.270 Winchester - 22” or 24”

[Cruiser]

New to Rokslide but the content is awesome.

22” vs 24” barrels on a .270 Winchester seems to be a pretty controversial topic. What are the forum’s thoughts? I hunt mostly whitetail in the Southeast and Texas and want to be able to make a 450 yard shot If I need to.

Also would love to hear any rifle recommendations with your choice of barrel length (keep in mind the 450 yard shot).

Thanks!

 

[Graves14]

My only hunting rifle is a model 70 featherweight in .270 and it has a 22” barrel.

on a trip in the frank myself and 2 hunting partners each took one single shot at 432yds and we shot a 3” group. We are all bow hunters that occasionally rifle hunt so that was astounding for us lol.

I have found that the shorter barrel likes heavier bullets. In particular the 145 eld x (Hornady Precision Hunter) ammo has been the most accurate.

just my experience

 

[stevevan]

W

My only hunting rifle is a model 70 featherweight in .270 and it has a 22” barrel.

on a trip in the frank myself and 2 hunting partners each took one single shot at 432yds and we shot a 3” group. We are all bow hunters that occasionally rifle hunt so that was astounding for us lol.

I have found that the shorter barrel likes heavier bullets. In particular the 145 eld x (Hornady Precision Hunter) ammo has been the most accurate.

just my experience

Without a doubt. 22"

 

[N2TRKYS]

I have a 270 Win with a 22” barrel. I wish it had a 24” barrel.

 

[MHWASH]

I have no trouble reaching 2900+FPS in 2 different 22” .270s. If I were looking for a new 270 I’d go Tikka all the way.

 

[hodgeman]

I've had both... not sure there's a nickel's worth of difference between the two. Nothing downrange will ever notice.

 

[Cruiser]

I have no trouble reaching 2900+FPS in 2 different 22” .270s. If I were looking for a new 270 I’d go Tikka all the way.

Was that velocity with hand loads or factory loads?

 

[MHWASH]

Hand loads

 

[Dirt Wagon]

I'd say it depends on your preference for hunting. If you tend to walk through the woods or bushy areas then a 22" would be better off. If you like open areas I don't think an extra 2" of barrel would be noticed much.

I like 22" on my short actions rifles & 24" on my long action rifles. The extra powder in them seems appropriate to add an extra 2" to the barrel. It's not necessary, just personal preference.

 

[Wrench]

It's worth reading Charlie Sisk and Frank Green''s studies on barrel length vs velocity and Harold Vaughan's length vs accuracy.

With that said....22" for the win.

 

[16Bore]

22” is as long as I’d want anything.

 

[archp625]

I had a Tikka T3 with a 22 inch barrel. It shot 130 grain Hornady American Whitetail ammo at 2965 FPS.