Optimum Barrel Length?

This general guide for a precision bolt action rifle, there can be exceptions.....
Link to earlier barrel length video • Barrel Length, the lon...
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[@markandsamafterwork]

For all those about to comment with what about the F TR and palma 308's that have up to 33" barrels shoot the 155grn bullets at 3000fps, yes, specific area where they have come up with a combo to use those lighter bullets and specific powder to get that result...not the norm but yes that does happen in that case, but also, other things going on there, and doesn't quite translate so well in the ELR precision stuff, Cheers

[@timmcfarland3311]

Yes and some people don’t account for the first 4” of barrel is the chamber so my 32” on my rum the round is 4.125” is really 28” of barrel for propellant

[@sus5811]

The Palma guys needed longer sight radius :)

[@curtisspacek310]

Bollocks 😂

[@bill4639]

I’m sorry to say sir, but you are completely wrong. It is not your fault. The gunsmiths that told you that have been misinformed since time in memorial. The problem is nobody has sat down any actually tested this theory, they just repeat what they have heard without actually proving it to be true, and I am here to tell you it is not at all true. With out of the box, standard .308 rounds. You will get increased velocity and accuracy up to SIXTY SEVEN INCHES. You read that correctly, and I have the data to prove it.

[@duggydo]

"I've seen all sort of things over the ages." You let it slip out Mark. Now we know you're a Highlander who's been around for centuries! 😂You're right about the barrel length too of course. I saw a video once where guy started with a really long barrel and recorded velocities as he cut it down an inch at a time. Velocities went up for a bit and then back down as it passed the optimum length.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Thanks Duggy

[@msa4548]

There can be only one!

[@markandsamafterwork]

Lol, Cheers guys

[@neddle7817]

Bruce Potts did an article on it, covered both 22lr and 308,well worth the effort to find it and read it

[@danielaramburo7648]

He looks good being 350 years old. He must take good vitamins.

[@etravix]

Mark, I enjoy your easy to understand discussions. You have answered my shooting questions without all the double talk. Keep those good videos coming. May you and Sam have more years of bliss and blessings too.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Thanks Man, cheers

[@bill4639]

I’m sorry mate, but he has not told you the truth. Long barrels will increase velocity and accuracy, with out of the box .308 ammo.

[@magnumcipher4971]

I’m having good results shooting the 230 grain A-Tips in a .300 Win. Mag. with a 27”, 1:9 twist barrel and a pretty aggressive brake. Another great video. Thanks for what you guys do!

[@markandsamafterwork]

thanks Man, Cheers

[@Jeff_Seely]

Thanks Mark. Your last barrel-length video really spoke to me and it made some key valid points. It made sense that extra-long barrels could be to the point of diminishing returns, whereas there could be added movement and friction to the muzzle, and a longer dwelling projectile could be negatively impacted. I now believe that a 6.5CM with a 28" stainless bull-barrel verges on this effect and will be having my gunsmith take ~2in (or maybe 4) off of the end and instead of preserving the 11-degree target crown, I will have him thread it for a small brake. I don't hold anyone accountable for my own decisions. I have a lifetime friend for a gunsmith who agrees with my decision as well. Open-minds and larger ears shoot smaller groups. And I enjoyed the video!

[@markandsamafterwork]

Thanks Jeff, Cheers man, all the best

[@martinward7239]

Open minds and larger ears shoot smaller groups. Thank you very much for that Jeff

[@col.cottonhill6655]

My Howa 1500 is a 6.5CM with a 26" barrel.

[@Jeff_Seely]

Good to hear, Colonel. How does it work for you? Have you been able to tune a good load through it? If so, what are some of the specifics and what would you change?

[@Ohyeahspinach]

I also have a howa 1500 in 6.5. 24”. More importantly, epoxy bedded, tuned trigger job, good brake, good scope, good custom handloads and shell pull 3/4 moa 5 shot groups at 100 yds no problem from prone position and bipod. I love 24” bbls. Perfect balance of speed, accuracy weight and length. No way im hunting with anything over 26”. Great video on this also Mark. Thanks

[@michaelreed1380]

You're not "just one human" Mark, you are superhuman. And a fairly OK shooter! Thanks for the video, good info. Cheers!

[@markandsamafterwork]

Lol, thanks Mike, Cheers man

[@Boogyman337]

I stopped making long-barrel competition rifles long ago. Great presentation.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Thanks Mike, Cheers

[@bill4639]

That was not a good idea. Data shows you get increased velocity and accuracy with a 72 inch barrel. If you want to make the most high performance barrels, you should have them at about 67 inches for .308.

[@vettepilot427]

I’m a gunsmith and decided to do an experiment on this myself. I had a 300 PRC with a 26” barrel and cut it down to 20”. I lost approximately 100 fps (checked by Magnetospeed ). By comparison, that’s roughly a 23% shorter barrel with only 5% reduction in velocity. Modern non-belted cartridges are more efficient and thus don’t need a barrel as long and aren’t as affected by barrrel length as the older belted mags. It is a VERY loud gun with a 20” barrel and brake. Agree completely that shorter barrels are EASIER to shoot rather than being necessarily more accurate.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Cheers

[@nerdsunscripted624]

Did you also try switching powders? A 26” barrel takes advantage of slower burning powders like RL33 and Retumbo whereas a shorter barrel needs to use faster burning powders to achieve similar speeds. If 6” in a magnum only loses you 100fps, you were probably using too fast of a powder in the 26 for max velocity. If you’re happy with the velocity out of the 20 then great! But it seems there was in fact room to improve.

[@vettepilot427]

@ This was with factory Hornady 212 gr ELD-X. I have no doubt that with handloads, velocity out of the short barrel could be optimized.

[@nerdsunscripted624]

@ Ah gotcha. I have a bad habit of not remembering that other people usually buy ammo and don’t reload. The centerfire thing I don’t reload for is 223 and I shoot maybe 20 rounds a year of that.

[@matthewtracy8744]

There is a lot of math involved in finding the perfect barrel length for different cartridges. You do a great job explaining why you can't just add length for speed and accuracy. Cheers!

[@markandsamafterwork]

Cheers Matt, thanks

[@martrg1]

Thank you for this video. So many people think that that long barrels inherently mean more speed and more accuracy, and refuse to believe anything other than their dogma.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Yep, lol, Cheers

[@jamesstewart9970]

I can speak to this a bit, F-tr shooters (223/308 only) here in the states tend to go with 28-30” barrels but it largely doesn’t have anything to do with increasing performance but so that the barrel can be set back at the end of each season and those barrels have very long shanks and are intended for doing just that, I think others are seeing this and assuming it’s a performance adder when in reality it’s just to get a bit more life from it.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Thanks James, Cheers

[@tdp7244]

Thanks for all your content Mark. I only discovered you're channel recently and find your wealth of knowledge and crisp delivery of set knowledge an absolute treasure in my journey to long range shooting and also load development. Thank you.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Thanks Man, glad you like, Cheers

[@TrentusMaximus78]

Great video. I have a Howa .243w varmint, 1/10. Had the 24" barrel cut to 16.5". Damn thing is a tac driver! Slower speed, but much more accurate for my application. 85gn pill spits out at 2900fps w/ 1587ft.lbs of energy w/ a gyro of 1.95. Clover @ 100yds. Much lighter too, and easier to manoeuvre.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Thanks Trent, cheers

[@cesarsaavedra3095]

I just took my 26” barrel 308 to be cut and threaded at 20” 2550 is perfect for me. 1000 yard it stays super sonic.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Cheers

[@oldschooljack3479]

Mark, you made this video at just the right time... A lot to think about. My wife runs a 20" .308 and it is what I consider a bit slow for a 175 gr SMK, approx 2550 fps. But it's stupid precise. I have been considering getting it rebarreled with a 24" or even 26" barrel... But I would hate to lose some of the accuracy for another 50 fps. On the other hand, I have never been really satisfied with either the velocity or accuracy of my 26" 300 Win Mag and though of going to a longer barrel, perhaps 28" or even 30"... But now I have to wonder if that would pay off. Lots to consider.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Thanks Jack, Cheers Man

[@harryspeakup8452]

Honestly, if you have a stunningly precise .308 that's pleasant to shoot and handle at 20in, it seems a pity to disturb it

[@holl0918]

@@harryspeakup8452 Precisely (lol). If it's working, don't touch it.

[@michaelcady9936]

I shot some 190 gr loads that were slower than that into some pretty small groups at 600 yards. often hit the spotting pin 2550 is good for that set-up

[@daveshepherd7133]

I have a Howa 1500 .308 with 26" barrel 1:10 using factory 155gn shooting out to 1000 yards and keeping up with the T/R shooters. Seems to be the right combo.

[@andersonsprairieviewfarm2552]

I recently built a 300 win mag its weighing in at 20lbs with a 32 heavy barrel with a very slight taper, I started at 175 gr bullets and worked up to 208, every time I went up the group got tighter, waiting now to try 220 grs I think that's going to be its sweet spot, my wife is 5'1" at 118lbs and she can shoot this thing all day long and so can my 10 year old nephew at 65lbs that was truthfully my real goal, to get younger and small family members to enjoy shooting long ranges with out beating them up, after all isn't that what this is all about sharing our passions with a younger generation so they can carry that forward.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Cheers

[@thomandstacieverroad8417]

I have a Remington 700 that was made in 1983/84 with a 24" 1 in 9 twist that outshoots anything any of my friends own that cost many times more and one of my friends has the same rifle with a 26" barrel and doesn't perform any better all other things being equal. Thanks for this. I'll be sure to rub this in his ego just a little bit as he swears his 2" extra length is all that. I tell him it's just harder to manage in the brush lol

[@markandsamafterwork]

Lol, Cheers Thom

[@phil20_20]

Ayesome! I'm just catching up on your .270 Win videos. I decided to go with that because the Army recently chose that projectile, and I was in the U.S. Army so I gotta! Actually, I was already narrowed down to .243 Win - .30-06 range. CHEERS! P.S. I'm looking at upgrading a Remington 700, in .270 Win, to a 27" barrel with a 1 in 8". That's what the limit is before price goes up per inch. 😅 This video gives me confidence in my choice. Thanks!

[@markandsamafterwork]

Awesome, Cheers

[@BlueTJay]

Glad my Sako 85 in 7mm Rem Mag came with a 24" barrel as standard, I think Sako got it right. Love to shoot it more than my .270 in 22" barrel! Nice topic, good suggestions! Thanks guys, as always very professional!

[@markandsamafterwork]

Cheers Tom, thanks

[@timmcfarland3311]

Great video. With my .308 it had a factory 26” barrel so when I re barreled it with a heavy straight 1.25” I stayed 26. When I built my 300 RUM I did a lot of research before I decided on a 32” heavy profile barrel. I use the 245 grain bullets and 98 grains 24N41 powder which is one step up from 50BMG I think is the max length I think with that round and I’m getting 3140 FPS with no pressure signs at all so I don’t tear up my brass. Thanks again for and great informative video

[@whoshotashleybabbitt4924]

245 grain bullets at 3100 ft/s!? Wow…

[@markandsamafterwork]

Thanks Tim, Cheers

[@timmcfarland3311]

@@whoshotashleybabbitt4924 yeah I was shocked. I did the load development and stopped at 3050 but after the first 100 rounds I noticed I was starting to hit way high and chrono the load again and I had gained 90fps with same powder load after the barrel break in so I was at 3140 and just stayed with that because had zero pressure

[@semperfi6288]

Such a deep rabbit hole!!! Soooo many factors. Maybe I missed it, but I didn't hear you discuss volume increasing as the projectile travels down the bore, which causes pressures to decrease as volume increases byond the initial spike in pressure....hence the need for a slower burning powder for mass per bore diameter and barrel length. It's not always grains of powder for a barrel length....It's also burn rate and twist rate. Faster twist rate also = more resistance. Your platform also want's to "Twist" more depending on twist rate, mass, velocity, acceleration.....ect. I loved your video!!! Keep up the good work.😁

[@markandsamafterwork]

Lots more video here to help with all those bits, Cheers

[@davewattles7237]

Paul Harvey was fond of saying "Nobre Nimis"; nothing too much. He has proven to be onto something over time!!

[@markandsamafterwork]

Yep, Cheers

[@ArkansasBadBoy]

In 1988, I wore out my first barrell on my beloved .22-250 and made a phone call to order a heavier, longer barrel. I got a call back from Ed Shilen and long story short, instead of a 26 inch barrel I ended up with a 21 inch heavy varmint barrel that not only put bullet after bullet in the same hole, but was much easier to use for my purposes at that time.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Awesome, thanks Will, Cheers Man

[@walterwjr947]

It made perfect sense to me. And, I must stop, to compliment you on your humility. It is refreshing to see in 2022. Good daee' mate, Cheers!

[@markandsamafterwork]

Thanks Walter, Cheers

[@Allen338LM]

Bigger ain't always better unless it's cubic inches and turbo/blower size great video

[@markandsamafterwork]

Lol, yep

[@Sanman1]

PO Ackley devotes an entire chapter to the concept of "Bore Capacity" in which barrel length is a variable. There are optimal lengths for most calibers, and there are under- and over-bore capacities in which the boiler room for combustion and pressure creation are simply mis-matched for the cartridge in that caliber. Your example of the .243 going from 31.5" to 26" and INCREASING velocity is a perfect illustration.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Thanks Man, Cheers

[@bradleylivingston6514]

where could I find this chapter you speak of? I'd love to read it. I'm possibly building a 280 ai & would be really interested in any real information regarding barrel length & performance in that particular cartridge.

[@Sanman1]

@@bradleylivingston6514 buy both of his books, and you'll have everything. His detailed analysis is really good.

[@marcel13091975]

From what I know, the muzzle loaders were very long so that the shooter could reload whilst on horseback (especially during frontier days in Southern Africa), and the favorable sight radius was then inherited by long range rifles. The long Bisley/FTR barrels are supposed to enable supersonic velocity for the entire length of the shooting range, but the same can be achieved with slower, heavier high BC bullets, although I believe the peep-sighted Bisley class still have to use the 155gr bullets. Test results on barrel length experiments only recently became available as not everyone is willing to butcher a rifle for this bit of knowledge. The "too long" is worse than "too short" makes sense to me. Good channel!

[@markandsamafterwork]

Thanks Man, Cheers

[@JustusSeiber]

Not to mention, if you consider the rifle like a lever, the longer the barrel, not only the more time for recoil to affect the trajectory, but the more leverage a 26” barrel is going to have, than a 20” barrel, because it would be a longer lever. Exponentially increasing the effect

[@markandsamafterwork]

Cheers Justus

[@raywhitehead730]

Interesting about barrels, when the powder explodes in the shell, vibrations in the barrel are expressed in the whole barrel before the bullet can advance more then a few inches. Its a never ending set of exacting set of variables that influences accuracy. Fascinating.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Cheers

[@debbiep.allison263]

It does not explode ,its a controlled burn .If it explodes you will have no barrel!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@raywhitehead730]

You completely miss the physics. When the powder explodes, vibrations in the Barrel travels faster then the bullet can. Thus it the vibrations in the barrel influence the bullet, as it travels down the barrel. Interesting, no!?

[@debbiep.allison263]

no it does not

[@Six4691]

Makes perfect sense to me, there isn’t one thing like (barrel length). There is more thought (science) behind everything. No one thing, length, grain, charge, etc. Everything needs to be in sync! That’s where research comes into play! ( there is no perfect answer, even to similar weapons will shoot differently) Cheers mate!

[@markandsamafterwork]

Thanks Joseph, Cheers

[@clydebailliff]

My son and I were shooting a new Savage bolt gun in 300 Blackout at indoor range this Summer. I was surprised at how big a fireball was coming out the muzzle, in a well lit building. I put a faux suppressor on and it makes a great difference. I suppose the choice of powder and the corresponding burn rate has an effect on the visible flash. The diminutive powder capacity makes for a very low expansion ratio. Thanks for an informative video brother! Ultra-Mega-MAGA from East Tennessee

[@markandsamafterwork]

Thanks Duran, Cheers

[@sugargoldy]

Good video spot on I have two Savage 223s one with a 20 inch barrel one with the 26 both are 1. 9 twist. With the exact same bullet that I reload there's about 50 ft per second difference out of them and the shorter Barrel seems to shoot better.

[@jorgesolis9468]

At some point the pressure begins to peak and gradually the speed difference becomes negligible so if you can get 50 fps less but with a shorter barrel I'd say it's worth it

[@markandsamafterwork]

Thanks Guys glad you like, Cheers

[@saskdad115]

I have a CZ 427 with a 26" barrel in .223. I am having a hard time thinking that it has Any advantages over a 18" barrel. Whats your thoughts?

[@jerrysnyder9388]

My 6Dasher is 26 inches, my .22's are 16 to 20 inches, and my AR15's are 16 to 18 inches long. They work great.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Thanks Jerry

[@kenno030]

Once again your information is priceless and are a wealth of knowledge. Keep up the good work.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Thanks Kenno

[@ct2368]

I just started long distance shooting after watching your videos. Amazing shots.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Awesome, thanks C T , Cheers

[@zacharybennett3249]

That was great! some tell you their wishes while some say what they've seen,,

[@markandsamafterwork]

Yep, Cheers

[@johanpotgieter4318]

Excellent explanation. After building a "couple" of precision firearms I gladly confirm everything you said. X Y Z equals you barrel length. Longer isn't always better. 308 Win 22" to 24" medium burning powder 300 WSSM 30" to 32" slow burning powder

[@markandsamafterwork]

Thanks Johan, Cheers

[@dancoffey3552]

Really good video. The info in this video made it worth it for me to stop it at several points to take notes.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Thanks Dan, Cheers

[@thomasdaum1927]

Very useful information , Thanks ! Was thinking of cutting my 223 down to 20 in. from 22 however it shoots so well I hate to mess with it ! The reason for cutting it down is its a little awkward with a 7 inch suppressor ( coyote rifle ) !

[@markandsamafterwork]

Cheers

[@sandych33ks1]

Great video. Very interesting and something I have thought about but had no real answers.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Thanks Sandy, Cheers

[@mrgoodwrench8181]

Thought provoking article.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Cheers Man

[@tca375]

Thank you for the great explanation.Also for sharing your personal experience on this subject.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Thanks Jay

[@VLDezy]

thank you for this video. it pretty much answers the question that has been floating in my head quite sometime now. I just want to share my experience with my savage 6.5 Creedmoor, 18 inch heavy barrel. At 600yds, I was hitting roughly 1-2 moa on still plate targets consistently to the point I just want to stop shooting at it. haha. Then it got me thinking, why would I need a 28 or 26 inch barrel, hell maybe even 24in. I understand to get the full potential of a 6.5 Creedmoor requires a 22-24in barrel. I just want to see if an 18in barrel is worthy for a prs match at those distance.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Cheers Man

[@MrJtin69]

I just got a rem 700 pcr sb 308 win with a 12.5 inch barrel and is amazingly accurate at 100 and a great fun brush gun for me hunting in close range

[@markandsamafterwork]

Cheers

[@peterrobins3708]

As always, we cannot outrun physics or the applicable "J Curve" where we can see gains, the peak benefit point (optimum point) & then it follows it falls away. There is not gains on a set amount of powder per bullet weight, to steal from Buzz Lightyear, to infinity & beyond otherwise we'd be able to run a 20 foot long barrel & see it crack warp speed... The net gains might not be right up at the peak point on the J Curve but it sure isn't coming afterwards at too long barrel. Is "too much" bad for you? Yes...that's what "too much" actually means. Think you covered all the points perfectly about too much barrel & the effect or recoil in the shot taken & given long enough there will be a pressure loss behind the moving projectile in a too long barrel. You nailed it.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Thanks Peter, glad you liked, cheers

[@taiming71]

Good info. You should add though that powder burn rates/ barrel length are very important. If you get a fireball at the muzzle your barrel is too short or you need to get faster burning powder. Gun manufactures have had a century to sort out the best barrel length 24" for non magnums 26-28" magnums any thing longer is for special purpose. There also is a diminishing return on speed as you get to the 3000 fps. My 300W mag with a bull 30" barrel can only get my 230gr bullets up to 2950 fps. The powder in the cases are compressed and the bullet sticks out so far it looks like a over grown 260. Great channel Mark i have been watching for years.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Thanks Man, more to come, Cheers

[@et1965]

I shoot FT/R with a 30" Barrel. It has gone as well as most other gear out there. My best 300 yard, 10 shot group is 38.6mm. I shoot 155gr up to 500 yards then use 185 gr Juggs. I would consider building the next rifle as around a 28" barrel.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Cheers

[@BooDamnHoo]

I've got a couple 308/7.62x51 rifles. One has a barrel a bit too short (FAL SA58 with a 16 inch). Big BOOM and large flash. That short is great for CQB/heavy woods, tighter spaces, etc, but it's LOUD and inefficient with powder. The other is a precision rifle with a heavier 24 inch barrel. Nice extra weight with reduced felt recoil, and around 130 fps extra velocity. Muzzle flash is much smaller and it's a bit quieter. Both are fun to shoot but those next to me dislike being next to the short barrel FAL. Their felt concussion from the muzzle blast is very distracting.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Cheers

[@ShakazuluJones]

Marvelous setup there. Thanks for the info sir.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Thanks Mark

[@salehdargahi4355]

Dear Mark Thanks for all the good videos, to my understanding for barrel length there is no single medication for all calibers, barrel length shold be considered in combination with twist rate amount of powder as well as bullet weight and it is definitely different for each caliber.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Cheers

[@jedinight44357]

Excellent information from one of the best! Awesome.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Thanks man

[@beestoe993]

Makes sense. X amount of pressure is required to drive a bullet out of a barrel. So it stands to reason that a smaller amount of powder can only maintain that pressure level for so long.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Cheers

[@nuthintoprove]

As always, excellent!!! Keep them coming. You have the best content in my book.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Thanks Man, Cheers

[@vrmn11]

Lots of good, practical information. Thank you

[@markandsamafterwork]

Thanks Tony, Cheers

[@USAACbrat]

i appreciate the common sense approach. complex problems in simple terms.

[@markandsamafterwork]

cheers

[@quantumkids9659]

Thanks for this video (and the others). Very enlightening.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Cheers Man, thanks

[@timbow50]

I would think powder selection and bullet design would be very relevant in determining optimum barrel length.

[@markandsamafterwork]

A little, Cheers

[@wayneschenk5512]

Great advice.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Thanks Wayne, Cheers

[@donkovach3592]

Excellent video as usual Mark!

[@markandsamafterwork]

Thanks Don

[@mickroberts5166]

Horses for courses ... custom barrels in 308 that target rifle and FTR shooters use are around 30-33 inches to achieve top accuracy at 1000yards in matches and routinely reach 3000 plus fps. Try doing that with 26 or 25 inch barrel.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Other things going on there, but with there light bullets and the right powder yes you sure see them there, doesn't translate so well in the ELR stuff, Cheers

[@mickroberts5166]

@@markandsamafterwork Fair enough. The optimum barrel length is the one that facilitates complete powder load combustion without unnecessary friction, as you say. This in reality means that the ideal barrel length depends on the rifle purpose and bullet / powder combination. It can vary a fair bit.

[@johanwamokolobetsi6094]

I recently rebarreled a sako .243 I took off a 18" barrel and put a 27" Same factory ammunition and the shorter barrel produced 2886 fps and the longer produces 3152 fps we just have a horizontal stringing issue because of the added time in the barrel and the setup we are using to shoot from hight is within 1/4" at 100m but I do notice that the barrel heats up with less shots than before

[@markandsamafterwork]

Cheers

[@shadowcat6lives639]

Thanks for the lesson!

[@markandsamafterwork]

Cheers

[@msa4548]

I've been talking to a long range shooter about a longer barrel for my .375 Ruger. As it sits from the factory with a 20" barrel it's a flame thrower. He's recommending 26"+ barrel and with it burning 75-80 grains of powder it's probably close to optimal. I have no problems with a 24" barrel with my size, still use shotguns with them, but considering maybe 25" threaded to add the chance of a suppressor later.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Cheers

[@TODinWY]

If you never plan to hunt with your gun, 25" plus suppressor ( 30"+ ) will probably be O.K.

[@N0B0DY_SP3C14L]

Solid advice, cheers mate!

[@markandsamafterwork]

Cheers

[@bobdixon4998]

I like how you said 26" barrel. And to me a 24"barrel is max for 308. I prefer 30/06, 6.5, 260 rem ,270 win, and 6.8 Western. Especially the latter.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Cheers

[@Paul-lk4np]

Hi guys. Just bought a tikka t3x 308 24 inch heavy barrel second hand with 230 rounds down the tube... hopefully my practice with the 22 and 243 will come in handy. Time to start stretching the legs. Have to watch your muzzle break video again because I have no idea which one to order from your page

[@markandsamafterwork]

Awesome, 3 port would be the one, you will have measure the thread, Cheers Paul, thanks

[@Paul-lk4np]

​@@markandsamafterwork thanks. Gun shop is organising it to go to someone tomorrow to get it threaded. I'll have a chat to them about it .

[@markandsamafterwork]

5/8" x 24tpi would be a good one for that, Cheers

[@wendellbell6164]

Interesting video. Thank you. You helped with alot of my questions.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Thanks Wendell, Cheers

[@m444ss]

as always, "best" depends and criteria must be defined. For example, best barrel length for 'handy' use in close quarters different than best barrel length for long range target competition.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Cheers

[@joepatriot6431]

Shot 1000 yard benchrest for years. Most shooters used 28 to 30 inch barrels. Optimize velocity, optimize ballistic coefficients for trajectory and wind drift. There is a point where barrel length does hurt those numbers and it varies from caliber to caliber and barrel materials etc. More is not always better.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Cheers Joe

[@russhayes4882]

As always great content !

[@markandsamafterwork]

Thanks Russ

[@sterlingwilkey2124]

Awesome explanation

[@markandsamafterwork]

Thanks Sterling

[@horizonhuntingnz]

Awesome! Great wealth of knowledge you have mate 👍

[@markandsamafterwork]

Cheers Man, thanks

[@rethempthoor]

well said professor Mark

[@markandsamafterwork]

Thanks man

[@MarkBadia]

Excellent video thank you!

[@markandsamafterwork]

Cheers

[@EternalClimb]

Wish I would have seen this video ages ago!

[@markandsamafterwork]

Cheers Man

[@joatmon6132]

More great information. Thanks.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Cheers

[@harrypagkaliwagan187]

It a great explanations Sir. Thanks

[@markandsamafterwork]

Cheers

[@xaviergreyling6620]

Xcellent vid!

[@markandsamafterwork]

Cheers

[@robertschweppenhauser9891]

Good thinking

[@markandsamafterwork]

Cheers

[@Shark_Theory]

I'd say anything inbetween 18 inches and 24 inches should be good with a 308. just pick to your preference/ needs because the pros and cons weight, length, and velocity are what to consider.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Cheers Man

[@GoogleuserAM]

Really like your video's. I'm not shot ELR or FTR at target's. I've shot 243 win, 6.5 creedmoor, 308 and 330 win mag. Barrel lengths 243 always been around 24 inch. 6.5 creedmoor 22 to 26 longer never found necessary also short 20 inch and below no good either. 308 always had 16 inch. But I do know a couple of folks who have static rig's that have 30 and 32 inch but they are trying to group mm at 1000 yard's.... Not my thing. I like hitting the target and getting a good group so these days stick with my 6.5 creedmoor.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Cheers Adam

[@georgezink8256]

I believe a goor overall barrel length is 24 to 26 for all standard caliber with 26 to 28 for magnum calibers

[@markandsamafterwork]

Cheers

[@TrailThug]

Awesome Info, Thanks...

[@markandsamafterwork]

Cheers.

[@michaelcady9936]

very well presented

[@markandsamafterwork]

Cheers

[@88magnum]

Great info ! 👍

[@markandsamafterwork]

Cheers

[@JohnRoberts71]

Great content thanks for sharing

[@markandsamafterwork]

Cheers John

[@tallyman15]

Great info. So my 6.5 creedmoor with 26" should be fine. I would think with shorter barrel, use a faster powder. Example, in my ar10 .308 with 18.5" barrel, N135 shoots better than N140.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Cheers

[@gerardboles1124]

Just shoot a 16” 6.5 Creed like me. My “buddies” at the range love the brake I put on that thing. 🤣

[@Gunsgame1966]

I have a Remington Mohawk it’s a short rifle , in .222 very accurate and spits em out over suggested velocities per charge weight, I wouldn’t bother changing length of barrel at all

[@markandsamafterwork]

Cheers

[@DonGilbertoGuruledeNuevoMejico]

Well said sir

[@markandsamafterwork]

Cheers

[@markbyfield7050]

Now I'm curious! I need to get the chrono out and compare my Sharps 45-70 32" barrel to my Henry 18" barrel and see what kind of difference there is!

[@markandsamafterwork]

Cheers

[@georgeroberts613]

GAs development is the key. Once the gasses from a given load and powder burn rate no longer overcome resistance, the bullet slows down...yes?

[@markandsamafterwork]

Yep, Cheers

[@jeffhunter3402]

Love the vid!

[@markandsamafterwork]

cheers

[@AntiFakeJewsRev2-9-0Zach9-6]

24in it is for me then 😀 Thanks n Shabbath Shalam brother

[@markandsamafterwork]

Cheers Man, thanks

[@walterluiz4694]

Great.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Thanks Walter

[@johnpublic168]

Depends on powder burn rate for best pressure.

[@markandsamafterwork]

and bullet weight...

[@anthonyburke5656]

Hi, in your view, does the “speed” of the powder affect the choice of barrel length? My flinch response is the faster the powder, the shorter the barrel, but, by how much? Absent multiple barrels of different lengths being tested on “that” projectile being loaded with different amounts of the same powder and by different amounts of different powder, is there “Rules of Thumb”? Further, I see the US ultra long shooters are now tending to become a bit obsessed with barrel harmonics, your view on that topic?

[@markandsamafterwork]

We have videos on all these subjects, you can use the channel search feature to find, Cheers kzbin.info/www/bejne/fHyzg2edls6Yick

[@stacykenyon5863]

Good info mate.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Thanks Stacy

[@JReed305]

24-26 inch does seem to be a sweet spot for most non magnum rifle cartridges in terms of speed but also in terms of weight that the average shooter is willing to lug around.

[@markandsamafterwork]

cheers Man

[@markpitre4257]

Good looking rifle..

[@markandsamafterwork]

Thanks Mark

[@davorjovanovic4447]

I am building custom match grade rifle for f-open competition in caliber .284w. Not sure about the length, but I saw what other shooters have. Would be 30"-31" barrel with MTU contour be too long or okay at your opinion?

[@markandsamafterwork]

Find a gunsmith that builds those rifles and ask them, Cheers