What is the best length for accuracy first, then power, in 22 cal. Shooting pellets only, 100 yards and under. Target shooting.
22 cal only.
22 cal only.
22 cal optimal barrel length
- Thread starter Ricochet
- Start date
Accuracy has nothing to do with barrel length although you may be able to shoot a bit further and better with a longer barrel.
On a Crosman 22xx gun there is far less improvement in velocity verses barrel length after 18 inches.
But if you have more power then longer is better for more power and longer range.
That 100 yards is a long ways, for an airgun, even with a more powerful PCP. I like the 600 and 700mm for shooting at that range.
To be honest I seldom shoot anything but a 700mm barrel at the 100 to 200 yard ranges.
On a Crosman 22xx gun there is far less improvement in velocity verses barrel length after 18 inches.
But if you have more power then longer is better for more power and longer range.
That 100 yards is a long ways, for an airgun, even with a more powerful PCP. I like the 600 and 700mm for shooting at that range.
To be honest I seldom shoot anything but a 700mm barrel at the 100 to 200 yard ranges.
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A 100 yard air rifle is relatively specialized. It needs to be longer and more powerful than I want in an air rifle. So, my answer has been, shoot shorter, standard power rifles at 50-60 yards or less, and be happy. That doesn't answer your question does it? Oh well, it's already written, so good luck with your decision.
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long isn't necessarily better. spin rate and velocity are important, and longer barrels might allow increases in these, but the longer barrel can be more prone to harmonics that can detract from accuracy (based on testing powder burners).
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Longer barrel will typically be more air efficient, but an FX Crown with a 380mm barrel is pretty accurate. There's a lot of "It Depends" to this question.
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Looking for x's at 100 yards with 22 cal. using pellets. I have 1 vote for 700mm, 1 vote for 600mm, 1 vote for 500, 1 vote for 380mm, And 1 says don't shoot so far.
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I shoot 600 because that's what I like , you can better utilize your air with longer barrel. I think the 600 gives me the length and my gun being a cricket 2 tac also keeps it short enough to hunt in the woods also.
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I would have to say 600 mm is a good compromise for power and accuracy depending on what ammo your shooting twist rate can also be a big factor
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as somebody mentioned, the missing factor in your question is efficiency. 350mm is long enough for velocity, but may waste more air compared to 600mm.
an example is a member that got 60fps more from a longer barrel, but this was outside the ideal velocity, so he dialed down the pressure to get back to the speed that works.
https://www.pyramydair.com/blog/2005/04/is-airgun-barrel-length-important/
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I was getting 930 out of 18gr 22 cal pellets pretty easily out of a 500 mm but not enough hitting power for me tried heavier pellets but it is just not like the hole a 25 cal leaves I went to 700 with 34 gr at 905 fps last weekend I was drilling pigeons at 50 and 85 yards even at 85 yards it was putting them down plus it just takes more air to get 25 gr 22 cal up to speed
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Ricochet,
If you're talking about competition accuracy out to 100 yards, you will need a barrel that is long enough to get a JSB MRD up to about somewhere between 920-980 fps. The barrel length will vary with whatever power your gun(receiver) will produce.
If you're talking about competition accuracy out to 100 yards, you will need a barrel that is long enough to get a JSB MRD up to about somewhere between 920-980 fps. The barrel length will vary with whatever power your gun(receiver) will produce.
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I shoot @ 50fpe from my 500mm barrel on a mk1 fx crown
That is 950fps with 25gr slug. ( I do have this weight, and is the heaviest I go because of using a normal superior liner, not heavy)
I typically use 21gr LDC slugs as they are easier to push. I can do a bit over 900fps, get more shots, and they have long sectional density like heavier slug, but pretty much explode on impact.
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Agree with this mostly.
As bio points out, accuracy and precision are often misunderstood.
Higher velocity will produce a flatter trajectory (potentially reducing vertical stringing) and less hang time (potentially reducing exposure to horizontal drift from cross winds) at targets farther away.
The question is, given two equal muzzle velocities from two different length barrels, would the amount of excess gas leaving the muzzle behind the pellet be less for the longer barrel and potentially less disruptive to the pellet flight?
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Scenerio. If you put $1000 up for an entry fee, and you will be shooting 3 cards with 25 x's @ 100 yards off of a bench. Any ties will be settled with 1 card at 100 yards. All entries must be 22 cal, pellets only. Winner will take all.
What length will your barrel be, and what pellet will you shoot?
I'm asking because we are seeing these super long barrels coming out in bullpups, (800mm) but the conventional rifles are not using the longer barrels, (and their winning) so is there really any benefit over a certain length when it comes to shooting pellets?
What length will your barrel be, and what pellet will you shoot?
I'm asking because we are seeing these super long barrels coming out in bullpups, (800mm) but the conventional rifles are not using the longer barrels, (and their winning) so is there really any benefit over a certain length when it comes to shooting pellets?
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I think you can get a smoother shot cycle from the longer barrel by being able to lower the reg and hammer spring.
@doubloon
Shooting faster doesn't reduce wind drift it actually increases. A .25 cal 34gr pellet has the least wind drift when shot at 830 to 860 fps
@doubloon
Shooting faster doesn't reduce wind drift it actually increases. A .25 cal 34gr pellet has the least wind drift when shot at 830 to 860 fps
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