300 WSM Barrel length

[LRJammer]

I am in the process of putting together a rifle for an upcoming elk/mule deer hunting trip. It will be in 300 WSM because I already have brass, bullets, dies, and some experience with the cartridge so please, no caliber change recomendations. Does anyone have any experience with actual chrono data of a 300 WSM in a 22" barrel? The factory barrel is 24" but I am looking to rebarrel since its accuracy isnt what I would like it to be.

Just trying to get a handle on just how much it will hurt muzzle velocity in practical terms. I built a 260 hunting rifle on a 22" barrel and couldnt believe how many people seem to think that 2" would kill MV. It didnt, less than 50 fps difference between it and my heavy 26" 260.

 

[billyburl2]

It depends on the powder and bullet weight you use. I have no hard data, but I would imagine simular results to your 260. I went the other way and increased my barrel length from 24 to 26 inches, and saw a modest gain of about 25fps with the same load.

 

[LRJammer]

My plans are for a load consisting of IMR 4350 and a 180 gr Barnes TSX.

Running the numbers on a ballistic calculator with a worse case scenario of 100 fps loss, there is under 1 MOA difference in the POI and 100 ft-lbs of energy difference at 600 yards.

 

[djdilliodon]

I'd just go with the 22" and call it a day. You won't notice a significant difference from 2". I know I know that's what she said

 

[ZiaHunter]

I am having my 700 CDL in 300 WSM totally rebuilt by Score High Gunsmiths and basically only saving the action. I am installing a Brux #4 24" barrel (1:10) installed with a brake and Jewell trigger. The stock broke so I replaced it with a McMillan. I don't think the 2" inch difference in bbl length will make a material difference in MV and really precision should be the determining factor. We have had very good results with Berger VLD's on elk with bullets from the 150 to 168 gr. range using IMR4350 or H4350.

 

[Painless300]

LR Jammer,
I have a 300 WSM custom rig built by Robert Gradous, it has a 22" brl with a Vias break, Surgeon 591 Action, Kreiger 5R.

My Load is:
Norma Brass
180 Accubonds
63.5g IMR 4350
Fed 210M Primers
This load Cronos at 2985 fps 50 Deg

Go with the 22" and don't look back

 

[nfoley]

Every barrel is different, but my 24" bartlein 300wsm is getting pretty much identical velocity as Painless300 is getting with his 22" bbl.
I shoot that same bullet and powder, would have to look up the charge.
If you want to go 22", I doubt you'll regret it.