VeLOCITY Vs.Barell length

[acme_labs]

Alright, some on prove to me that 18" is not too short...And what kind of advantages come from increased barrrel length

 

[Born4spd]

Velocity...lol

 

[CavalryJim]

Barrel length improves velocity only as long as the burning powder behind it is still expanding at an increasing rate...anything longer would actually slow the bullet down.

With modern powder, the velocity differences between 18" & 20" barrels would be minimal. Unless you are participating in high power competitions, go with what ever you want.

 

[jbonnette]

Barrel length vs velocity for .223:

http://www.accuratereloading.com/223sb.html

 

[Request Dust Off]

I take it this is a shotgun related question since it is the shotgun forum.

 

[CavalryJim]

...since it is the shotgun forum.

Did not notice this earlier. Perhaps an expert can provide some more input but I believe shotgun powder burns much slower than rifle powder. A 18" shotgun barrel is not too short for home defense but I would not take it duck hunting.

 

[Ritten]

Alright, some on prove to me that 18" is not too short...And what kind of advantages come from increased barrrel length

Regarding your questions:
Too short for what?? Shooting purpose, what load, what CALIBER, what gun (action style)?

Dude,.....must.....give.....more......info.


Regarding the adventages:
Longer barrel length may give you an increase in velocity depending on the variables listed above. On shotguns, or anything using open sights, you also gain a longer sight radius for aiming.

 

[Akajun]

For wingshooting, a longer barrel is an advantage. Your patterns will be better as your pellet will stabilize better in the longer barrell. Also a longer barrell give more weight in the front, which means better follow through. Also the longer sight radius is a plus IMHO.

As far as velocity, with modern smokeless loads, I beleive its optimized somewhere around 26" IIRC.

 

[BSGA]

Are we talkin steel shot? or lead? Shotgun powders are generally very fast compared to rifle powders. Most steel shot loads will max out at about 16-18". Lead can be different depending on the load, but a good bet is that after 24", your powder has done it's job. Anything after those numbers are simply added for shot pattern control. Nothing more. And actually steel shot has problems getting the pattern to open up enough to be useful at times. Regardless of the internal ballistics, I do tend to prefer a bit longer barrel for it's shooting/handleing characteristics, but it's simply a preference based on my old shooting habits. To each his own though.

 

[jimdana1942]

Longer barrels are better but in some cases not practical.