GorV

I want to get a new vangard, all models are only availible in 24'' barrels though! It's a toss up between a .30-06 or the 7mm, leaning more towards the 7mm because I've already got a .30-06,I noticed that most manufactures put 26'' barrels on the 7mm or most magnums forthat matter, was wondering if it makes a whole lot of differance? Will I losea significant amount of velocity? how will it effect tragectoryand accuracy??I was told that if I were to shot a 300wby(24'') against a tarpI would notice alot of unburnt powder....I assume the same would be the case with a 7mm!?!?!...anyway thats what it comes down to Im hoping this post will help me make upmy mind ....Thinking about it is driving me nuts!

FastShootingCarts

Go with the 7mm mag. Better down range than the '06. 7mm Mag. maybe even more accurate but that's to be determined through extensive testing between the two carts. Maybe Shooting Times Mag. will take on that experiment.

Barrel length will make no difference whether 26" or 24". I own a Winchester M70 in 7mm mag with a 26" barrel and a Rem. M700 with a 24" barrel. I actually have the Rem. 700 being more accurate but will give the Winchester M70 (only 50 rds.shot so far)another chance as I need to shoot more rounds through it.[/align]

James B

24 inches should be enough barrel to work well.

Scott Gags

I am not sure but I think itis the Lyman Reloading manual that did extensive comparisons of barrel lengths and velocity of popular cartridges. I was surprised at how little velocity drop there was as the barrel was shortened. I seem to remember the 06 losing 60 fps when the barrel was shortened from 24" to 20" or just 15 fps per inch. Additionally each additional inch brings diminshing returns. for instance the difference in FPS beween 20" and 21" is greater than the difference between 23" and 24". As the powder cases get larger the FPS difference doesget greater per inch, but going from 24 to 26" in a 7mm is probably only 50 fps real world. The gun manufacturers seem have it about right with the 06 at 22" and win mags and 7mm remington mags at 24" for standard barrel lengths. Weatherby istypically 2" longer than most manufacturers barrels.

stubblejumper

The 24" barrel is the minimum that works well with the 7mmremmag.The 26" barrel will add about 80fps but the barrel length does not affect accuracy in any way.Thefactory 7mm rifles are commonlyavailable with both 24" and 26" lengths.Browning and winchester are two companies that use 26" barrels while some othersuse 24" lengths.Companies such as remington use either 24" or 26" lengths depending on the rifle model.

skeeter 7MM

When you look at loading manuals you'll find the majority of test rifles used for the data published is a 24" tube 7mm rem mag. I have had 7mm with both and other than a bit more velocity gained by way of the 26" tube their was no difference in accuracy or game performance.

1shotkill

i own a 7mm in a 22inch savage 111 and i dont feel like there is much difference in velocity.

stubblejumper

If you run it over a chronograph you will most likelysee a differenceof more than 150fps between a 22" barrel anda 26" barrel.If you are going to use a 22" or shorter barrel you aren't gaining much over a 280rem.

Vapodog

24" is a fine barrel for the Mag....

DM

Personally i wouldn't want a 7 Rem. mag. with anything but a 24" bbl.. 26" is more than i want to drag through the woods, and 22" in a 7 Rem. magnum is shorter than i want because of it's case capacity.

I do like shorter bbls on my rifles, but not in that caliber.

Drilling Man