Barrel Length for 22LR -

[banen]

Anybody know if there is any perceptible difference between a 18", 20", or longer barrel for .22LR's?  I am wondering about velocity, accuracy.  I would suspect that the accuracy just depend from one gun to the next.  And I would think there isn't enough powder capicity in the case for leangth to make a difference either?  Any thoughts? 

[Paladin]

velocity=about 17 in is claimed to give highest velocity, accuracy=accuracy is not dependent on barrel length, chamber,rifling and crown have an adverse effect on accuracy. take two rimfires same make model more than likely they will not shoot the same ammo the same, you halft to shoot them with different ammo to find what they like best. anyway thats about all I know,seeya
 (ps) there are a lot more involved in accuracy than the few things I've mentioned

[banen]

Thanks, I was just looking for the general rules of thumb on barrel leangth, exactly what you provided. I figured that remfires would be the same story on centerfires on accuracy (ie it just depends).   I have shot a whole lot of 22 rounds in my life but never reallly tried to optimize one.  What ever I got as cheaply as possible was good enough for my 22's, now I am looking for a new project.  Should be fun.

[S.S.]

Optimal barrel legnth is about 16 to 18 inches.
By optimal I mean peak pressure is reached in about that barrel length
and all powder should be burnt. Once peak pressure is reached, extra barrel length
actually causes resistance and starts slowing the bullet down.
with open sights though a longer barrel of course puts more distance
to the sight plane and aids in accurate shooting. with a scope the extra barrel length
is just added weight. To me a longer barrel .22 seems to handle better though.

[ironglow]

  In all the tests I've seen performed...16.5" is optimal for performance (speed)  actually up to 20" barrel only costs about 5 fps, so it is negligible. some longer barrels say 25"-26" could lose 15-25 fps..
  
   So really, the biggest factor is ..what works best for you ?