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..