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22" or 18" barrel for .45-70?

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06 December 2003, 19:26
Dave_T
22" or 18" barrel for .45-70?
I have a Marlin Guide Gun in .45-70. How much more velocity would be obtained with the 22" barrel of the longer .45-70?

Thanks,
Dave
06 December 2003, 19:40
LoneEagle
I don't have the answer but I can tell you that my load for my Guide Gun (same powder, primer, bullet, and case brand) has an almost identical velocity to the Speer manual and they show a 22" barrel.
I am getting 1840 fps with a 400 gr Speerand they show 1870 fps. I read a post by another fellow who lopped his GG off to 16 1/4" and he is using amolst the same load except for the bullet (405 gr Rem) and he said his load averaged about 1830 fps if I remember right. Sean
07 December 2003, 02:07
jackfish
About 20 fps per inch on average. 15 to 25 fps per inch depending on the load. Not enough to make a practical difference in the field.
07 December 2003, 04:03
jeffeosso
50 -75 fps...

and no muzzle brake...

i wish marlin would just do it in a 20" no brake

jeffe
07 December 2003, 10:25
woofer
i found no difference but the balance on a cowboy is amazing. much like a shotgun. seems to weigh less too? go figure. just feels that way but if you get a chance to try em' side by side you'll know what i mean...
woofer
07 December 2003, 12:01
David Thomas
I prefer the Standard 22" barrel but mainly because of the pistol grip not any added gain in velocity.
The 45-70 does not kill with velocity it kills with bullet weight and diameter. Velocity is an ever deminishing variable. The 18" barrel will not hurt you, velocity wise. So get what feels good and ignore the velocity differences.

David
07 December 2003, 12:04
PC
6 to one 1/2 a dozen the other I would get what ever feels best to you. I have a 22" marlin and really like it.
07 December 2003, 16:46
Boofhead
Velocity between the two is insignificant.
Most people don't load them to the max so if you wanted another 75fps out of the 18.5incher you could increase the load to suite.

If your going to use the factory irons, some say it is more accurate to have the sights as far apart as you can get so I guess the longer bbl wins in that department.
In practice though, carrying and handling a lighter and more compact gun can have a more positive affect on accuracy.

Each to their own.
I personaly love the stubbie look of the 18.5incher and have no complaints about M/V or accuracy.

Cheers.
Boof...