ORIGINAL: RugerM77.270
I'm looking at getting a .308 and start to shoot at extended range out to about 600 yards. I've noticed that some people want to use a short barrel say 20 or 22 inches them some are 26 inches. I would think that the longer barrel would be better but if it is how much better and why? I know you gain 15-20 feet for every inch but what does that add up to in ballistics?
My plan is to get a Remington SPS Tactical 20'' barrel or Varmint 26'' barrel to learn the basics and also buy some reloading equipment before I move into the big custom rifles.
There is such a thing as a too-short barrel, but much depends on the cartridge you choose. In .308 WIN., I would want at least 18", and 20"-22"would be better-actually, a short, stiff barrel can be more accurate than a longer, whippy one. You can go down to a stiff, 20" barrel and still have adequate ballistics for long-range accuracy. In a 26" barrel, I'd want it to be at least as stout as the 26" barrels on the Ruger No. 1B......