What's the proper barrel length for a bolt action .375, 22",23",24", more ??

cz barrels are 25 1/4" and I quite like them, they hang well for off hand shooting. Plus with a long case like the .375 H&H I would probably like no less than 24".

Rancher,

I have had three rifles in .375 H&H with four barrels ranging from 23.6" (600 mm) to 24" to 25.5". As I recall the later was the original length for the rifle when it was introduced. All of them worked fine, and I could not tell any difference with the animals shot.

I know a guy in Alaska who shoots a 20" barrel, but that is probably too short.

My general criterion for barrel lenth is cut it so it balances the rifle properly.

It's a good question but I think the answer depends on hunting conditions rather than velocity. If you hunt heavy cover the extra fps are usless and the long barrel cumbersome. In open country or stand hunting, the opposite might apply. The 375 is very efficient and 22" is a good compromise.

[ 10-22-2003, 02:39: Message edited by: tigertate ]

I have both 22 and 24 inch barrels on my 375s, both work well. Wives, girlfriends and significant others notwithstanding,I don't think 2 inches really matters, it's more about personal preference.

I like 26" barrels and most of my guns have them...I wouldn't mind owning a 20" 375, why I have no idea...

<trying to imagine a 15 3/8 lop with a 28" barrel>

25 is about as long as I like... 22 is more my speed... but it would depend more on balance.

my 376 is a ~25" and my 500 jeffe is 22... go figure

jeffe

After having a couple of bolt rifles built I've decided on 23" bbl. for std. or big bore carts. & 25" bbl. for fast stepping magnums. I'm 5-10", it just seems to work for me.

I intend to own one big bore at some stage that has a 18" or 20" barrel for use when hunting from a trail bike (less to get hung up on branches when slung over your back). I am considering doing it on a Ruger .338 MK11 it may be a .416 Taylor or .458 winnie. I just think that sometimes there is a time when shorter barrels are better and other times when the long barrel for off hand shooting is better.

When I had the work done to my Winchester .375 I had them cut it down to 22"......I tend to prefer the shorter barrels on the big bores.

PC,
Thats all part of the aging process, it happens to everyone who loves guns...I had a great 18" 375 and a 505 with a 20" tube..Felt like the bullet was coming out of my nose, but it was my thumb going in....

Lately, I have been thinking a 404 or its ilk in a 20 inch gun, why? I have no idea, I live 26 inch barrels on big bores and for off hand shooting, but a big heavy short barrel should work pretty well...

I think we just get bored, then we zero in on something we don't need, but "want" takes over our body and soul, and festers until we make the move ..

Get whatever lenght feels good to you. When you get tired of it trade it in. My tastes continue to evolve and I'm about as old and stodgy as you can get.

Ray,

yeah your right all of my current bigbores have 25" barrels which I really like

Maybe I need a short barrelled big bore to experience something obnoxious and painful to really appreciate the advantages of a 25" barrel

Well, it's a done deal... I had a MRC 1999 action and had a .375 reamer and a Krieger blank.
chambered it and put it in the stock.. The barrel was a bit over 25" at that time. It just looked too long. Felt good and was muzzle heavy. I took the barrel of and cut to 23 3/4". Now it looks and feels better, I like it..

Thanks for the input !!