.22lr - barrel length?

[icor1031]

I expect to shoot mostly the cheap Remington ammo from the 525-ct boxes.

If I do so, what barrel length should I get? 16, 18, or 20?

I ask, because: I know the powder stops expanding after a certain length, at least not faster than the bullet is moving. So, any added length just adds weight to the rifle and reduces rigidity.
At what length is any potential gain negligible?



Also, if I shoot some 'decent' ammo, what length would I use then?
Thanks!

 

[Snake45]

It kinda depends on how you're planning to use the rifle, too.

Also, is noise important to you? The shorter the barrel, the louder it will be. I can tell you that those Rem Golden Bullets in a 16" barrel are getting into unplesantly loud territory for a .22 rifle. Ear protection will be needed.

 

[JFB]

I think you are implying you are looking for muzzle velocity by your question "At what length is any potential gain negligible?"

if that is your primary concern you will find this site interesting
http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/22.html
since velocity is not even one of my conciderations, I have never looked at that site so the results were a little differertn that what I would have expected (ie there was a velocity increase going from 16 to 18 for nearly all ammo tested)

My choice of barrel lenght in a long gun depends more upon its use.
my 1022 16" are threaded for silencer
my 1022 18 are carbine style
my 1022 20 & 22 are rifle style

edit...
I have notice more significant change in velocity from chamber dimensions and rifling bore than between barrel length
ie, a 20" Green Mountain with tight chamber and smaller bore will get "cheap" ammo sonic where the same ammo is sub in an 18" factory

 

[icor1031]

I think you are implying you are looking for muzzle velocity by your question "At what length is any potential gain negligible?"

if that is your primary concern you will find this site interesting
http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/22.html
since velocity is not even one of my conciderations, I have never looked at that site so the results were a little differertn that what I would have expected (ie there was a velocity increase going from 16 to 18 for nearly all ammo tested)

My choice of barrel lenght in a long gun depends more upon its use.
my 1022 16" are threaded for silencer
my 1022 18 are carbine style
my 1022 20 & 22 are rifle style

edit...
I have notice more significant change in velocity from chamber dimensions and rifling bore than between barrel length
ie, a 20" Green Mountain with tight chamber and smaller bore will get "cheap" ammo sonic where the same ammo is sub in an 18" factory

That is an impressive site, thanks!

 

[icor1031]

It kinda depends on how you're planning to use the rifle, too.

Also, is noise important to you? The shorter the barrel, the louder it will be. I can tell you that those Rem Golden Bullets in a 16" barrel are getting into unplesantly loud territory for a .22 rifle. Ear protection will be needed.

You really shouldn't be shooting that .22 without hearing protection, friend.


http://keepandbeararms.com/information/XcIBViewItem.asp?ID=2052
" .22LR (134 dB)"

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OivUW6Rl7F8/SShUF_sFcmI/AAAAAAAACXM/WJ0c0YHxCRk/s400/sound+levels.JPG

http://64.78.30.80/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/decibel_exposure_chart.gif

http://www.oshax.org/info/articles/decibel-levels



Even short exposure to noise over 140dB may cause permanent hearing loss, despite being under the 'time limit.'
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/nas/hlr/wdpd_stragGoal1_3.html

 

[Kevin]

I have a Kimber model 82 govt 20" barrel I think. Real heavy, single shot Bolt action. Made for bench rest only. I can shoot it without hearing protección and there is no noticible spikes in volumen at all. It just pink pink plink....

My point is, Spikes comment tu about noise level are correct. A shorter barrel will have less regitidy as you pointed out but will also be louder as spikes said.

I also have a 10/22 with a 16.5 inch barrel. More accurate but about twice the volume level.

 

[icor1031]

I have a Kimber model 82 govt 20" barrel I think. Real heavy, single shot Bolt action. Made for bench rest only. I can shoot it without hearing protección and there is no noticible spikes in volumen at all. It just pink pink plink....

My point is, Spikes comment tu about noise level are correct. A shorter barrel will have less regitidy as you pointed out but will also be louder as spikes said.

I also have a 10/22 with a 16.5 inch barrel. More accurate but about twice the volume level.

Yes, a bolt action and a longer barrel, and probably even a thicker (depending on resonant frequency) barrel should reduce volume as you stated. However, half the volume isn't enough to protect your hearing:

I'm not trying to be the new guy that argues, I just want everyone to be healthy. :)


From Master Handbook of Acoustics, by Everest:

 

[CraigC]

Velocity shouldn't even be a consideration. For most HV loads, it's going to peak in 12-14". Personally, unless I have a need for the compactness of a shorter barrel, I'd prefer them to be at least 22" or 24". For noise reduction, balance and sight radius.

Shouldn't be shooting ANY .22LR without hearing protection.

 

[Jeffro57]

What?!? lol

 

[JFB]

...it's going to peak in 12-14"...

that is what I was "thinking", but if you just look at the raw data in the ballistic by the inch chart, it implies that there is an increase up to 18". HOWEVER, when I plotted the data in excell and applied curve fitting, it shows the peak velocity near 14" with both HV and SV.

as for peak accuracy, I have heard the saying "how many 16" barrels do you see shooting ultimate bench rest?"

 

[CraigC]

Look at it again and look at the difference between the two and not just at the highest numbers. It increases steadily up to 12-14" and then there are peaks and valleys at the upper end. Look at the Remington 36gr GB, yes technically the highest recorded is at 18" but it's only 1fps higher than at 11". The CCI MiniMag did report the highest at 14" but was only 3fps higher than at 12".

The hyper velocity rounds are always going to peak later.

Barrel length alone has no bearing on raw accuracy. No, you probably don't see any 16" barrels in benchrest but you will see short barrels with bloop tubes on them. Your upper level benchrest shooters want to have the bullet exit the muzzle at a specific point in its rotation. Not something that the rest of us will ever worry about because we're talking minute differences in accuracy and guns that are tuned down to the last detail.

 

[wolfee]

If you handle rifles with all those barrel lengths side by side, you will notice a lot of difference in balance. I just bought a 77mag with a special run 18.5 barrel and it is almost as handy to carry as a 10/22. But, I really notice more "wobble" when shooting off hand, even with a modest power scope. The thing is approaching center fire loud too. In a lr, velocity is probably not worth considering. Just pick the length that you like the way it handles and think about how you are going to use the gun. For mostly plinking, get a short one. For serious target shooting you will appreciate the steadiness of a longer barrel.

 

[GunnyGene]

I have an old Savage 6A that was made between 1938 - 1941. The barrel is 24" from the muzzle to the bolt face. I have no idea what the actual mv is relative to what is advertised for a particular brand, and could care less. With std velocity lr ammo, and original factory sights I have no problem reaching out 100yds and putting a hole in an armadillo. That's gudenuf for me. :D

Oh, and it carries 15+1. :wink: More if I load it with shorts or longs and put it on single shot.

BTW, if anyone knows where I can get a owners manual for this rifle I'd sure appreciate it. I've googled for it till my fingers bleed and no luck for the Savage 6A or it's twin the Stevens 87A .

 

[jaguar88xj6]

I have an old Savage 6A that was made between 1938 - 1941. The barrel is 24" from the muzzle to the bolt face. I have no idea what the actual mv is relative to what is advertised for a particular brand, and could care less. With std velocity lr ammo, and original factory sights I have no problem reaching out 100yds and putting a hole in an armadillo. That's gudenuf for me. :D

Oh, and it carries 15+1. :wink: More if I load it with shorts or longs and put it on single shot.

BTW, if anyone knows where I can get a owners manual for this rifle I'd sure appreciate it. I've googled for it till my fingers bleed and no luck for the Savage 6A or it's twin the Stevens 87A .

Love those old guns. Mines a Stevens 87A. Had it for over 50 yrs and still use it regularly. Never had a manual. If you have any guestions, please ask. I know it inside and out.

 

[GunnyGene]

Love those old guns. Mines a Stevens 87A. Had it for over 50 yrs and still use it regularly. Never had a manual. If you have any guestions, please ask. I know it inside and out.

Thanks, no questions, just would like to have a manual for it :) .

I have partial parts breakdown for it in case you might be looking for that.

 

[jaguar88xj6]

Thanks. I'll copy it.