My A-Bolt has a 22" barrel. Since the 25-06 works best with real slow powder, I've always wondered how much velocity I'm giving up. I've never chrony'd, but I do see a lot more muzzle flash from the A-bolt than from my son's Ruger #1 with a 26" barrel. Based on that I would say the shorter barrel gives up some speed, but I've never met a whitetail that could tell the difference.