Barrel Length For Hunting Rifles

[@bowentian2485]

How come you only have 1.25k subs? This should be a 1.25m-sub channel, at the very least. Super knowledgeable, experienced professional hunter passing on that real life proved knowledge and experience. Purchased a 700 in 300 RUM (that's the only one available now) and hoping to get my first deer ever! Love your channel Tom!

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

Thanks, I appreciate that. The channel is small but it's actually growing pretty quick which is both good and bad. And congrats on the 700. That is one stout cartridge you have it chambered in, but you'll be able to do a lot with it. You'll be able to shoot long distances and it will handle any big game you could ever want to hunt in North America. And because it's a less common cartridge you might have an easier time finding ammo right now while all of the more common cartridges are sold out? And it will certainly handle any deer out there! Good luck getting that first one.

[@glenoh88]

Keep it up, you are obviously in it to spread information without any bitterness or prejudice. You have my upmost respect​@@TomRiverSimpleLiving

[@josephrizk9850]

This was really thorough and we'll thought out. Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us.

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

You are so welcome!

[@Mikejohnson-wr2hd]

Love your channel, Tom. I’m an old timer in my 70s and have been hunting deer, elk, bear etc for about 60 years. You quite often touch on subjects that I haven’t thought about in years or sometimes things I didn’t know. Keep up the good work, it’s much appreciated.

[@jeanmorin3247]

I just love your presentation. You cut to the chase and get to the point. Very clear and so informative. Thank You!

[@jeanmorin3247]

This is where the old Ruger No 1 comes in. A 26-inch barrel handles like a 22-inch. Yet it has all the advantage of 26: the weight of the long barrel on a short action makes it very steady in aiming, low in noise, low in recoil, no flash. This all translates in no flinch and tack-driving accuracy. Some day you might want to talk about harmonics in barrels and perhaps discuss the problem of optimizing harmonics in longer barrels. Finding the most compatible ammunition for the longer barrel may be more difficult. But that's a problem for bench shooters, not hunters.

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

And thank you Jean.

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

And I started to mention the No1 but I felt like that's a rifle most people just aren't going to ever use? So I decided to leave it out just so i didn't complicate things.

[@juliahockendorf5910]

I like your Accent, by the way it's nice to see that over the Countryborders we hunters think in the same Way. Greetings fromm Germany

[@hankbrinlee4677]

Very much enjoying the well articulated common sense content...keep up the great work Tom.

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

Thanks Hank

[@Joeatsaco69]

Thank you. I am researching the differences on a 7mmMag from 24” vs 27”. Weight is not an issue. It’s that long range and knock down at range. This helped. I have a buddy who has a 27” and I have a 24”. We are going to Chrono his ammo and mine in both and see what we come up with. It’s not load development it’s for custom builds. Thank you for helping us look at the differences and the whys.

[@adamshaw8214]

How did the chronograph test turn out?

[@bobd8553]

Another great video Tom, Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience Sir!

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@SIRJ1895]

I don’t understand how you don’t have more subscribers. More informative than many of the bigger channels.

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

Well thanks for that Scott. We're growing slowly but surely and hopefully I'm getting better at making videos? So hopefully it will keep growing.

[@lilzsac]

Was looking for a 7mm rem mag and was wondering about the barrel length and you answered my question perfectly!

[@rolandmohler2695]

I've watched a few of your videos. I like how you calmly explain your informed opinions. Just noticed your woodworking bench. As a fellow woodworker I understand the passion to help people to understand the things that are important to you.

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

Thanks Roland. And I hope to do some wood working videos in the future but honestly my woodworking videos just aren't very good. But hopefully I'll improve my film making skills enough that I'll be able to put together some woodworking videos good enough to inspire others to try it. As you probably know all to well there just aren't enough young people interested in making things in general but especially wood.

[@demetriuscooksey7147]

Appreciate your take on barrel length, there is a lot could be said on the subject for sure. I worked in a gunshop for 15 years and I've heard more misinformation than correct info from folks. I've done some barrel length tests myself and have drawn a few conclusions on the subject, mostly that there is a lot more that I don't know than what I do!

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

There's a lot of wisdom in that last sentence.

[@Charon-5582]

You are a sane man in an insane world. Keep being the voice of reason that we all need.

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

Well thank you very much for that.

[@swkohnle08]

Really good video Tom. The logic behind barrel lengths makes sense. Yesterday, I stopped in to my local gun shop, and they had a Remington 700 in 7mm Mag with a 24” barrel, it is in pristine condition with a date code of 1991. It has a Pentax Gameseeker II scope 3-9x40. Not sure if this is a good or bad scope, but the gun seems like it wasn’t fired much. One small scratch on the stock, the wood looks nice. The bore is like new. I was able to work a trade to get this rifle. My first bolt action was a Winchester Mod 70 in .243 Win. with a 22” barrel. So I now have two bolt action hunting rifles and two Winchester 94 lever-actions in my collection. So I think I understand why the .243 is in a 22” barrel and the 7mm Mag is in a 24”. For the 7mm, I picked up Hornady 139 grain, 154, and two boxes of Federal 140. Will be interesting to see what these different rounds will do out of the 24” barrel at my local outdoor range. Is there a weight bullet you recommend? Thank you again Tom for your video content. Stay well.

[@bobd8553]

The rifle will tell you what bullet it likes.

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

I think Bob nailed it, let the rifle tell you on bullet weight. And all of the different weight bullets you got are great choices. If you plan on hunting something big like Elk then you probably need to stay with the heavier bullets but all are great for whitetails. As for the scope, Pentax used to make a great scope. I haven't heard much about them in recent years but I'm sure they still do. At some point you might want more magnification if you decide to really stretch out that 7mm mag but that'll just be personal preference and what you like or don't. It sounds to me like you got a great rifle. Let us know how it shoots... and be ready for a little thump when you pull the trigger!

[@swkohnle08]

@@TomRiverSimpleLiving Thanks Tom and Bob. Here in New England, we don’t have to reach out too far for white tails. The only big game we have are Moose and Bear. I’ve wanted to try Moose hunting. I’ll definitely let you know how it shoots. Hope to get to the range next weekend.

[@wingbolt6852]

Just discovered your channel. I am a reloading nerd and really enjoyed this....so I subscribed. Keep up the good work.

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

Thanks. And honestly, I think everyone that reloads is a reloading nerd! LOL I mean lets face it we all get excited about crunching a bunch of numbers and pouring over ballistic charts searching for that perfect load.

[@fabulousoffroaddesigns5080]

I have a 308 with a 16.5" barrel and it's killing me. With a muzzle brake it's tame but just unreal loud, without one, it feels like you're shooting a 50 BMG. I can't even keep scopes on it. Do you have any advice on very fast burning powder I could use to tame it down without losing more velocity?

[@peterconnan5631]

My first serious hunting rifle was a Ruger M77 Mk.II RSI in .30-06. 18.5" barrel in a pretty light rifle. That thing was a pleasure to carry but really abusive to shoot! I bought it just for the looks but it's the only rifle I ever just gave away.

[@richardkut3976]

Excellent, thank you.

[@sugargoldy]

Good video thank you. I have 2 savage 223 s bolt guns both 9 twist one is 20 inches, and one 26 inches With my same reloads 55 grain vmax the 26 inch barrel is about 80 feet per second faster.

[@joshuabailey7428]

Sir you are a genius... I loved watching you teach... I think.. If I follow what you have going 7mm-08 Win and .280Rem and the 7mmRM are all 7mm

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

Thank you for that, and you are correct sir. Those all use the exact same bullet along with all of the other 7mm's from the 7mm Mauser to all of the various 7mm mags. The only difference between them is the powder charge and velocity.

[@G5Hohn]

Another great video, Tom. Love your down to earth approach. If I might add a couple more points. First, a light profile barrel in a long length can be a way to have lighter weight while still getting higher MV from the longer barrel. The length also acts like a heavier rifle in terms of making it more stable, because it's putting the weight farther from the center of the rifle. More stability at the same weight as nice. And don't believe the myth that a skinny barrel can't be accurate. It won't win f-class but it can absolutely put a shot or two exactly where you want it on a deer. Also, while big magnums do burn a lot more powder, it's still all burned in a couple inches. (work a load up in Quickload and you can see this). The longer barrel adds speed not because the powder is still burning, but because it lets the high pressure (50,000psi+) do more work on the bullet in expanding; longer barrels waste less energy and this is why they have higher speed and less blast. In the end, a couple inches either way won't matter much, so if you have a rifle you love, don't overthink it or believe it's wrong because the barrel is "too short". a 28" barrel won't turn a 7-08 into a 7 rem mag, and you have to have a pretty short barrel before the 7 rem mag starts to be outperformed by a 7-08. The military has tested 338 Lapua with barrels as short as 22" and found that it made very little difference in terms of drop, drift, or energy relative to a 27" barrel. Also, you can make some pretty short barrels work surprisingly well with heavy bullets and faster powders. For example, a 175 bullet in a 7-08 loaded with only 36gr of Varget starts out at only 2500fps or so but it carries a LOT of energy much farther than you might expect. And it will lose less in a shorter barrel. The fast powder/heavy bullet combos are also much less on "blast" in the shorter barrels. If you want a really light/handy rifle, definitely look into something like a 7-08 or 6.5CM with a lighter charge of fast(ish) powder to keep pressure up. The recoil is moderate and the blast minimal even in a shorter tube. And they can sometimes be crazy accurate. My 6.5 will bughole with a weak 36gr load of RL15 under a 140. It's only 2550fps or so, but it's more than enough for any deer and it's super mild recoiling.

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

All really great points. I completely agree with the thinner barrels being accurate. The thin barrels weren't as consistent years ago because of stress in the barrels from heat treating but the modern thin barrels are very accurate and consistent. As for the powder, I understand your point but I have to wonder if this is really just a difference in wording? I think the powder burning vs continuing to expand is essentually the same thing just worded differently? And I also agree completely with the faster(is) powders and heavier bullets in short barrels. But at some point you have to go to the slower powders and longer barrels if you want max velocity. That way the great thing ever for the 270Win was IMR4831. Now people are pushing 150gr 270Win bullets at unheard of velocities with the new even slower powders like R26. As for the testing on the 338, that makes sense that length was that big of factor because it has such a large bore diameter. But again, all good points.

[@bhein67]

I am a recent subscriber to your channel and have come to appreciate your common sense approach to so many things gun/hunting related. You and I think very much alike.I'm looking forward to watching more. Keep the faith brother. Cheers from Canada

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

Thank you very much for that.

[@jaybailleaux630]

I hunted with a 7mm mag for years. Retire it and replaced it with a lighter weight 30-06 with a 22 inch barrel. I find it a lot handier and quicker to throw up on target. May replace it some day with a more compact rifle with a 20 in. barrel . I'm sure there comes a point of diminishing returns. No one rifle is perfect for ever hunting situation.

[@spotchri4245]

I am over 80 yrs old and barrel length meant little to me 50 yrs ago but now the shorter the better. When your 80 yrs old and try to move your rifle around in your stand if its long and you hit something with it to shoot. I have lost a couple big bucks because of long barrels. Powder , velocity, caliber never lost me a deer . Noise has.. The shorter the better!!!GRIZ

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

And I know a lot of people that share your sentiment!

[@TheBamayaker]

I’m with you ! Clanging a long barrel around in a shooting house to make a 75 - 100 yard shot doesn’t work for me. Maybe out west for open shots, but not in the thick woods in the South.

[@frankgulla8782]

With most sporting (hunting) barrels I've heard from many different sources that you're going to get about 25fps per inch of barrel length. Now in a .270win the difference between a 22" and 24" should be anywhere from 50 to 60fps, that's really not a factor at all in that rounds effectiveness. I've also heard, Ive been hunting and hand loading for over 30yrs, that most of the powder is burned within the first several inches of the barrel. The muzzle flash is the hot gases igniting in the air, and escaping the barrel once the bullet leaves.. With a short, say 20" barrel its louder and the flash is more pronounce because its closer to you. Pistols, which in no way even come close to a rifle cartridge are loud because they are an arms distance to your head. Of course every cartridge is an entity within itself, over bore cartridges, like the 7mm mag, weatherbys etc are burning a lot more powder. Great discussion i enjoy listening to, and talking about rifles and ballistics, thank you

[@adamshaw8214]

Glad to see I'm not the only one. Short action non magnum I go 22. Long action or short action magnum I go 24. Long action magnum I go 26.

[@shawnwells5719]

Barrel length has very little to do with the combustion of powder as the bullet moves through the barrel. Smokeless powder is nearly entirely combusted milliseconds after the priming compound has ignited it. That's why most of barrel wear occurs at the chamber throat just before the rifling. It's about acceleration - bullets are (generally) gaining velocity the entire length of the barrel, due to the violent expansion of propellant gas of the already consumed powder. Think about it - how would a 22 Long Rifle with a miniscule 3 grains of propellant need 16 inches of barrel to max out, while a 30-06 with 60 grains of powder only needs about 25 -26 inches to achieve optimal velocity? Answer: acceleration. Regard the bullet as a drag car - as long as it's still accelerating, a longer track is going to result in a higher terminal speed. As soon as you let off the throttle (bullet exiting the muzzle) or you reach the car's top speed (optimal barrel length), you're done. The more horsepower (powder) you have, the greater the acceleration, but if the track (barrel) is too short, the horsepower is wasted in terms of terminal velocity. That's why the low horsepower rimfire needs nearly 16 inches to max out, but most centerfire cartridges do fine with a barrel a mere six inches longer. Muzzle flash is due to ejecta, which is not necessarily unburned powder, but rather the end products of combustion. A mild load in my 44 Magnum revolver is going to have little muzzle flash compared to a full house load, not because of non-combusted powder, but because of the ejecta created by the three times lighter powder charge.

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

And that makes sense from a technical standpoint. But from a practical standpoint it works out the same either way? But i will keep that in mind in the future.

[@masone4589]

How about a 18” 270? I have a 21” that I want to cut down. It’s a truck/blind gun that I want ti keep a suppressor on at all times

[@20cameron1]

Depending on which caliber, some magnums have so much velocity and energy that a 20” barrel isn’t losing much. 338 win mag is a good example.

[@Dale37]

Really enjoyed this video and your channel. Thanks for the education.

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

Thanks Dale

[@Oneofthetwelve]

Thanks. And these videos feel like a visit with an old friend. I have a 1908, heavy-barrel, Swedish target rifle you would enjoy shooting. Cheers.

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

I bet that is a fun rifle to shoot!

[@kentowens2179]

Good explanation of powder burn rates and bore sizes. Nice video!

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

Thanks Kent

[@dgambrel9241]

I like 18 for suppresses rifles, 22 for most stuff, 26 for magnum.

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

And that makes sense on the suppressor because of the extra length it adds.

[@duaneholcomb8408]

Depends 26 inch will give you higher pressures for longer acurrat shots. But most folks only take deer around a 100 yards. So 22 inch will do just fine. The longer time it burns plus the pressure of the barrel. Going down the barrel builds pressure. But nominal shots its not to important. But now if your a long range shooter like a sniper that may take long shots he probably wants the 26 inch. Barrel. So Depends on your preference and the length of average shots. On game. I used to work Some with explosives for a living. Its all about. How hot your powder is. And pressure. That's what pushes the bullet down the barrel. And the longer the barrel the more pressure builds up. But at the point that it leaves the barrel it immediately starts losing pressure and the bullet begins to fall. ,,the twist of the barrel also make the bullet. Hold a longer pattern without dropping. And the bullet grain makes for more weight. The smaller grain will. Shoot flatter because of less weight but. It has less energy.,, so all this depends on what you hunt how far you shoot. And what cartridge you are using and what grain of bullet and barrel length,,, you have ,,,

[@Hollywood41642]

I'm get n 2932 wit 41.5grs of 4198 and 2868 wit 40grs of 4198. And 2885 wit 41grs of RL7 in a 16.25'' barrel and 130gr TTSX. Cristensen Ridgeline FFT 308.

[@vashmatrix5769]

Seems like there's a lot of 30 cal. So is 30-06, 308, 300blk, 300WM, & 3030 all the same bullet? Can I load a 30-06 black tip into a 308 for example?

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

Yes they are all the same bullet along with 30/40 Kraig, 300 Weatherby, .30 Carbine and several more. And you are right there are a lot of .30 cals! There are certain things you have to watch out for like you wouldn't load a pointed bullet in a 30-30 And then load it in the tubular magazine of a lever action but that same pointed bullet would be perfectly fine in a bolt action 30-30, .308, 30-06, and so on.

[@jonathanmitchell3733]

Short burn column is also less effected by barrel lenth, so lets say you load a 30-06 & 300WSM with the same propellant & the same amount. The cartridge with the shorter fatter case will burn through it’s propellant quicker. Therefore the short fat case is less effected by barrel lenth.

[@jonathanmitchell3733]

I’ve never been a fan of short barrels. How on earth does making a rifle a tiny bit more “handy” justify losing out on the speed of the bullet. I’m talking about these 16”-18” jobs. You’re litteraly waisting proprllant. If you want to shoot slower, use a heavier bullet, at least you’re using all the potential of the cartridge.

[@gunner4373]

It's generally 40fps per inch in a rifle with a center fire

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

And that sounds about right from what I've seen but some cartridges seem to be more affected by barrel length than others.

[@gunner4373]

@@TomRiverSimpleLiving certainly, it varies greatly. I think straight wall cartridges seem to see less variation than bottle neck cartridges and with slower heavier cartridges and rimfires you find a point where barrel fraction and length starts to adversely affect velocity. Good informative video. Thank you

[@ronws2007]

I think I know what you meant about gravity. Even though we are technically talking about mass of the rifle, that mass interacts against the ground, bench table, whatever, because gravity is exerting upon it. My heaviest rifles, one is an AR-10 and another one is a heavy wood stock and bull barrel, shoot right in the center of a target at 100 yards. The MVP I have has a 20 inch barrel and it shoots 1/3 MOA. Same with the AR-10 with the 16.5 inch barrel. It is 16.5 inch so that if I want to replace my flash hider with a muzzle brake or a suppressor, I don't accidentally create a short barrel rifle. What I am looking forward to is seeing what kind of group I will get with my Mossberg Patriot with the 22 inch fluted barrel. I put it in a chassis this weekend and probably will go next weekend and shoot some freedom seeds and sight it in and get some groups. At 22 inches, it is still the lightest rifle. And I would think 22 inches is long enough for most hunting, though you could hunt with shorter barrels. And so, yes, this is fascinating, discovering what barrel does what you need on which rifle. Since I hunt on public land and you mention doing so, weight has to be a consideration. I carry in a backpack with frame so that I can quarter and pack out a harvest, if I get one. And carry in it a gambrel and pulley, some rope and paracord. range finder. Game processing kit (Outdoor Edge Wild Pak.) Bags. At least one full roll of bathroom tissue. I hunted last season with the MVP, which is about 10 pounds and 12 ounces. I have been thinking of hunting with the AR-10, which is heavier but more balanced. Now, I may go back to the Patriot if being in a chassis helps work as good as I think it will.

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

I guess the big question is what is acceptable to you for accuracy from a hunting rifle? That Patriot was probably more than adequate with the factory stock and I have no doubt it will be with the chassis? For myself, especially at my age, I'm more than happy to sacrifice accuracy to save weight. But how far you plan on shooting is also a big consideration. My long range rifles do weight more than my intermediate and short range rifles. Your cartridge is also an important factor. Longer ranges usually mean larger cartridges and more recoil which the mass of a heavier rifle helps to off set.

[@ronws2007]

@@TomRiverSimpleLiving I mean to reply and say great wisdom, there. As for accuracy, if I can get sub MOA at 100 yards relaxed, then I have good hopes of being around 1 to 2 inch MOA at 100 yards or less while shooting off hand, out of breath. Hunting on public land, I always expect the possibility that I may happen upon a fine specimen of venison jerky and butterfly steaks and may have just enough time to shoulder, get the reticle on target and press the trigger. To me, there is the accuracy you get from a bench and a more functional accuracy you have in the field.

[@davidrussell631]

Tom, maybe I should’ve checked out this one before I purchased my new woods gun, a Ruger American Pred in 308 with an 18” barrel… but I guess I can buy some Walker’s hearing protection. Anyhow, for a guy who doesn’t reload yet, do you have any idea which 308 cartridges might have faster burning powder? I was told by a competitive bench shooter my 308 needs powders with faster burn rates because of the short barrel. Thanks!

[@jmgates09]

If u just hunting with it don't worry about powders in factory ammo just find out what bullet it likes n go slang em.

[@CharizardFan_og]

So do you know the optimal length of Barrel for a 35 Whelen for hunting and carrying through the field or woods?

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

I would guess 24 inches the same as its parent case the 30-06. But it should also do well in a 22 or 26 inch barrel as well.

[@MTwoodsrunner]

Food for thought...thanks my friend, blessings back atcha!...woods

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

Same to you!

[@Handedpeanuts]

Does the manufacturer count the chamber in total barrel length I can’t find that answer in a definite yes or no

[@itskitakat3628]

The overwhelming majority of the time yes, chamber is included in the overall barrel length measurements.

[@Handedpeanuts]

@@itskitakat3628 ruger measures just barrel that’s rifled just found that out

[@johnconnor4594]

Very informative video 👍

[@TheJBerg]

Great talk! thanks!

[@dominicohea5624]

All very interesting. I learned. Some things. Thanks Great. Accent. As well.

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@craiglacount89]

I found this very interesting and I agree with you totally. Is it possible that the powder that burns out the end of the barrel(muzzle blast)just wasted powder? My question is could we achieve the same velocity using less powder?

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

I suspect we could achieve the same velocity with less of a slightly faster burning powder? When i worked up loads for my mini 14 earlier this year I wanted to try a faster burning powder in it because of it having such a short barrel. I knew I would never get the same velocity as I would with a longer barrel even for 223 but I thought a faster burning powder would let me get the best velocity possible for that particular barrel. And it seems to have worked. My best load for that rifle was the fastest powder I tried in it and my velocity was outstanding for a mini 14.

[@craiglacount89]

@@TomRiverSimpleLiving that's an interesting concept. Maybe a faster burning powder in long action guns with short barrels would be an idea to consider. I have always gone with the slow burning powders recommended in the loading manuals but when you look at their test barrels they are always basing it on guns with the tradition longer barrels for the respective cartridges. But I have always wanted the guns with the longer barrels and heavier weights in the magnums and long action guns for the reasons you mentioned in your video.

[@Kingzall]

Great information! Listened at 1.75x speed

[@davidgendron1953]

Really nicely explained!! I have 3 30-06 a BAR Belgium with 22” barrel, a Ruger M77mkII with 22” and a Ruger no1 RSI with 20” barrel... I will be starting to reload soon(waiting on the gear to show up) and was wondering if I shoot the same bullets out of the 3 rifles would I need a different powder for the 20” compare to the 22” barrels? My plan is to load down the M77mkII for my daughter and wife with 150-165 gr bullets with so the recoil is less and have the BAR and the no1 RSI loaded with 180gr for moose, if I want to achieve the same performance out of the last two rifles would it be smart to use different powder?

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

That sounds like a pretty good plan. And it will help simplify things loading for just one cartridge. You could get by using one powder for all three and you'll still get good performance out of that No1. But at some point in the future you might want to experiment with a little faster burning powder like IMR4064 for the No1? The load data tables will show a load with a faster burning powder like 4064 as slower in velocity than a slower burning powder like 4350 but you might actually be a little faster out of that 20" barrel? Keep in mind their load data is based on 24" barrels. And I do want to suggest you be careful with the loads for your wife and daughter. Never go below the minimum published load data and you might be better off with a 150gr bullet for them just to reduce recoil even more? Unless they're experienced shooters and comfortable with recoil an 06 could be a bit too much for them even if you back off on the charge? Personally if I were going to setup a rifle for Mrs. River to hunt with I would set her up one of the 6.5's. The 6.5 Creedmoor, 260 Rem, and 6.5x55 are all really close in performance. And I know those cartridges don't sound like enough for moose but the Swedes have been taking moose for over 100 years with the 6.5x55. It's all about shot placement. But Mrs. River isn't an experienced shooter either and she would need all the help she could get in the accuracy department! Good luck

[@davidgendron1953]

@@TomRiverSimpleLiving thank you for the great reply, my idea was to sell my MKII and buy a 6.5x55 or maybe better yet a 7x57 and that might still be the way I will end up going in the future, but I didn’t find any taker for the Ruger M77mkII so I thought going lighter bullet and the lowest load the rifle will like would be a good option... I’ll think about that a bit more!! Really appreciate the info!! All the best

[@ovejohansen77]

@@davidgendron1953 If you go for the 6.5x55swede, go for one with a modern action like a Tikka, Sako or Sauer. These ones can handle a lot more pressure than the old mauser 96 and Krag Jorgensen actions. Loaded hot, it can easily rival a .308 or .270 . My Tikka in 6.5x55 has exactly the same action as it has in .300 winmag

[@davidgendron1953]

@@ovejohansen77 I thought the Mauser 98 actions were or are quite thought and can handle quite high pressures!?!?!

[@ovejohansen77]

​@@davidgendron1953 Sorry , my bad. The weak ones is the Krag Jorgensen, and the M96 and small-ring Mausers.

[@joeparker7508]

Looking at a 7mm08 in micro xbolt 18 “ barrel then with others with 20”& 22”/24”what pros and cons of short barrel

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

Pros: The short barrel is quicker handling, easier to maneuver in tight quarters like a box stand or thick brush, and a shorter barrel is generally just a little lighter. Cons: Lower velocity, louder, and doesn't balance as well. Joe, barrel length is one of those personal preferences things. A short barrel will get the job done just as well as a long barrel and some people absolutely love a rifle with a short barrel. I've always favored longer barrels for the little bit of extra velocity and they balance better. And when I say balance think of it like a fishing rod or any long thin object like that. You can feel the end of a rod and and you know where it's pointing without even looking because you can feel it. As barrels get shorter you loose that feel until you get to say the length of a pistol and it just feels like a brick. You can't feel where it's pointing. My advice is just think about where you are hunting. Do you need a short maneuverable rifle? If so then the 18in will serve you well. If not I would look at the longer barrels. There are reasons that rifles are more popular than pistols for hunting and the range. And I would suggest you go the store and pick of different rifles with different lengths and shoulder and see what feels better to you. I also don't know what your intended use is, hunting or the range, but I want to say I think that 7mm-08 is one fine deer cartridge and perhaps the most underrated deer cartridge out there. If it's for hunting I promise if you put the bullet in the right spot it will get the job done every time you pull the trigger. I hope that helps.

[@joeparker7508]

Tom you remember rem 742 Corbine days

[@joeparker7508]

Thanks Tom

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

@@joeparker7508 I had one in 30-06! Great rifle and I never had a bit trouble with it. I ended up giving it to my nephew for his first deer rifle because it was such a sweet shooting gun and he still has it to this day.

[@bneaclab1]

I've got a 257 roberts with a 20 inch barrel, and was thinking about switching it out for a 22 or 24 inch barrel. With this particular cartridge, do you think I'll gain much?

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

I don't think you will gain very much more on that one? But I've noticed I have a hard time getting great accuracy out of the heavier bullets in 257 Roberts and I think if I ever rebarrel one I'm going to try a slightly faster rate of twist?

[@bneaclab1]

@@TomRiverSimpleLiving A 9 inch twist rate and a 22 inch barrel has been on my mind a lot for this Ruger M77 lightweight. My first rifle as a kid in 1985 though, so I'm also hesitant to mess with it as well.

[@robertpetersson1390]

i go for 24

[@bneaclab1]

@@robertpetersson1390 yeah, I wish I had a 24, but I think I'll just keep this M77 Ultralight original. I t shoots really well and the stock being fitted to the pencil barrel doesn't have much room for something bigger. It would be better just to buy another with a longer barrel, but I'm attached to this one lol.

[@craigleibbrand7761]

No

[@pizzafrenzyman]

so the perfect rifle is one that is lightweight and easy to carry, that is heavy and long enough to shoot accurately with minimal recoil.

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

The perfect rifle is one that perfectly matches the cartridge it is chambered for, and the cartridge perfectly matches what you are shooting. Dang I should have just said that in the video and I could have saved a lot of time. Oh well, hind sight. LOL

[@pizzafrenzyman]

@@TomRiverSimpleLiving very true. I was trying, and failing, to make a play on words. Lightweight but heavy, and easy to carry but long and accurate

[@mr.mr.3301]

Is this why I see some 308s in 20” and not 22”?

[@bobkat1663]

Great show

[@toddlawson4130]

Any thoughts on a 16 1/2" barrel on a .243?

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

I think it would work fine but I would keep my shots under 150 yards until you see how it performs on deer. A .243 relays on speed and a short barrel is going to reduce your speed and range. If it works fine at 150 then you could slowly start reaching out further until you notice it's starting to loose it's effectiveness.

[@oosul72]

thank you sir

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

You're very welcome.

[@jeanmorin3247]

Tom, let me correct you, here. When you speak of the gravity that makes a heavier rifle more precise to shoot, it is not quite right. It is not the gravity, it is the mass of the rifle that does that. Gravity is the force of the earth attraction that is applied to the mass of the rifle downward. If your rifle was in weightlessness, as for astronaut training in diving airplanes, it would have no weight any more, in absence of gravity (nullified). The rifle would float around the room, but it would maintain its mass, making it still more difficult to move than a lighter one. Just to be correct with physics.

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

Very well said Jean. Hitherto I thought of myself as somewhat knowledgeable about physics, but your comments reminded me of just how much I have forgotten. 🙂

[@zososldier]

Different world man. When someone says "SBR" I'm not thinking a 20 inch barrel. That's a normal barrel length. SBR is sub 16 inches. Over 20 is a long barrel.

[@Detvanliga]

Thanks for answering a question I had :) .

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

Any time!

[@kevinsmith9406]

Did Donald make this video? It sounds like him.

[@kevinsmith9406]

Sorry, there was an ED add during the video.

[@michaelgarrow3239]

Technically: gun powder deflagrates. Burns really fast.

[@joeparker7508]

7mm08 deadly got one

[@strat1080]

I’ve found that it’s a myth that different rifle cartridges dramatically lose velocity at different rates than others. You say a 30-30 doesn’t lose much velocity out of a shorter barrel. Well 20” barreled 30-30 tend to chronograph 100 fps less with factory loads. That’s basically a loss of 25 fps per inch of barrel which is about what you’d expect from bigger cartridges. Wayne Van Zwoll debunked that myth in his Long Range Shooting guidebook. All rifles are basically gonna lose 25-35 fps per inch of barrel. Once you get below 20” the losses start getting bigger. The big difference is in muzzle blast though. The bigger cartridges will generate more muzzle blast and fireballs out of shorter barrels.

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

What did he say about the .264 Win mag? I only mention that one because it's famous for needing a 26 inch barrel to get it's top velocity and for dropping off quick without a 26". But keep in mind it's really over bored to start with.

[@strat1080]

@@TomRiverSimpleLiving, I don’t recall him comparing the 264 Win Mag but he compared a lot of different cartridges like 270 Win, 7mm RM, 300 WM, and 300 Rum. The takeaway is that the myths about slow vs fast burning powders and how they equate to losses in velocity in different barrel lengths is bogus. You’re correct about the 264 Win Mag needing a 26” barrel to get published “top” velocity. The same is true of the 7mm RM. Both were originally marketed with 26” barrels and their ballistics were such rated. In reality though virtually every centerfire rifle will have a higher velocity out of a 26” barrel than a shorter one. Again it’s a myth that some center fire rifle cartridges are significantly more effected by barrel length than others. For example a 308 with a 20” barrel will not achieve factory stated ballistics. High power rifle shooters typically run 28-30” barrels even in 308. Because you get more velocity. Even a 223 will have a higher velocity with a 26” barrel than a shorter barrel. My general rule for factoring velocity loss per inch of barrel down to a 20” barrel is; 25 fps for short action cartridges. 30 fps for standard action cartridges, and 35 fps for Magnum cartridges. When you start getting below 20” you really start to dramatically lose velocity. Regardless of cartridge.

[@BEAVER_MIND]

Nice bench

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

Thanks!

[@dominicohea5624]

Can Tom. Learn. Anything. From. Us. I. Doubt. It. But it would be interesting. To find out. He can hunt with us anytime

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

The one thing I've learned over the years is that there is always something else for me to learn. And for some reason I suspect I would have a lot of fun hunting with you, thanks.

[@dominicohea5624]

@@TomRiverSimpleLiving in

[@dominicohea5624]

In the future. We can make some arrangement when. Things. Sort themselves out

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

@@dominicohea5624 Merry Christmas and here's to a better 2021!

[@nmelkhunter1]

For modern hunting rifles, everything should be 24”. What can I say, it makes everything simple.

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

I have to agree that it does keep everything simple! 🙂

[@308blr2]

It would make everything simple; and if I were to get a Weatherby Mark V in 6.5-300, I would want every inch that Weatherby barrels have in order to maximize the benefits of a 6.5-300. I wouldn’t want a shortened barrel for the fastest 6.5 production cartridge available just to make it the same speed as a 26 Nosler.

[@nmelkhunter1]

@@308blr2 A 24” barrels gives virtually the same performance as a 26” barrel in magnum rifle. At 500 yards it makes almost no difference, especially with today’s optics and ballistic turrets. Just sayin’.

[@308blr2]

The difference might be small; and I wouldn’t be interested in obtaining the highest performance just to neuter that performance. Dialing in corrections for wind and elevation are great for the shooting enthusiast; and not interesting to me for big game hunting. If I can’t shoot point blank or compensate with hold for windage and elevation then I’m not close enough. A 16 1/2 inch barreled rifle is handy; and a 225 grain bullet at 2,200 FPS is effective. A 24 inch barreled rifle is heavier and not so handy; and an 85 grain bullet traveling at 3,600 FPS is effective. Either projectile can harvest a large deer with a pass through from a well placed shot. While the 24 inch barreled rifle may make sense for some I would rather live with variety and reach for what suits my hunting conditions and mood on any given day.

[@nmelkhunter1]

@@308blr2 Ok.,

[@eltonhunter8314]

best firearms how to on KZbin

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

I certainly don't think of myself as the best. I'm just working hard to try and be better. But I really appreciate your compliment.

[@antoniodelrosario1755]

Is good information, but this is not an effective video to earn a lot of video. You need to catch the attention of the people very quickly. I bet that people don't really finish the video, and quick at 2:00 minute.

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

Thank you Antonio. And you would be correct, but all of that is just part of learning how to make good videos. My content is generally very good but I'm not a good speaker and I talk very slow. Those are things that I have been slowly improving. And the people that appreciate more in-depth analysis tend to appreciate my videos and generally watch to the end. And hopefully over time I'll get better at putting it all together in a more engaging style for video? Doing that has been challenging for me but that challenge has also made the process of making videos and learning very fun for me.

[@fazlihamid8011]

Ur face like imran Khan prime Minster of Pakistan .he is ur brother?

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

That sure is one handsome fellow! As for him being my brother, well I'm sure we're related but you'll have to go back an awful lot of generations to find out where.