Maybe a stupid question. Heavy fluted barrels make a lot of sense for target/varmint rifle but why they all have 26" barrels? What does 26" barrel gain compare to a 22", beside maybe higher velocity? Isn't the longer bullet stay in barrel, the more sensitive it is in term of accuracy? Thanks.
26" barrel Varmint Rifles
- Thread starter HankC
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another okie
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The normal answer is the longer barrel, in and of itself, adds nothing to accuracy and may hurt it, since the bullet is in barrel longer and gives you more of a chance to jerk it off target, plus a shorter barrel may be stiffer. But if you are using iron sights the longer sight radius may help.
I think it's a pretty minor factor either way, compared to a good barrel and a good trigger pull and a good shooter pulling the trigger.
I think it's a pretty minor factor either way, compared to a good barrel and a good trigger pull and a good shooter pulling the trigger.
skinewmexico
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Because if you're hunting varmints at distance, velocity is king. Well, one of the kings.
Urbana John
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I've got a 24" SS bull barrel on an AR, with factory Colt trigger, and it is the best track driver I've got!!
Course it's a bench shooter only---too heavy to carry around!!
UJ
Course it's a bench shooter only---too heavy to carry around!!
UJ
Art Eatman
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Overbore cartridges do better for velocity with a long barrel. .220 Swift, e.g., in the varmint category. All of the '06-style case lengths. It's not all that important out to, say, 300 yards, but when you start playing Ma Bell, velocity = good.
Not much point to fluting, however. Gimmick, mostly.
Absolute best accuracy is another matter, if you're talking about fractions of one MOA type groups vs. barrel length. Google for "secrets of the Houston warehouse" for a good discussion of that.
Not much point to fluting, however. Gimmick, mostly.
Absolute best accuracy is another matter, if you're talking about fractions of one MOA type groups vs. barrel length. Google for "secrets of the Houston warehouse" for a good discussion of that.
Yep, velocity is where it's at. The 26" barrels (I have one myself) offer no increase in accuracy potential. But they let handloaders drive heavy bullets way faster than out of a shorter barrel. I still have to work up loads for mine, but I think 3kfps with a 75gr A-max is attainable.
rangerruck
Member
agree, velocity is king, makes everyting less sensitive to wind...
Swampy
Member
Yup..... on both counts.....
Extra velocity contributed by a longer barrel gives the exact same sort of advantage to a long range shooter that using a bullet with a higher BC does.... both allow the bullet to reach the target quicker...... thereby reducing the amount of time that the wind has to deflect the bullet off path.
Of course, if you want the absolute BEST advantage... use BOTH a longer barrel and a High BC bullet.... something most varmint and LR target shooters do anyway....
Best to all,
Swampy
Ridgerunner665
Member
THE ONLY GUNS that need 26 inch barrels are rifles that fire rounds with a large case volume (lots of powder)....300 Win Mag, 378 Weatherby and such.
Seafarer12
Member
Uusually barrel prices aren't that much different from a 26 to a 22. If you can get a little more speed out of that 4 inches of length its worth it for a long range rifle. If I was having to hump it through the woods I will take an 18 or 20 inch.
if you think a 26" barrel is long, you should take a look at the Savage 12 in 6.5mm-284 Norma...30"barrel
rangerruck
Member
another deal is this; most weight in a rifle is in the bbl, a very heavy bbl, is better for stabilization, it moves less. it is less feeling to your twitchy heart, muscles, fingers, etc., as you pull the trigger.
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