Not trying to be repetative but order my 470 barrel today from Pac-Nor. Said it would take 5-6 weeks so time to make some decisions. What is a good length for a 470 barrel. To be more specific. I know with some rounds, 7STW, 300 win mag and the like the longer the barrel the more effeciently the powder gets used, ie more velocity from longer barrels. With other rounds, 221 fireball, 357 mag all of the powder is used in a shorter distance therefore a longer barrel may actually results in slower speeds than a short one. So my question is what is the best length for the 470 nitro that will use powder most effeciently. Have no problem toteing around a 28" barrel but if this would not gain anything ballisticly why do it. So those of you that have them how long are your barrels and do you feel a little longer or shorter than what you have would be ideal. Thanks again.

I really would not see the use in anything longer than 26" for the 470. It is not a long range cartridge where you need to wring every last fps out of it. 24 or 26" would be my choice.

You could use the length of the bbl to balance the rifle correctly. Also the additional sight radius might make the front sight easier to see. I have double rifles with 28", 26", and 24" bbls. All seem in proper balance, which I think is more important than any slight difference a few inches will make in a Nitro express. My 450 No2 has 28" bbls, I recently handled another 450 No2 with 24" bbls and did not like it near as much, but it may be what I am used too. I have handled some original single shot British rifles with 28" bbls and they felt good.

I second what 450 Nitro #2 said. It is no trick to get 2100-2200 fps out of a 24" barrel with the 470. You can go higher than that in a No. 1, but you don't need the extra power. Balance is the key as well as a stock that fits you well.

Good Hunting,

P.S... Maybe I'm assuming you're building a #1..my 470 had 24" barrels and it was plenty...but it had 2 barrels so you might need a longer length to get yours to balance. Good luck!

[ 03-29-2003, 17:41: Message edited by: ACRecurve ]

This barrel is being built for my Encore. I can hear some of the traditionalists asking why would anyone want to invest the money and have a barrel made for this round on such a frame. Actually I have a Ruger #1B in 257 Rbts that I could get rechambered but as stated above I really don't need any hot loaded rounds to be effective with the 470 Nitro. They have built a few 470 pistol barrels but no rifle ones. With the operating pressure of the 470 the encore can easily handle this round. Have talked to VVDave and this barrel may be a sample barrel at the next Safarie Club show. Since this is my first truley big bore, have a 45-70 but still a little small I have been asking about what those of you with them likes and dislikes and what features you find more of a hinderance than a help. Have decided not to go with a barrel band sling swivel. After reading some previous posting it seems to be more of a tradition than a true benefit. Will instead have the swivel stud on the front of the forend in a 45deg. angle. This will allow me to wrap the sling prior to shooting and not put undo stress on the barrel that may change POI. Will have a barrel banded front sight just trying to find one in SS other than rugers is proving to be fruitless. May consider plating a blued one to match SS just to give extra options. It will definately be interesting to go to the range with my 260 rem pistol setup then swap out to the 470 nitro. Maybe the military one day may decide that the 223 isn't big enought and then change over to 470 nitro we could then get 1000 surplus cases for $36. What a deal. Talk about shock and aw. Anyway continue with the advice fellas I'm definately taking notes. Thanks.

[ 03-29-2003, 21:21: Message edited by: outlawsix ]

Thats it! They need to develop a full auto 470 NE for our troops. But, with the Geneva convention rules, I guess they would have to use Woodleigh solids.

How many do you would qualify as expert with one of those bad boys.