24" vs. 26" barrel

[gman1]

I need some assistance on what length of barrel is preferable if there is such a thing. I am going to purchase a 300 Win Mag and see that some rifles come in a 24" barrel and some with a 26" barrel. What would be the best length of barrel or is there not a lot of difference?

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thank you and happy trails.

gman

 

[Retterath]

What ever you prefer for length. The 26" could give you up to 50 fps increase over the 24"

 

[johnsd16]

As stated the 26" will give you better performance for velocity but for what it's worth, a 26" barreled hunting rifle usually feels very long when handling. It doesn't seem like much (2", let the jokes begin) but if you are used to 22" standard caliber guns, then 26" can seem unwieldly. I personally would go with 24" for the handling and packing factor over the increase in ballistic performance. No right or wrong answer.

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

My 25-06 Ruger M77 has a 26" barrel and my .300 Wby custom has a 24" barrel. As stated the 26" barrels get a little unwieldy at times. But because it is a little heavier and longer, I think it makes a great shooting "platform". Performance is really close, just a few fps difference between the barrel lengths. Retterath is right on with his statement about 50 fps. I have chronographed lots of different rifles and calibers. Where you notice big differences is when there is 6 or 8" differences in barrel lengths.

If I were you, I would handle all the different rifles and barrel lengths you can. I am sure you will find one or two that just have the right "feel" for you, then get out your wallet and take it home.

 

[stevevan]

No question, 24". That extra 2" on the 26" barrel would be of little value. A 26" barrel is very awkward when using a scabbard on horse back. For that matter if you do any loading you could probably work up a load for your 24" barrel for a .300 Win Mag that would match or even beat a factory load from a 26" barreled rifle.

 

[coastalarms]

26" wont really get all that much performance out of a 300winmag, not enough to justify the weight and the unwieldy length. If you were shooting off a bench all the time, maybe....but not for a hunting gun. 26" is, however, great for a semi auto 12 gauge duck gun

 

[xphunter]

For the max distances that most hunt at, even a 22" barrel will work/kill great.
It is truly a preference issue.
I would recommend the 24"

 

[gman1]

Thanks guys for the help on the barrel length.

Happy Trails

 

[badgerbob]

For the max distances that most hunt at, even a 22" barrel will work/kill great.
It is truly a preference issue.
I would recommend the 24"

Especially with the choices of powder today, assuming that you reload.

 

[gman1]

I tryed both barrel lengths and it feels like I am a lot steadier with the 26" . Am I losing it completely or is there some validity to my madness?

Gman

 

[Tim McCoy]

Not losing it at all. Most rifles with weight out front feel steadier when held off hand. Can accomplish the same thing with a heavier contour barrel. Suspect if you compared a 22" vs 24", you'd feel the 24" was steadier. Personally, I much prefer 24" on a bolt gun vs a 26". Where the 26" gets to be awkward is in scabbards, walking in cover, etc. Then the extra 2" seems like a foot, to me anyway. I do have a break action 25-06 with 26" tube that works fine, relatively handy due to no bolt action to add length.

 

[gman1]

Not losing it at all. Most rifles with weight out front feel steadier when held off hand. Can accomplish the same thing with a heavier contour barrel. Suspect if you compared a 22" vs 24", you'd feel the 24" was steadier. Personally, I much prefer 24" on a bolt gun vs a 26". Where the 26" gets to be awkward is in scabbards, walking in cover, etc. Then the extra 2" seems like a foot, to me anyway. I do have a break action 25-06 with 26" tube that works fine, relatively handy due to no bolt action to add length.

Thanks Tim for the great input
gman

 

[Slugz]

IMO its a balance thing. No right or wrong answer. If Im above tree line or at altitudes that I can get a ridge to ridge or valley bottom shot I like the 26"......normal elk hunting though shorter is better for all the reasons already stated. On a side note there is a reason you see some old timers hunting with a short barrel lever 45-70. Its swings nice, sits on a horse nicely, light and perfect for the dark timber.