I'm getting close to choosing a smith and having a 30-06 built. Is there any worthwhile reason to have a 24 inch vs. 22 inch barrel on an ought-six?

Also, I'm thinking about building from a Rem 700, and using a McMillan Edge stock with a Lilja barrel (#3 or #4 contour). Anything else I should be thinking about instead?

Just out of common snese standpoint, get it longer- you can always lop off a few inches and recrown, but you cannot add more barrel if you start off short.

AMEN!!!!!!

I am on the long side of the spectrum on the 30 06. I would want a 26" barrel. There is a pretty fair load of powder in that casing. Make use of it.

How much fps could you pick up going from a 22 to 24 with just a .30-06? I guess I thought it would be negligable. Also was wondering if shorter barrels (within reason) are sometimes more accurate (more consistant vibration)?

Thanks.

I don't rember where I was reading this information, but a 23" barrel on a 30-06 Sprg. is about the length for all powder to be burnt in this cartridge. I amgetting a 30-06 Sprg. rebarreled, and I opted for a 24" barrel. Good luck.

the only logical reason i can see for going with a shorter barrel is to save weight. but the weight difference between 22 and 24 inches is only gonna be at the most a 2 oz difference. Id go with the 24 inch barrel, 2 oz more isnt gonna break your back hiking through the woods any increase in velocity is always a plus even if its just a couple feet per second also from my experience longer barrels tend to be more generous in the accuracy department.

Personally, I wouldn't consider having a 30-06 with a barrel longer than 22"

No reason for it at all.

If you find someone with an 22 inch barrel 06, shoot it at night. You will see just how much burn your have outside the barrel.

good call, one of my 308's has a 22 inch barrel fired at night the fireball is about a foot loot long and a foot in diameter. my 30-06 which has a 24 inch barrel has fireball about 6 inches long and 6 inches in diameter.

you might say "owe but they probably have different powders" which is not the case in the 308 I used a 165 grain sierra BTHP gameking with 46 grains varget and in the 30-06 load I used a 180 grain NP with 47 grains varget.