My old gill gun has a 24" bbl. Shoots just fine. I ain't gonna chop it back, no matter what Harrel says.
I read a similar article; maybe it was the same one. I seem to recall he got the highest velocity in a 16" bbl. I guess it's a moot point now as I'm sure there have been changes in powder etc. Also, back when the article came out most 22 LR bullets were 38-40 grains except the Stingers. Now we've got 29-45 grains in the LR's, maybe more.I recall a test in one of the gun rags 30 or more years ago where they chopped one barrel off one inch at a time and chronoed at every inch. They started with IIRC 26" and went down to 8" or something. IIRC, the highest velocity was at around 14 inches.
I've discovered that one of the most important factors in .22LR accuracy is the tightness of the chamber. My guns with the tightest chambers are the most accurate; the ones with the loosest chambers are least accurate, and this is completely independent of barrel length.I have two 16 inch 22lr barrels (one semi-auto and one bolt). And I have a 24 inch bolt and a 22 inch bolt. The long barrels are clearly more accurate at 50 yards. (all my guns are high quality and sport good glass). It seems to me that the 1:16 rifling in the long barrels puts a more complete "spin" on the projectile than the shorter barrels can deliver thus better accuracy. Crazy?
Thanks David. I'm just a piker and only know that my long barrels are more accurate - for me - and for my go to CCI SV's. I shoot 50 to 70 yards at my home farm range and always use glass - shooting irons with my 77-year-old eyes is over. My Ruger American Rimfire Standard and my CZ 457 Lux are consistently under an inch with 5 shots to each bull on NRA 50 Ft. targets. For this geezer - makes me smile. Thanks again for the detailed info.Eclem, the rate of twist is not dependent on barrel length. A bullet needs to stay pointy end first to be accurate. The usual thinking is that the slowest twist consistent with this is best. But stability is related to velocity and if you are too close to the edge, the bullet may yaw at longer distances. Having a twist a bit faster gives you some wiggle room on cold days etc. And do keep in mind if you are using iron sights, a longer barrel gives a greater sight radius and better ability to aim and hit your target.
Edit: Because it has now been said twice that a long barrel puts a more complete spin on the bullet, I must say that is simply untrue. There have been barrels with a progressive twist but all of the barrels we run into are a uniform twist, chamber to muzzle.