Who makes fast/ slow barrels?

[mshootnit]

Over the years, regarding projectile speed, I have read to the effect:
A 22" barrel is not necessarily slower than a 24" barrel, due to other factors that can vary by manufacturer. For example reloading guides list the maker, twist, and length of test barrels typically. All these factors play a part in loads, pressures, and velocities.
So is there common knowledge floating around regarding which manufacturer's barrels are known to be fast for their length? Or slow? ( In terms of projectile speed produced)

 

[Varminterror]

It’s abnormal for longer barrels in most bottleneck centerfire rifles to actually be slower than a shorter barrel, and almost unilaterally, if you cut down one particular barrel, you’ll lose speed. But yes, differences in bore diameter and machining quality can yield odd behavior for different lengths. This can even be seen within a lot of barrels from the same manufacturer.

There ARE gamer answers to your question, however, as certain designs lend themselves to higher speeds. For example, the polygonal rifled barrels out there tend to be notably faster than traditionally rifled barrels. They don’t deform the bullet as much and have less drag. Lower pressure AND higher velocity don’t typically go hand in hand, but you typically do see it. One maker for this type is Black Hole Weaponry, now operated as Columbia River Arms.

 

[jmr40]

It’s abnormal for longer barrels in most bottleneck centerfire rifles to actually be slower than a shorter barrel,

It is a lot more common than many think.

and almost unilaterally, if you cut down one particular barrel, you’ll lose speed.

Yes, very true, but once again not as much as many think. In 308 class cartridges 10-15 fps/inch of barrel between 18" and 22" seems to be the norm. Once you get below 18" speed drops off in bigger chunks. Going longer 22" just doesn't result in much more speed. 30-06 class cartridges will be in the 20-25 fps range and 30 caliber and under magnums in the 30-40 fps range.

It isn't unusual at all for different barrels of the same length to vary 25-50 fps with ammo from the same box. In fact that is very common, and I've seen as much as 130 fps between 2 different 22" barrels firing the same 30-06 ammo.

Since the normal variance between barrels of the same length is greater than the difference 2" of barrel makes it isn't that unusual for a 20" barrel to match or exceed another 22" barrel.

The only way to accurately predict how much barrel length effects velocity is to start with a long barrel, measure velocity and check speeds as the barrel is cut shorter. Even then bullet weight and powder choice can lead to differences in data from one test to another.

I don't really want to get into which brands tend to shoot slower, but I've made some observations. I'll not share that since there is no proof and I don't want to start a battle.

But I've also noted that custom barrels made to closer tolerances tend to get more velocity than common factory barrels.

 

[old heeler]

i have rifles with Lilja,Bartlein,Brux,Kreiger,Rock Creek,K&P,Shilen,Hart and I've also used Broughton,Obermeyer,Pac-Nor and few other. I have nothing shorter than 24" or longer than 27 1/2" and I've never cut barrel to test various lengths. There lot of things you have to look at in a barrel and if you look at Shilen match barrel to a Bartlein there not lot of difference in cost. Myself I'm more concern about who's going to chamber vs what barrel I'm going to use.

 

[Gordon]

Well three groove barrels, 5 R rifling , and polygonal bores MAY be slightly faster. . Progressive twist rifling was touted to be faster, but not seen anymore. Anschutz barrels have a tenth or two (.0002") "Choke lapped in that are supposed to add accuracy and velocity. Smooth lapped barrels seem faster . It is an uncertain science to be sure.