I addressed it to Saeed, possibly others have tried it. Have you ever cut off small amounts of a .22 rimfire barrel to find the length that gives the highest velocity? Think I've heard it's about 16 inches?

quote:

Originally posted by carpetman1:
I addressed it to Saeed, possibly others have tried it. Have you ever cut off small amounts of a .22 rimfire barrel to find the length that gives the highest velocity? Think I've heard it's about 16 inches?

16" has been shown to be the optimum length for maximum velocity in tests undertaken on the 22RF just as 21"-22" is for a shotgun.

Have done it for center fire - 223 I think, but not 22 RF.

Might be a project for the future.

I have found an old BRNO 452-2E rifle.

It has a 25 inch barrel.

I think this might be a good candidate.

I will gather different ammo - standard, HV and ultra velocity and see how it goes.

I have seen charts on the net if one cares to search for them.

Not as fun as doing your own

This is our 223 Remington test with progressively shorter barrel.

I am gathering the ammo - I wanted all ammo to be of the same batch number, and probably need several thousands.

I would like to do a comprehensive test.

I will post details later.

Many years ago a man by the name of Calfee, did extensive testing and wrote a great article for "Precision Shooting" magazine. As I recall velocity did not decrease until he got below 16".

Please look at the Rim Fire Forum.

Someone did it allready: http://ballisticsbytheinch.com/

Ive read some articles in the years past, In general after 16 or 18 inches 22 bullets begin to drag on the rifling and that slows the bullet down..

I did it years ago.
I had a 26" barrel Al Straitiff of Competitor Co. gave me to cut down and test.
Green MT barrel 1-16 twist, standard chamber.
The slowest with all ammo tested was 26" down to 22" The highest vel with the hyper vel stuff, stingers and such, was at 22". When it came to standard vel it capped out at 18" The various hi-vel stuff it was in the 19-21" range. I gave all my notes to Al, should have made a copy for myself.