.308 barrel for Encore?

[game4lunch]

I'm going to get a .308 barrel for my Encore. Is there really a difference in long range shooting performance between a 24", 26", or the 28" barrel?
Fluting? Heavy?
Seems most net responders say the powder is birnt in the firdst 18".
So why go 28"? T/Cers being sibngle shot seem like a carbine even with the shorter barrels.
I don't care about weight, balance, any of that. Just want accurate performance at long ranges (200+ yards)

[pahntr760]

The extra length helps with speed to an extent. 200 yards with even a 24" barrel is more then do-able.

[HEAD0001]

Accuracy and muzzle velocity are fickle things. I have seen short wimpy barrels outshoot fat longer barrels. But for general thinking the longer the barrel the more velocity. When you go with the longer barrel then you need the heavier barrel to stabilize the barrel(better). IMO a short fat barrel will normally outshoot(accuracy) a long fat barrel, but will have less velocity.

If I were you I would buy the barrel based upon your hunting conditions, and not the ability of the barrel to be more accurate.

Personally I shoot a heavier barrel better in a hunting situation. So my long distance field gun is a 28 inch heavy barrel. My two favorite woods rifles carry a 20 inch and a 18-1/2 inch barrel. Both are 30-06's, and fast handling is key for these rifles, ultimate accuracy is not an issue at 75 yards. Tom.

[Scott Gags]

I would run a 24" barrel in the 308. The case capacity is small relative to the barrel volume at 24". This means the case cannot maintain high barrel pressures at the end of a 24" tube. When the pressure drops off the barrel friction will negate any velocity gains. The difference between 24" and 28" barrel is probably on 50 FPS.