schoolcraft

I've narrowed my search for this years new deer rifle down to the .270 caliber.
I've got my rifle choice narrowed down to 2 models, one of which has a 22" barrel and the other has a 24" barrel.
I know the extra 2" of barrel is SUPPOSED to give me a little more velocity, while the 22" makes for a little more compact rifle.
I read an article where someone was testing a 7mm. Rem. Mag. in a 24" and 26" barrell and there was virtually no difference in muzzle velocity.
Just wondering if the 22" barrel is going to get optimal performance out of the .270 or if I would be better off with the 24" model.

If it helps any, I'll be shooting 130 gr. Nosler Accubonds and I really want them to be coming out of the barrel as close to 3,000 FPS as possible.

Thanks in advance for the advice,
Schoolcraft

Whitehorn

I have a 270 with a 24" barrel and I don't find it too long. I don't feel I need a shorter barrel. I hunt on foot in the foothills of the Rockies and the terrain varries from thick timber to open areas.. At the end of the day I am sure a lighter rifle would be appreciated but I personally wouldn't go out of my way to get a shorter or lighter gun. It feels right.

I don't have a chrono but I am guessing that the velocity difference won't make that much difference, maybe 60 to 80 fps.. Somebody here will have more accurate numbers..

Price and availability might be more determining factors when it comes time to choose a rifle..

ShatoDavis

Then I would say that you want a 24" barrel. In a 22 incher I would expect around 2800-2900 fps. FYI don't get hung up on muzzle velocity. a deer would never know the difference between a bullet flying 2800 fps and one flying 3000.

Retaks

The only time you are going to notice the extra 2 inches is if you hunt alot in really thick brush. If i were you and wanted as close to 3000fps i would stick with the 24in barrel.

Champlain Islander

I have a Ruger model 77 Ultra Lite 30.06 with a 22" barrel and although it is a nice light gun and is a pleasure to carry it kicks like heck. The gun has never been a tack driver and I kind of wished I had the 24" barrel with the regular model 77. I have to be really careful what bullets I shoot and have noticed it doesn't like the hotter loads such as Hornady light mags and the Federal Vita Shock 2900 FPS 180 gr Noslers.

schoolcraft

The 24" barrel gun is a Remington 700 CDL. Does anyone out there have a load that gets around 3,000 FPS out of the muzzle without any excessive pressure problems?
Like I mentioned, I'll be using 130gr. Nosler Accubonds

stalkingbear

I honestly do not believe you or the game animal will ever be able to tell the difference between those 2 barrel lengths. The obvious solution is to buy both,keep the 1 that shoots best,and sell the other 1. Or perhaps keep it also to loan to your brother in law so you can show him up.

nchawkeye

In a short action, I prefer a 24 inch barrel...In a long action a 22 seems about right...

My brother has 2 .270s, both with a 22 inch barrel, much longer gets in the way, especially in a box stand...

One of the most balanced rifles I have handled is the CDL in 7mm-08 as you know, it has a 24 inch barrel...Pick one up and you will see what I mean...

My other brother has a Model 7, 7mm-08 with a 20 inch barrel, that gun just doesn't feel right to me and muzzle blast is horrible....He has made some very long shots with it and accuracy is good, he likes it, but I don't.

As far as velocity loss in a .270, you or the deer will never notice the difference.

herman

Try some R-19 0r R-22 both should give you 3000+ out of a 24in barrel.I had rather have a 24 in barrel,I am not but 5'10 and don't have a problem with the 24 in at all.
I used the 140 gr accru bond last year and they should have been around 3000 fps with 60 grs of R-22 but I got 3116 when I checked the speed in 80 degree weather.With 135 gr bullet I got 3146fps.
I got the sps ss in 270 last year and allready had a 7/08 classic so I changed the stocks (just for looks,they both shot with the factory stocks)to the spider web medalist.I think they really look good.

James B

24 inch. I have a 22 inch tghat yields about 2860 with factory 130 loads.