I have a Mod 70 Safari Express in .416. It has a 24 inch barrel, which I do not like. The case is practically straight walled, so I don't see the need for a long barrel.

Anyone ever chop theirs to 22 or even 20 inches?

I put a 25 inch on my 416 taylor it handles just find. Going with a short barrel on the 416 rem is going to give you lots of muzzle blast and less vel.. I stay with the 24in .

I went w/ a 23" on my .404 & like the compromise.

Do you find heavy, or just unwieldy?

There's no hard and fast rule about barrel length, but shortening it will increase perceived muzzle blast.

George

I just find the whole gun to be longer than it needs to be. IMO, the only rifle that benefits from a 24 inch or longer barrel is one that burns a lot of slow powder. The .416 burns a lot of powder, but it is relatively quick.

It is accurate right now.

I have a 22" barrel on my 416 Rem. The rifle will shoot 400s to 2400-2450 all day with many powders and all bullet styles with no pressure signs. I think 22" is perfect for the round.

Hey Will, he's looking for opinions & that's what he is getting. It doesn't mean anything to you or I, but does to him.

I like long barrels because they balance well. 26" is my preference.

As for whatever length Winchester uses, who cares. Just because Win. uses it does not mean it is magic, better or whatever. Most sophisticated gun purchasers have preferences that are not satisfied with the standard factory offering.

I have a Rem. 700 with a 22" barrel. I just used it on an Australian water buffalo last week and like the rifle. It is a little light for a .416, but I did a lot more carrying than shooting. I shoot the 400 gr. Barnes X-bullet with 76.0/RL-15, for about 2350 fps. It is not a maximum load but worked well. Muzzel blast is not as bad as a lot of smaller calibers. If you want a short barrel, do it. The small amount of velocity loss won't matter on game.

I had my model 70 barrel reduced to 23" and it pushes a 400gn Woodleigh SP along at 2350fps very comfortably with no pressure signs. thats using an Australian powder AR2208 with 76gns.

What does all this mean?

What is the difference in muzzle blast between 23 and 24 inches. A bunch? How much in dB's? Measured from where?

What will be be the difference in bullet muzzle velocity?

No one really seems to know the answers. I use a 24" barrel because every factory rifle has one. Is that the best length? Who knows?

Cut it off to whatever you want. If it doesn't seem to work, replace the barrel or call Oprah.