[1858rem]

can you change bullet weight and velocity in .204 ruger enough to produce the same accuracy in a 20" compact barrel as the 26" target barrel? im tryin to get sub 3" minimum at 400 yds but the gun only has a 20"bbl 1:12 rifling...im considering it cause he only wants $400 for a m77 mark 2 stainless w/nikon 3-9X40mm... and i cannot find what accuracy is possible for the 20". also...what velocity loss may i see from a 20" vs 26"?:scrutiny::confused::uhoh:

[rcmodel]

Barrel length has no affect on accuracy.

In fact, some theorize that a short barrel of the same contour as a long barrel will be more accurate. Because it is stiffer, and would have less "barrel whip" or vibration.

I don't have any data on velocity loss in the .17 Remington due to barrel length.

But it is similar enough to the .223 in case capacity that you could infer about 30 FPS/per inch loss from 26" to 20".
Or 180 FPS.

Probably not enough to worry about.

The biggest problem with the .17 at 400 yards will be excessive wind drift.
Not inherent accuracy of the rifle, or velocity/trajectory from a 20" barrel.

rcmodel