All I know for sure is that shorter barrels will have a slight loss in velocity. Not sure which is typically more accurate between those lengths (in that rifle)....but I know accuracy can be had with a 22" barrel because I have one that will shoot .5" groups with a 22" light contour barrel with handloads. Personally I would opt for 22" over 26" just due to handling and weight, but I am partial to lighter setups.