Gunsmithing Barrel length for WSM

[CowboyBart]

Building an elk rifle for use in grizzly country. I'm goiong with a 358 WSM and don't like the idea of a 26" barrel. If I go 23" will I lose a lot of velocity or just 50-60fps?? 22" might be too short and too loud.
Lets here what ya have to say.

 

[USMCj]

Re: Barrel length for WSM

Both 22 and 23 will work for hunting.

 

[Glen Seekins]

Re: Barrel length for WSM

Im getting screaming velocity out of my 7WSM with a 23". Use a good barrel and you might be surprised. I am getting 3150 easy with 162's

 

[montyb]

Re: Barrel length for WSM

i have a SS M70 Classic in 7mm WSM at the 'smith right now to get rebored to .350/7mm WSM. this rifle has a 23" barrel and will probably wind up with a barrel somewhere between 22" and 23" by the time the muzzle is cleaned up and crowned.

QL shows a 95 fps loss going from 26" to 22", and 69 fps loss at 23"
26" (2935 fps)
23" (2866 fps)
22" (2840 fps)

i just picked H 4895 and 225 Nosler Partitions at random and another powder may show less velocity loss.

 

[buckey]

Re: Barrel length for WSM

I just received my new custom 300 WSM from GAP yesterday - I went with a 24" barrel & a 1-11" twist.

 

[CowboyBart]

Re: Barrel length for WSM

Thanx for the input - especially the QL info. I was leaning toward 23" but might go 22". At 25fps per inch I don't think it will turn into a Whelen - not that there is anything wrong with a 35 Whelen!!
I will be using 250gr bullets unless I win the lottery and can afford Woodleigh's 310gr pills. It would be nice if Hornady, Sierra or Nosler made a 275-280gr bullet in 35 cal.