rimfire bbl length

[CH_Tiger_14]

I was told recently that beyond 18 - 18.5", 22 LR's begin to lose muzzle velocity for every inch of extra length. Whereas for centerfire, every 1" extra length gives approximately 50 fps (up to a certain point).

Does this 18 - 18.5" also hold true for the 22 WMR?

What is the ideal 22 WMR bbl length? I see some 22 WMR's out there with 24" bbl length - is this beneficial?

 

[yippert]

bbl length

Guns and Ammo published a report on bbl length for 22 LR a few years back. They measured velocity at each length as they cut the barrel of a .22 with a hacksaw. The optimum lenght for 22LR was 16"but 18" was close. It makes sense that with more powder to burn the WRM would optimize at a longer length but I don't know how much. The curve was faily flat at the apex so it would be safe to estimate 20" would probably be near optimum but that's just an uneducated guess.

 

[Grouse Man]

Well. Never would have guessed that.

 

[cz452shooter]

Yup 16" is when the volicity maxes out

 

[geologist]

So if I have a 22" marlin 81. Would I stiffen the barrel and increase my accuracy/precision by cutting the barrel to 18" and re-crowning?

 

[yippert]

BBL length

I wondered about that... Would expect both higher velocity and much stiffer barrell. If someone had equally set up a CZ 452 American and a Scout they could get an indication... Maybe there's a thread on that.

 

[CH_Tiger_14]

yippert

Thanx for the info - it is close to what I have heard. The reason I asked is that I wanted to get a 22 WMR and although I can't really afford the Ruger 77/22 that I had my eye on, I was curious about the model with the 24" barrel and its effect on MV.

Now I'm actually changing my focus a bit - I might get a 22 Hornet or a .204 Ruger instead.