Gents, I've got a question for the collective here. I'm modestly invested in 6.5 Creedmoor and I'm a believer in what the round can do. I've currently got a gas gun with a 20" barrel and a bolt gun with a 24" barrel on it, both shoot very well and both handle extremely well- I've got zero complaints whatsoever. I've got two additional guns to build on the horizon- one each semi and bolt action. I'm interested in what the thoughts are on barrel length for that caliber in gas or bolt guns. My bolt gun is pushing 140gr at 2806 and the gas gun is pushing the same round at 2620. While those velocities aren't bad, the gas gun in particular does start to run out of steam at extended ranges. To me, it seems that in order to take advantage of the high BC projectile, velocity is more or less critical. For a 308, I don't mind a 16-20" barrel, but since these guns are purely long range, F Class, and grasslands play guns, I'm leaning toward running 24-26 inch barrels on the rifles I'm putting together soon. Handling and ease of transport isn't huge on the priority list as these might see limited use in PRS matches, but will primarily be moved from the truck to the firing line and back.
Ignoring the extra length and weight and subsequent penalty on handling and packability, what would you consider an ideal length for a Creedmoor barrel? Can anyone with some similar rifles of varying lengths fill me in on MV disparity? I'm extremely familiar with the negligible practical difference on barrel length for 308's, but I'm still learning with the 6.5 and don't have any real data compiled. If a 26" barrel is worth 100-120FPS, I'm willing to deal with the weight and length for the better long range performance. The round seems to be at its best when it's moving pretty fast, but I'm open to feedback from folks who've been using it, .260, and similar calibers for longer than I have.
Ignoring the extra length and weight and subsequent penalty on handling and packability, what would you consider an ideal length for a Creedmoor barrel? Can anyone with some similar rifles of varying lengths fill me in on MV disparity? I'm extremely familiar with the negligible practical difference on barrel length for 308's, but I'm still learning with the 6.5 and don't have any real data compiled. If a 26" barrel is worth 100-120FPS, I'm willing to deal with the weight and length for the better long range performance. The round seems to be at its best when it's moving pretty fast, but I'm open to feedback from folks who've been using it, .260, and similar calibers for longer than I have.