barrel length

given a lv or the hv rifles in the classes what do you think is the length of the barrel for best speed and grouping at the 100 and 200 yard targets?
gary b
 
Not sure there is such a thing as a best length. I cut mine as long as I can and still make weight (with a few ounces to spare). My HV action is a tad heavy, so I went 22.5". With my scope and stock, the rig scales 13 lbs, 5 ozs.

-Lee
www.singleactions.com
 
It is a simple engineering fact that the shorter the barrel the less flex it would have thus easiest to STAY in tune. Factor in some of the desirable features, reach over the bench edge, balance of the overall assembly, etc, then the realities.

The realities are, number one, weight. The heavier the overall assembly the easier it is to handle consistently. Then overall, take in the FACTS, action weight, stock weight, scope weight and this leaves about 5#-5.4# max for the barrel to get you to 10.5# for LV/Sporter. Given the middle barrel diameter offerings for benchrest, 1.210" for a few inches then a taper of average taper, this brings the barrel length of 20"-21.5", and there you go.


.
 
Here's a link to a very good analysis by Dan Lilja: http://riflebarrels.com/a-look-at-the-rigidity-of-benchrest-barrels/
This article was published WAY back - late 80's/early 90's - ever since, for both Hunter and LV/Sproter rifles, I have used the NBRSA Hunter contour, as a nearly 22" Hunter muzzle deflects only about 0.000144" more than does a 21" HV coutour barrel. AND, the Hunter contour is much "stiffer" than a LV contour, as the entire four inches of 1.250" cylinder can be used, and still make the 10.5# weight limit.:eek: That article is worth the read! :cool: RG
 
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The best shooting 30BR barrel I have is down to 19 3/4 inches. It's on it's 3D setback. The velocity with my "pet load" still tops 3000 FPS. And it will stack one bullet on top of the other.
 
The best shooting 30BR barrel I have is down to 19 3/4 inches. It's on it's 3D setback. The velocity with my "pet load" still tops 3000 FPS. And it will stack one bullet on top of the other.
I do not believe that it by coincidence that the four barrels with which I have garnered yardage and/or Grand Agg. wins, at the NBRSA Hunter National Championships, are/were, from BF, to muzzle, < 20.5" long. ;) RG
 
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