Optimal barrel length?

[cyclone]

Has anyone ever considered the optimal (rifle) barrel length to squeeze the most (coax the most velocity) out of a .22 CB?

I know that 18-19.5 inches is usually touted as the best for a .22 LR (or something around that mark, depending on the rifle being used), and an-inch-or-two more is usually advised for the .17 M2, but I don't recall having seen anything for the .22 CB rounds.

I figure that knowing the optimal barrel length for the .22 subsonic and the .22 short (or a ballpark figure, because the brand will make a difference) might help, but who knows?

Thanks.

 

[Wrong Way]

The problem is that by the time you go short enough to maximize the velocity, you also end up maximizing the noise level....kind of defeating the purpose of the CB's.

I prefer a 24"+ barrel with the CB's as they seem to be the quietest out of this length.

 

[MauserMike]

I prefer a 24"+ barrel with the CB's as they seem to be the quietest out of this length.

x2 they are quieter than a pellet rifle out of my Marlin 39A

 

[cyclone]

The problem is that by the time you go short enough to maximize the velocity, you also end up maximizing the noise level....

Thanks for the reply. However, I'm sort of having difficulty with the idea that a shorter barrel increases velocity...

I'm used to the adage that "the length of the rifle barrel has a direct influence on the velocity obtained from the cartridge for which it is chambered. Ballistically, longer is usually better", but I could be totally missing the boat on that.

Any other ideas?

 

[Wrong Way]

Focus on the "usually" part of that statement....CB's are different.

In the case of the CB's, a shorter barrel WILL decrease velocity. Remember, you are working with burning powder creating expanding gasses which push the bullet down the barrel....once the powder is all burned and all the gasses have reached maximum expansion, all the remaining barrel length that the bullet has to travel down does is slow it down. CB's have a very small powder charge...thats why they are so quiet out of a long barrel. The gas has allready expanded to max and is actually slowing down when it exits the barrel. I would guess that the optimum barrel length (velocity wise) for the little charge in the CB's would be around 12"....but as Iposted earlier, short barrrels with the CB's make them LOUD. I fired some out of my .22 pistols just for fun, they were every bit as loud as "regular" .22's.