Am looking at a couple of .243's. Plan on hunting coyotes and perhaps deer. Shots to range from 50 yards to 200 yards. Will I be able to tell much difference in accuracy between a 20" barrel and a 22"? I am a hunter and not a match target shooter.

No you won't .

Mounting Man/in PA.

The difference is about 50-70fps not that much. If I were hunting with the rifle I would go with the 20 inch bbl. Short and easy to put on target. As far as accuracy goes, it will be the same. The longer barrel will not make it more accurate but will make the bullet a little faster.

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22". Good luck

Accuracy, no difference. However, you'll see quite a bit more muzzle blast out of a 20" barrel vs. a 22" one. Myself, I'd go with at least a 22" barrel, anything shorter than that is getting kinda ridiculous.

It has nothing to do with ballistics, but I like a rifle to be a bit muzzle heavy. It helps me to hold steady.

The real question you should ask yourself is: Should I get a 22" or a 24" barrel?

Good Dogwork and Good Hunting

Ralphie
A longer barrel will raise the ballistics a small amount. The bullet is in barrel longer increasing the speed. If you are only shooting out to 200 yards chances are you will never know the differece. Pick the rifle that feels best to you.

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