Lightweight hunting rifle project - barrel length

[TRD1911]

So I'm putting together another hunting rifle. This one is really going to be top shelf components to keep the rifle as light as possible. I'm placing an order for a carbon barrel next week in .264 for a 6.5 creedmoor.

I'm stuck between a 22inch and 24 inch barrel. The shorter barrel is more maneuverable, more rigid (accurate/repeatable) and slightly less weight. But, you lose about 30-50fps in the 22 over the 24.

Which would you recommend and why?

[jackelope]

I talked to a couple builders about the same thing and was told 22-24” so that’s not a huge help I guess. I think I’d go with 22” if you’re looking to build a lightweight rifle.

[b23]

Not to get into a great debate about CF wrapped barrels but CF barrels only really save you weight when you are comparing them to the same diameter all steel barrels.  You can go with something like a #4 contour all steel barrel and be within a few ounces of the same weight and save yourself a few hundred dollars.

As for velocity loss, 30-50 fps doesn't amount to squat, so if you are looking for compact and light, shorter is going to be better.

[TRD1911]

Thanks for the input guys. I'm going for the Proof barrel becuase I got a smoking deal on one from a dude selling a certificate that he won off a prize table at a shooting competition. I like nice gear but paying the asking price for one of those barrels...not gonna happen. Saw the opportunity and decided to go that route as price was comparable to a nice steel barrel.

[BULLBLASTER]

I say 26 inch. 

[Magnum_Willys]

If you reload go at least 24” so you can go easy on the powder and still keep the speed up vs maxing it out.

[Bill W]

50 fps should be the equivalent of 15 yards in distance.   It's noise in the big scheme of things.   22 inch barrel.  If you have a problem with slightly lower velocity check another slightly faster burning powder.  There's always one that will work.

[X-Force]

What game are you building it for? what distance are you looking to shoot? Suppressed?

Looking at this idea before I really liked the idea of 18" threaded barrel. If I ever got around to adding a suppressor it would still be a lightweight backpacking rifle.

The gun would be limited to around 500 yards for deer but I don't shoot that far anyway so it wouldn't matter.

[TRD1911]

What game are you building it for? what distance are you looking to shoot? Suppressed?

Looking at this idea before I really liked the idea of 18" threaded barrel. If I ever got around to adding a suppressor it would still be a lightweight backpacking rifle.

The gun would be limited to around 500 yards for deer but I don't shoot that far anyway so it wouldn't matter.

Good questions -

Game - deer/bear
Distance - Depends on how well it performs but I'm very confident with my other 6.5 out to 600 yards on a cold bore.
Suppressed - Yes, I do have a suppressor but not sure if I want to hunt with it. It's a Surefire SOCOM can. Built like a tank but negates a lot of the weight reduction in after.

I do reload as well so the velocity is a major concern  for me but so it barrel life. I know that velocity is key for accuracy at distance but i also don't want to burn this barrel out after 1.5k.

[lord grizzly]

I say 26 inch. 

yup

[X-Force]

What is the anticipated weight of the build?

How much will the rifle/scope combo weigh?

[BULLBLASTER]

WHat other parts are you planning on?

[Bob33]

Between the two I'd vote for 22". Lighter weight is worth more to me than an extra 50 FPS. However, I've found that light barreled rifles can be more challenging to shoot accurately, especially offhand.

[yorketransport]

I'd go 22" or shorter, I love a good 18-20" barreled hunting rifle though. The velocity loss is insignificant at the ranges you're looking to use the gun. I've spent a lot of time hitting stuff far beyond what most people would think is practical using small calibers in short barrels. Most of my LR guns over the years have been 18-19" barreled specialty pistols in moderate calibers and I've never felt under gunned until I got past the 1000-1300 yard mark depending on the gun. Making hits at 1000 yards with a 19" barreled 6mm BR pistol with a 105gr bullet at only 2650fps is easy. Shoot a 130gr bullet from a 22" barreled 6.5 Creedmoor and you're good to 1200+ yards with no trouble.