What minimum barrel length have you found for a .300 H&H Magnum that still allows it to reach it's potential velocity?

24"

25"

26"

Other?

Thanks,

Sam

eclemmons@hotmail.com

I have two that we hunt with. One has the factory 26" barrel and the custom job has 24" barrel. With identical loads there is a 20 ft/sec/inch of barrel increase from 24 to 26 inches.

I always liked the appearance, balance, and contour of the original pre-64 Model 70 in .300 H&H with its 26" barrel.

But for a custom .300 H&H, I'd certainly go with a 24" barrel for my own use.

AD

I agree with Mr. Day. My Sako .300 H&H has a 24" Hart barrel and is within 40 fps of my pre 64 M70 with it's 26" tube.

FN in MT

FWIW-

My Sako, with FN Action, in .300 H&H, with it's 24 inch barrel, delivers a muzzle velocity of approx 3265 fps with 165 grain Hornady's. It will clover leaf groups all day long with a Lyman Alaskan Scope.

I don't think you're leaving an appreciable amount of velocity on the table with going with a 24 inch barrel.

I will always go with a 26 inch barrel on most magnums and especially on a 300 H&H..Mine is a custom stocked (by me) pre 64 M-70...I got it in a trade some 40 years ago and it shot so darn good I kept it, thats saying a lot around here where good guns come and go pretty regularly..It was one of my first well done stocks btw.

Today is is totally void of blue, the stock is pretty darn rough, but it still suit me to a T and I wouldn't even consider refurbishing it, it grew old with me and like me, but if I ever get a face lift, then it will too.....not likly pilgram.

It's a matter of style. If one is going to the effort to procure a 300 H&H then he should do it up in the proper manner. That of course is a 26" barrel.

I have two 300 H&H's, a 721 with a 26" barrel, and a 700 Classic with a 24" barrel. With the same load, they both generate the same velocity. That in itself would probably make me lean towards the 24. It would also depend on the individual gun too and a how well it points. Depending on the action and stock, the gun might point better for YOU if you had a 26" barrel. It might also depend on how you were going to be using the gun. If it's going to be more of an off hand gun, I'd go with the 24, if it's going to be something you'll be shooting from a rested position often, go with the 26".

Anyway, sorry for being wishy-washy, I really like both of my H&H's about the same but I think if I had to pick one, I'd probably pick the 24.

There is no right barrel length for a .300 H&H or any other cartridge for that manner. One could use a 30" barrel and gain a little velocity.....there's nothing majik about 26".

What's right for me may not suit another. I'd rather choose a barrel length for the way it handles rather than it's velocity effect. That of course is a personal choice.....possibly a personal prejudice.

Mine would be 20-22" in a #1 contour for lightness. Others would detest such a rifle but it's my money...my gun.....you should take the same attitude. Pick the cartridge for power and pick the barrel length to suit your own taste.