24" vs. 26" barrel

[gman1]

I need the members help .... again. I am looking at purchasing a 300 Win Mag and don't know if I should go with a 24" or 26" barrel? What are the advantages and disadvantages of both lengths? I always appreciate the assistance all of you have given me in the past and am anxious to see what direction I should go with this purchase!!

Gman

 

[rjroberts15]

The longer barrel will get you more (about 75 fps) muzzle velocity.

If all other things are equal, the 24 will be a little lighter, balanced a little different.

 

[gman1]

Will I get better accuracy out of the 26' barrel?

 

[Tim McCoy]

Will I get better accuracy out of the 26' barrel?

If all else is equal between the two barrels, you are unlikely to notice a difference. But, two barrels are never the same, so if you compare one 24" to another 26", flip a coin. Generally, stiffer barrels tend to be more accurate, assuming there are not other flaws in the barrel. So accuracy is probably more about the barrel taper/weight and care taken in manufacture than a given length.

For me, in a hunting rifle, the choice between the two is about the balance and handiness of the rifle, not about accuracy potential. The shorter barrel will usually cost you a few fps, but some 24" shoot faster than a 26" on a different rifle with the same load. Tighter chambers etc. have an effect too. I prefer a 24", especially if anywhere near timber or brush.

 

[stevevan]

I'm with Tim on his response. To me the 26" barrel is just too awkward. Especially if you plan to put it in a scabbard. As far as a velocity loss with 2" of less barrel at 24" the difference in the real world is minimal. In a .300 Win. Mag you could all but make up any difference there is if you handload.

 

[JimP]

Get which ever one that you want and don't worry about it.

My .340 Weatherby has a 26" barrel and I seldom notice the difference between it and my single shot Ruger #1 which due to the action is quite a bit shorter.

The main thing is to learn to shoot it and you will be fine.

 

[Bonecollector]

Take out a ruler and see how little 2" really is. It will allow your gun to burn more powder efficiently, but should not make a diff in packing/carrying/scabbard IMHO. We sometimes over analyze these things. But it sure is fun!

2" of barrel length. Pt.2Pt.
<--------------------->

 

[MtnBuck]

I just moved to a 24" barrel after having used a heavy 26" barrel since around 1999. I would say the answer depends on what type of hunting you do the most. Walking up and down hills for hours and maybe taking quick off-hand shots go with a lighter gun with a 22-24" barrel. Sitting in one spot most of the time overlooking large open spaces go with a 26" or longer (heavy) barrel.

 

[hunter25]

My 7mag is nearly at 27 with brake. The only time length is a problem for me is sitting in a blind. And many cases not long enough to fit.

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

 

[sneakypete]

My model 70 extreme weather 7mm has a 26" barrel, no issues with a scabbard!

 

[HuskyMusky]

I will never own another 26" rifle barrel, ironically enough it's a 300win mag...

I'm probably picking up a .300wsm with a 24.5" barrel eventually.

I'd go 24"

 

[SansSouci]

I prefer 22" barrels. In magnum cartridges, I want nothing longer than 24" I prefer short, fast-handling rifles.

Barrel length has no influence over accuracy. All other factors being equal but barrel length, an 18" barrel will be just as accurate as a 24" barrel.

 

[buckbull]

I've read several gun authors state that a shorter barrel is more accurate. I dunno. In a hunting situation I doubt any accuracy difference between the 2 would really come into play.

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

I've read several gun authors state that a shorter barrel is more accurate.

A lot of shooters ( and gun authors too) perception and ideas about calibers, powders, bullets and performance are throwbacks from bygone days. Our powders, bullets and materials used in gun manufacturing have changed so much in the last 20 years or so that it is hard to keep up with what's out there. Powders have advanced so much, that ballistic norms are totally different. Barrel life is better, ballistics are better and so are the guns that we shoot. I am sure that the differences between 22" & 24" are so minor, most shooters couldn't tell the difference.

Buy what feels right and fits you, find a load that works and then go shoot that trophy. The animal won't know the difference!

 

[Tim McCoy]

CC is spot on IMO.

That said, a shorter barrel, all else being equal, is stiffer. The stiffness tends to help accuracy but cost velocity. Which is why you'll often see longer and heavier barrels on some LR rifles, especially in competitions.

 

[SansSouci]

Will I get better accuracy out of the 26' barrel?

No. Barrel length does not influence accuracy.

 

[SansSouci]

I like shorter barrels. I love a .270 Win with a 22" barrel.

 

[300magman]

most of the points already made answer your question, but I just wanted to add that barrel quality, contour, twist rate, etc will all affect your accuracy way more than the length depending on style of shooting you do. If you are a br shooter and have a light contour barrel, but are throwing rounds down it quick, you'll burn out your barrel in no time and have accuracy issues. Just like if you have a barrel with a twist rate that's out of whack for what your shooting, you won't be getting optimum performance out of your rifle. Same as quality, a match grade barrel made by say kreiger will hold up to a lot more abuse that many factory barrels on cheaper rifles.

Just my $0.02, but unless your looking to get into precision shooting, don't let accuracy differences make your decision for you on barrel length. Most guys can't shoot to the level that they would ever know the difference (not saying you, just making a generalization cause some guys get hung up on this stuff, then go out and shoot a 1.5 MOA group at 100yds and are happy with it, lol)

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

No. Barrel length does not influence accuracy.

I agree with this....BUT there is one scenario that could be different. Lets say you have a 26" barrel rifle and decide to shorten it to 22". You could have a problem. The harmonics/vibrations of the barrel will certainly change and could effect your accuracy. You probably would have to adjust your loads to regain the lost accuracy due to the change in barrel length.

 

[300magman]

I agree with this....BUT there is one scenario that could be different. Lets say you have a 26" barrel rifle and decide to shorten it to 22". You could have a problem. The harmonics/vibrations of the barrel will certainly change and could effect your accuracy. You probably would have to adjust your loads to regain the lost accuracy due to the change in barrel length.

Based on my experience, this is true. I re barrelled one of my 308's from a 24" to a 20", both were heavy contour barrels but my poi was off when I switched to the 20". It was shooting low and surprising slightly left. Had to develop a slightly different load for it (with a couple extra grains of powder), and adjust for its tendency to shoot left. It wasn't huge differences, but was about an 0.75" left and 1.25 low with the new barrel.