how long a barrel

[257nut]

i thought in a muzzle loader you need a long barrel to get all the energy you can get and speed. i see they are making barrels in 24 all the way up to 30 inches. what is the best length to get.

 

[two7D]

26-28 is probably ideal. I have shot fine with a 24 out to 200 yds though.

 

[dang302]

I have been wondering about this a little too.

Anybody chronograph different barrel lengths? Do you gain much with longer barrels?

 

[FrontierGander]

testing a 30" barrel VS 27" barrel i gained just over 30 fps.

www.FrontierMuzzleloading.com

 

[hntbambi]

It depends on the loads you shoot. If you are shooting lighter loads a longer barrel will not gain you as much. Heavier loads will see more benefit from a longer barrel.

On a ML with a very short action like the Omega, Triumph, etc, I like a 28" barrel. The overall length is still easliy managable even in tight cover. A gun like the Knight Extreme or Elite has a longer action and a 24-26" is nice to use. I am getting ready to build a Rem 700ML with a 28" barrel. It will be a tad heavy but I like velocity and will sacrafice a little weight for speed.