Im looking into building a 280 AI for hunting. The gun will be suppressed and I’m looking for information on barrel length vs velocity, specifically trying to decide on optimal barrel length without getting too long to hunt with comfortably.
I’ve got a 24in that shoots a Barnes 139LRX right at 3000fps. Quickload says I should be getting 2950 out of this load.
If i shorten to 22, Quickload predicts 2888, and then at 20 in, it says 2816.
So about 30fps slower per inch lost.
May be different for other powders and bullets.
I’ve got a 20in barrel arriving for a rifle build some time late in the year, so I can see for myself. Personally, I don’t find the 24in with a can to be that cumbersome. But I’m also primarily hunting out of stands.
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How far are you comfortable shooting when hunting?
What bullet do you plan to use?
Midwest deer hunting primarily so most shots are 300 or less. I will also use it for hunting hogs. Bullet weight in 160 + range. Hand loading. Planning on a 1-8 barrel twist rate.