-barrel-length-on-velocity-cutting-up-a-creedmoor/

 

[Fire_9]

I'd say 22". I've always been a fan of shorter barrels. Easier to handle and in theory gives you a more accurate barrel especially if you go a lighter contour. I think 22" is a good compromise.

 

[mtmuley]

Shorter barrel more accurate? Baloney. Me, I'd go longer. Nothing wrong with more velocity. Doubt you'll notice a 22 inch handling different than a 24. mtmuley

 

[DRAFTSTUD]

Interesting Thread, I am looking to join my son in the 7mm-08 club, but was also looking at the barrel length. Top Thread this year! John

 

[noharleyyet]

Shorter barrel more accurate? Baloney. Me, I'd go longer. Nothing wrong with more velocity. Doubt you'll notice a 22 inch handling different than a 24. mtmuley

...hear this, hear this

 

[Washington Hunter]

Are you sure the Vanguard is available with a 24 inch barrel in 7/08? The only one I can find on their website has a 20 inch barrel. I do see a 308 with a 24 inch barrel.

 

[Fire_9]

Shorter barrel more accurate? Baloney. Me, I'd go longer. Nothing wrong with more velocity. Doubt you'll notice a 22 inch handling different than a 24. mtmuley

There are a lot of people that don't believe it. I'm not saying long barrels can't be accurate but a shorter barrel of the same profile will be stiffer and stiffness can aid in accuracy. I think it can really come into play with lighter contoured barrels though. I'm not saying that 2 inches are going to make that big of a difference but it can't hurt. It's not going to make any difference so it really comes down to personal preference and I like packing around shorter rifles. I know its a benchrest site but this touches on it http://www.6mmbr.com/barrelfaq.html