Barrel length- .257 Roberts and 7mm-08
 

Looking at having a custom gun done on a Mauser action that I have- POSSIBLY. Have decided on either the .257 Roberts or 7mm-08. What would be a good barrel length for these two? I am thinking that the -08 doesn't need much more than 20 to be effective. What about the .257? Would 20 be enough or should a 22 or 24 inch tube allow the cartridge to perfom at its best? I have been talking to a gunsmith, and am looking at getting another Mauser before I start the project so it may be a while. Any other suggestions on caliber that will fit into the Mauser magazine with ease? Suggestions are greatly appreciated, still in the planning and debating phase. I am about due for another gun, its been 10 months. Thanks guys.

RE: Barrel length- .257 Roberts and 7mm-08
 

I would go with a 24" barrel. Good luck.

RE: Barrel length- .257 Roberts and 7mm-08
 

I agree... 24"

RE: Barrel length- .257 Roberts and 7mm-08
 

Well, I'm a HUGE fan of the 257 Roberts. So obviously that gets my vote! As for barrel length, I would think that either would be fine in a 20" barrel, as the 257's case capacity will only hold slightly more powder than the 7mm-08. However, you will see a slight loss of velocity in the shorter tube, but it won't be that much say 30 fps or so per inch.

Gordon

RE: Barrel length- .257 Roberts and 7mm-08
 

You can always shorten the barrel if you don't like the longer version. Start with a 24 inch barrel on either one of these calibers. 24 seems to be the best lengh for velocity. A gunsmith friend and I took about ten surplus 6.5x55 rifles and cut the barrels off one inch at a time. They started out at 29 inches. All of them gained velocity as we cut the barrels off. This until we reached 24 inches. At that point the started loosing 25-35 fps per inch. We ended up leaving them all at 24 inches.

RE: Barrel length- .257 Roberts and 7mm-08
 

With respects to the previous posters, I'd not pick my barrel length based on performance in a hunting rifle. I'd pick the cartridge for performance and the barrel length based on personal preference and convenience.

Short is fine in my life.....20-22" is my pick

However it's YOUR gyn.....if you want greater performance, look to the .280 or .25-06...but pick the barrel length to suit your tastes.

I have a 20" .270 that is a sweetie in the woods.....love it.

RE: Barrel length- .257 Roberts and 7mm-08
 

DEar Charley Brown,
I hunt some pretty dense stuff and prefer the shorter length barrels[22"] for this kind of hunting. Last thing I want is for the barrel to slam into a tree as I take a shot at an Elk. When I was hunting in Hawaii out on the lava flats I used my 264 Win whose barrel is 23" but still gets 3100 fps. For most stuff now I use my 25 Souper and its barrel is 22". Either cartridge you mention will do nicely with a 22" tube. Personal choice only. Good luck with your new rifle.
Aloha, Mark[in Or]

RE: Barrel length- .257 Roberts and 7mm-08
 

I agree that you should have the lenght of barrel that fits your kind of hunting. I was only speaking of perfromance. Its tough to add a couple inches on, Its real easy to take a couple inches off.

RE: Barrel length- .257 Roberts and 7mm-08
 

Thanks for the replies. I, too do like the short barrels, but, then again I have never had anything longer than 22" in a rifle. I have two .30-06's with 22" tubes and a .50 cal ML with a 22". Not sure how long the Mauser is, but have not carried it in the field. I do like the 22" barrel as they seem to balance nicely with me. I think I will shoulder a few at the gunshop and see if I can notice a difference between 20-24" barrels. Thanks for the input. Just wasn't sure if a 24" barrel is absolutely necessary for the Roberts.

RE: Barrel length- .257 Roberts and 7mm-08
 

You won't see much difference in performance between 22" bbl and 24" bbl with a case this size.

Personally i'd pick the 22", because to me it's a better balance between "performance", and haveing more "muzzle weight" than a 20" bbl will give. More importantly a 22" bbl will get the rifle "balanced" properly in your hands. Assumeing this rifle will be built on the lighter side?? It would be if it was mine.

I like the Roberts, but the 7-08 is a better all around cartridge!!