Go for the 26", stoke your loads and get the best out of a custom you can, also, in the future, depending on how much you shoot, once the chamber and muzzle just dont cut it anymore, you can set it back, trim and recrown and still have a sweet shooter!. You wont notice the extra length or weight due to a 26" barrel unless your in a confinedstand, you may also want to build on the heavy side like I did on my 300win mag "12lbs 6oz, felt recoil is dramaticly reduced, it sure helps on long range practice at the range!