Advantages to the 28" fluted barrels?

[Qualitymilk]

Anybody have enough experience with the 28" fluted barrels to recommend them over say a standard 24" or the 26" heavy t/c barrels?  They fetch a higher dollar, but are they more accurate?  I am looking at a varmint barrel, probably a .22-250.  T/C has the rebate going till the end of the month, so I am looking options.  Thanks in advance for the info....

[bphunter]

I've read that the chambers are machined a little more precisely. In most of the larger calibers you can expect significantly higher velocities. In the smaller calibers like the .22-250. .223, .204 etc, there may be no significant increase and could actually be a decrease in velocity compared to a 24" or 26" barrel. I think it comes down to cosmetics between the 26" and 28" barrels. Personally, I like the shortest barrel I can get for standard calibers (24") and the longest for magnum calibers or muzzleloaders. For the .22-250 I think the heavy 26" barrel would be more pratical than the 24" (too light) or 28"(needlessly long). Just my $.02 worth.

[Grumulkin]

As far as velocity gains are concerned, you may get 15 to 25 feet/second more velocity per inch of barrel.  I actually like 24 inch barrels quite a bit and wouldn't be put off by the minimal velocity loss to be expected from them compared to a 28 inch barrel.

The Encore is short enough to begin with that even with a 28 inch barrel it isn't any longer than a lot of other rifles.  That said, I don't see a big advantage to 28 inch over 24 or 26 inch barrels.  In fact, a common question coming up is about whether or not to shorten the 28 inch fluted barrels.  In my opinion, a shortened barrel with the flutes extending clear out to the muzzle looks dumb.

I think the market is also saying something about 28 inch fluted barrels since many are coming on the market that are lightly used, in excellent condition for very good prices.  The reason I have 4 of them now is because they shoot very well and were available in stainless steel at prices I couldn't pass up (I know, I'm a barrel junky).

[Silvertp]

The 28" bbls would make sense to me, if chambered in the magnum calibers that can use the extra bbl length for burning powder.  One of my "wish list" barrels is a .264 Mag, 28" fluted for my pro hunter.

For most non magnum but high velocity calibers such as the .22/250 I would think a 24 or 26" barrel would be just fine.

Lately I have been going the "shorter is better" route for my rifles in standard calibers because I like what are to me "improved handling characteristics" of shorter barrels.  No hanging up in branches when slung over your shoulder.  Quick to point and just a tad lighter.

Silvertp

[stxhunter]

My T/C barrel is a 28in.  308 win. That is a long barrel! I agree with Silvertp about the short profile rifles. I just finished one with a 20in. barrel. Great for handling in a blind or brush country.