Author Topic: 24 inch VS 26 inch barrel (Read 1461 times)

Loki_762 · « **on:** July 06, 2004, 06:08:12 PM »

I have been thinking about getting an Encore in .223 for a while now, and I am unsure of which barrel option to choose. All I really know is that I want a bull barrel. Now, I know that as barrels get longer, you are able to get more velocity from them because more of the powder is able to burn and propel the bullet before it exits. However, I also know that the longer the barrel gets, the more heavy and awkward it becomes. Is there really an advantage to the 26 inch barrel, versus the 24 inch version, or is the difference negligible enough that it is just a matter of personal preference? I want the gun to be as accurate and light recoiling as possible, so if that is a factor, let me know! Thanks for any information you can give me!

SLAVAGE · « **Reply #1 on:** July 06, 2004, 07:00:37 PM »

go with the 26 the extra 2 isent gona hurt at all expecialy sence an encore is a single shot thers realy no action so a 26 inch barrl i think is like a 22 or 23 inch regular bolt gun at least in length

Questor · « **Reply #2 on:** July 07, 2004, 02:30:23 AM »

The advantage of the longer barrel is weight. If you want a lightweight gun, don't get it. If you'll be shooting off a bench or taking long shots, get the longer barrel.

oneshotonekill · « **Reply #3 on:** July 07, 2004, 03:35:07 AM »

Balistically the difference in 24" vs 26" in 223 is insignificant. There were some tests done a while back looking at barrel length and complete powder burn. The 223 was one of the calibers that could acheive near complete powder burn is a relatively short barrel. This would vary by the powder used but for the most part a 20 inch barrel in a 223 was very close to complete powder burn. So 24 or 26 should be very close as far as velocity. The velocity vs barrel length thing is interesting because at some point a longer barrel will start to loose velocity. The gases will stop expanding due to complete combustion and the bullet will still be experiencing friction due to the bore. Using a faster burn rate powder in a long barrel may result in a lower velocity than that same load in a shorter barrel. Many 223 barrels are in the 16-20 inch range and they perform very well. The difference in the 24 to 26 would be personal prefrence and handling more than a ballistic advantage.

Thomas Krupinski · « **Reply #4 on:** July 07, 2004, 06:24:19 AM »

I agree that handling and balance will be the important consideration.

Now being that you can grow extra length on a barrel, you may want to try the 26" and then if not happy, cut it back to 24" or whatever.

KN · « **Reply #5 on:** July 07, 2004, 10:52:10 AM »

If the 26" heavy barrel is "bull" enough for you then go for it. If you mean you want a "full bull 1" barrel" then you may want to consider a shorter barrel. Say around 22". I have an 18" full bull encore barrel in 450 marlin and that baby is heavy. I can just imagine what a 26" full bull would weigh. Especially in a 22 caliber. Some thing to think about. KN

Runs with Scissors · « **Reply #6 on:** July 08, 2004, 08:08:46 AM »

My .223 TC factory 26" barrel is the most accurate barrel I own.
If I'm shooting my best, 1/2" groups at 100 yards are very common.
It is a bit muzzle heavy compared to the 24" .270 barrel.
I purchased the shorter barrel for hunting. The longer barrel sees a bench rest 95% of the time.

Bill

DaddyPaul · « **Reply #7 on:** July 09, 2004, 04:35:45 AM »

I must say that me new Fox Ridge heavy contour .270 barrel blew me away! I figured it would have to be unwieldy and not balance at all. I was wrong. I don't know if I will ever buy another standard taper barrel. It now points and aims much more steady than ever and just feels better to me. It is a little heavier but not enough to bother me. I can't wait to get to run some rounds through it. Just my thoughts.

Chris go ahead and say it! "I told you so"! I deserve it