Barrel Length Opinion

TrevorMack said:
Debating on getting my new barrel finished at 20'' or 22''. The rifle is a 7mm-08, would the 20'' be enough or should I go with the 22''
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"would the 20" be enough" What do you mean by "enough?" Things all equal, a 22" will give you more velocity and some added weight, the 20 inch barrel will give you less velocity and less weight. Nova Scotia, I'll assume, doesn't have long shots for hunting big game compared to western provinces, therefore either barrel length would do. I personally would have a 24" or 25" barrel to gain extra velocity for those longer shots. In the very very near future a gun maker/gunsmith will be building me a 240 Weatherby with a 27" barrel. It all depends how or where you hunt, assuming you are using this gun for hunting.
 
If there is a possibility of going on a sheep hunt, I would want a 22" barrel or even a 24". A good chance that the shots could be long range and I would want all the velocity I could get. I would cut down on weight every where else that I could but it wouldn't be for 1-2 oz of barrel length. That is why I like Kimber rifles, they are light weight, with full length barrels.
 
TrevorMack said:
22" it is.
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A good choice in my judgement. I hunt in N.B. so similar country to N.S.. I would prefer a 22 inch for a 7-08 over a 20 inch. Much longer than 22 in a fast burning cartridge like the 7-08 is not gaining a lot. Some have commented on 26 inch barrels being required to wring more velocity out of a round but this really only applies to over bore cases holding large charges of slow burning powder. Such as 7mm magnum, 264 magnum, the .300 maggies etc. To me a too short barrel makes for less steady offhand holding at woods ranges. A little weight out front can be a good thing. My 2 cents.
 
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