20 inch vs 22 inch barrels

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Caper3006

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Hey everyone,
I am new to the site so this has probably been brought up before. If so, my apologies. Most of my rifles are 22 inch. I am looking for a 7mm-08, but most models I am interested in are 20 inch. I am looking at a Remington 700 sps and a browning x-bolt stalker. Anyone know what the big differences are? AI tells me not much difference in accuracy. Anyone with experience here on this?
 
I would be using this rifle under what I call normal hunting conditions and distances. Most of my shots are under 120 yrds, but would shoot as far as 200 yrds max.
 
The chrono and ballistics don't lie...I have 308's in 16, 20, 22, 24, and 26".

All shooting the same load there is a gradual but noticeable change in hold over and smack at the terminal end on steel.

The difference between 16" and 26" barrels is significant at ranges over 400 yards...The 20" and 22" barrels difference is there but in real world 100-200 yard hunting situation not worth any worry.
 
I prefer 22" barrels over 20" but it won't make a noticeable difference for most people.

Somebody may find technical explanations to justify their preference but reality is that for your application it's not going to make a difference.

If you like 22" then keep looking for 22", but if 20" is ok and won't bug you (it could) then whichever.
 
Found a Ruger American in 22 inch this evening. Now just have to figure out which way I want to go. Definitely like the look of the sps as I have that one in a 243, and also like the look of the x-bolt stalker. Feel free to chime in…thoughts…
 
If you're not in an environment where pairs of letters like ES and SD mean anything to you, then you should be okay.
Some people at the extremes of the sport have noticed that those particular thingies get better with longer barrels.
Something I heard about slower powders being able to burn completely by muzzle passage, etc. Witchcraft...
 
I would rather have a 20" barrel for a 7-08 but would take a 22" if I liked the rifle and that's all that was available. My little sister shot a nice big northern BC moose with her Browning micro Xbolt 7-08 20" a couple of years ago. One of my best 7-08 memories ever! :)
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If your like the majority of people shooting under 200 yards it makes ZERO difference.
The animals will have no idea how long the barrel was.

If your part of the internet super secret shooters club daily shooting groundhogs at 2000 meters in 40 mph crosswinds you'll notice a decrease in velocity and knock down energy.
 
You won't be ballistically challenged at those distances with either one of your choices for barrel length in that caliber.
I prefer the 708 over the 308. Are those the only 2 manufacturers you're considering ? Lots of other good ones out there as well...(thinkin out loud with my fingers..LOL)

Me.....I prefer the 22 inch barrels as a bare minimum. Alas, that's my choice. I like the 24's and 26's even better, butttt...In the end, ultimately, it's what you like / prefer that's gonna matter the most.
 
There are so many factors that affect accuracy, and in fact, a shorter barrel may be more accurate, due in part to barrel harmonics. I prefer shorter barrels on hunting rifles, for handling and balance. 20" seems to be the tipping point for me, past that and i find many rifles become front heavy. The minor velocity decrease on the 7mm-08 from 22-20" is really insignificant, unless you are trying to push out to 1000 yards, where every fps counts.
 
Caper3006 said:
Found a Ruger American in 22 inch this evening. Now just have to figure out which way I want to go. Definitely like the look of the sps as I have that one in a 243, and also like the look of the x-bolt stalker. Feel free to chime in…thoughts…
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When it comes to choosing firearms, never depend on what "other people" prefer to make your final choice.

It's fine to listen to the pros and cons, they feel are relevant, but just remember their dream rifle is just that, "their dream rifle."

Your dream rifle very likely won't appeal to them.

Their arm, neck, and finger lengths are different to your's, as is their physical strength. These measurements make huge difference in preferences between people's opinions on what's best.

My preference is towards slightly or even very noticeably front heavy rifles. I find it stabilizes my aim for off hand shots, and even helps to steady the rifle if I'm using a rest on the bench or shooting off my walking stick.

You may not find that to be the case.

Lots of options out there, but the only options that really count, are those you can afford financially and feel good in your hands and on your shoulder.

Finding a rifle that "fits" you, when it's on your shoulder shooting, and comes up well, so your eye isn't searching for the scope, is far more important than the issue of 2 inches shorter barrels.
 
Personal preference but for me I would choose the 22” barrel. The extra 2” would hardly be noticeable as far as weight or handling IMO and I would rather have the extra velocity.
 
Bubba Yugga said:
If you're not in an environment where pairs of letters like ES and SD mean anything to you, then you should be okay.
Some people at the extremes of the sport have noticed that those particular thingies get better with longer barrels.
Something I heard about slower powders being able to burn completely by muzzle passage, etc. Witchcraft...
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Even after the powder is burned completely, the pressure it created is still causing the bullet to accelerate down the bore, and that's why longer barrels give higher velocity.

If powder is still burning at the muzzle you're probably using the wrong load or powder.
 
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Caper3006 said:
Found a Ruger American in 22 inch this evening. Now just have to figure out which way I want to go. Definitely like the look of the sps as I have that one in a 243, and also like the look of the x-bolt stalker. Feel free to chime in…thoughts…
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My thoughts - Either choice is good. It's your money and you're the only one who actually matters here. If it looks and feels good to you then you don't need to ask for more opinions
 
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