Accuracy differance betweer 21" tapered and 23" bu

[E. Miller]

I'm new to the contender game but sure do enjoy my first one in 17HMR.
I got it in a tapered configuration and now want to get a 223 bbl. for my contender frame.  I would like to stay as light and compact as possible and was wondering what the expected accuracy differance would be between a 21" tapered factory bbl and the 23" factory bull barrell?  Does the extra length and weight add make a noticable differance in accuracy?  If I stay with the tapered configuration I can use my same fore end but I don't want to give up alot of differance in accuracy for trying to save some weight and the small price of a new fore end.  How much more does a bull barrell weigh that a tapered barrell? I realize that with factory barrells there is going to be a bbl to bbl accuracy differance, but in general is the bull worth the extra length and weight? Thanks - Eddie

[KN]

I prefere the bull over the taper but mine are used for prairie dogs from a bench. If I were going to carry it all day I might go with the tapered. You might want to check out Virgin Valleys velocity test on the 17HMR. They claim that the 17HMR is optimal at 18". Their testing showed that after 18" the bullet started slowing down. I have a 23" barrel that I cut down to 18" and I believe they are 100% right. I noticed that when shooting my 23" barrel that the gun would twist slightly durring recoil. After trimming the barrel to 18" it stoped doing that at all. I figured that the bullet was no longer being pushed down the barrel enough to overcome friction and weight therefore the bullet was actually pulling on the barrel as it travels the last few inches causing a slight twist as it exits. Of course this is just my theory but I do know that it shoots much more consistently since it has been shortened. Even my 11yr old daughter can pretty much one hole this rifle at 50yds. And shes a pretty new shooter.   KN