The New Huntmastersbbs!: Shotgun barrel length vs velocity question.

This is topic Shotgun barrel length vs velocity question. in forum Firearms forum at The New Huntmastersbbs!.

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Posted by MULE (Member # 63) on August 16, 2008, 06:28 PM:

Well, Its Saturday

I like asking stupid questions and drinking beer on Saturday. [Big Grin]

With rifles, you lose some velocity when you decrease barrel length. Alot of variables but I hear things like 50-100 fps per inch

Is the same true with shotguns shooting T or #4 buck.

If a shotgun load is advertised at 1300 fps with a 24 inch barrel what would it be with a 18,5 inch barrel?

Swags and other guesses welcome

Posted by Rich (Member # 112) on August 16, 2008, 07:24 PM:

Mule,
There have been tests which show that shotguns burn all available powder in the first 20" of barrel. This is because of type of powder used in loading shot shells. That being the case, a shotgun with a 20" barrel should yield at least as much velocity as same load in a longer barrel. I remember one test where a man took one of those 40" barreled Marlin pumps and chronographed it. He then began cutting off a few inches of the barrel, and again chronographing the bugger. He found that the gun actually gained velocities when he got to a certain length. It seems that shotguns with longer barrels have advantage of longer sighting plain, and make it easier to line up properly on flying game birds.

Posted by MULE (Member # 63) on August 16, 2008, 08:03 PM:

Thanks Rich,

So basiccaly a barrel over 20 inches isn't a asset as far as velocity of the load goes.

Thats what I love about this board. You can actually learn things [Smile]

The reason I ask this is because I'd rather carry a Benelli M2 tactical than a SBE

If the longer SBE gives me no advantage then why carry that long sucker

[ August 16, 2008, 08:06 PM: Message edited by: MULE ]

Posted by TOM64 (Member # 561) on August 16, 2008, 10:13 PM:

I have had a Benelli M1 with a 21" barrel for several years now and recentlty I added a Benelli M2 Tactical with the 18" barrel. They both work fine but the old folk at the skeet range told me to put a muffler on the 21" gun. [Big Grin]

For some reason I am in the middle of a trade for a SBE with a 28" barrel, I'm still asking myself why?

Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on August 16, 2008, 10:57 PM:

Mule, he told you the advantage, longer sighting plane. Also helps with ballance and follow through. Still a personal choice, but you should have some way of trying both before you conclude that short is better.

Good hunting. LB

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