Optimum barrel length for a .22 Mag?

[Rustyinfla]

  I have seen articles done on the .22 LR that say the optimum length for it is 14". that is where all the powder is consumed, after that velocity starts to come back down.

  Does anyone know what optimum for a .22 mag might be?

[gendoc]

from my experiance with ruger wmr custom built sleepers,
match, bentz chambers .920 flute and ported
17" is what i have found to be the most efficient.




but the h&r/nef seem to do better with factory length.
i have tried moding the sportster and the results were not as good
even with my recessed crown job.

i would not even think of shorting my vp/wmr, its too good to mod

[Couger]

17 inches may be correct, but I'd guess could be as long as 19 inches.

Go to Bullberry.com's web site.  They build custom Contender and Encore barrels and list data for the .204 Ruger and .17 HMR where starting with 24 inch barrels, loads in each cartridge were chronographed and recorded, then barrels were shortened one inch at a time, readings recorded for each inch.

Optimum length for the .17HMR is 21 inches!  23in for the .204Rug.

Of course the .22WMR is a stright-walled round versus shouldered .17HMR.

I haven't shot the .22WMR, but concur with the 14inches on the .22 Long Rifle round - for optimum most efficient length.  Eleven inches is supposed to be optimum for the .22 Short, according to Dr. Marc White from Sound Technologies and his personal experience.