[Prof]

If shooting targets at 200-300 yards with a .223, does the length of the barrel really make that much difference to accuracy? Let's say the length choices are 20", 24" and 26". Thanks!

[dakotasin]

if you are using a scope, barrel length does little to nothing to/for accuracy.

if you're using iron sights, it depends on how much the extra length of the barrel (longer sight radius) helps you personally.

my own thought are to always use the longest practical barrel, but this has more to do w/ squeezing out more velocity than it does accuracy. so, i'd go w/ a 26" barrel, though i'd reconsider the 223...

[cheygriz]

Out to 300 yards, the .223 is probably the best choice available. For formal target shooting, I would select the 24 inch barre to enhabce sight radius with iron sights.

If using a scope, any barrel fronm 16 inch to 24 inch is fine. and the 16 inch works well at 300 yards.

[Prof]

Thanks, guys! I forgot to mention that I will be using a scope (old eyes!). I chose .223 because I already have a Ruger 77 Mk II in .223 and lots of ammo for that caliber. I have been looking at the heavy barrel Savages and Remingtons and was thinking that a shorter barrel would be less front heavy. Appreciate your input!

[Art Eatman]

A working theory about barrel length and accuracy is that a shorter tube, being stiffer, is more readily "tuned" to uniform harmonics from shot to shot in a string. This uniformity is what gives tight groups.

For distances to, say, 300 yards, the absolute velocity available from a longer barrel is not as important when figuring trajectory or wind drift.

Art

[curt]

I don't think you get anything past 24 inches except sight radius and with a scope that's no issue. I would imagine a 24 inch tube would be heavy enough that i wouldn't want to do anything but shoot it off the bench and whats the fun of that? Of course a 16" good tube is way better than a 24" mediocre tube.

[Prof]

Thanks, Art and Curt, for the additional information. Based on what you all have said, I think I am going to get the Savage 10FPLE with the 20" heavy barrel. Appreciate the help!