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16.25" vs. 20" barrel in 30-30

25K views 17 replies 14 participants last post by  fk 
#1 ·
16.25" vs. 20" barrel in 30-30

Looking at picking up a truck gun and trying to decide between the 336 in 16.25" and the standard 20" or maybe even a BL 18". How most velocity would one might expect using the lever revs. I like the idea of the little 34" gun as a truck gun and will likely have my kids harvest their first caribou with this rifle so compact setup would be nice as well.

I have a 1895 SDT so I am kinda a sucker for the 16" barrels, but if there is a significant velocity loss with 4" less of barrel I may have to reconsider.

Thanks for any input.
 
#2 ·
Re: 16.25" vs. 20" barrel in 30-30

There is a LOT of info here about the real and/or perceived velocity losses of shorter bbls. Bottom line tends to be, it depends. But generally accepted rule of thumb is ~50fps/in. But again, it depends.

I don't know that I see any real advantage to a short barreled rifle for what you describe, especially if you're hunting on the tundra. The short barrels really shine in snap shooting in thick timber, etc.

I go into some deep dark spots with my 20" barrels and have no issues.
 
#3 ·
Re: 16.25" vs. 20" barrel in 30-30

Alaska - Do you reload, or know anyone that reloads? Some velocity loss can be off set by using powders such as IMR 4198, or Re7. Either way I would think a carbine with a 16.25 barrel would still prove to be enough gun for your purpose. Shenandoah
 
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#4 ·
Re: 16.25" vs. 20" barrel in 30-30

Thanks guys. If just shooting leverrevs in each marlin (16, 18, and 20) 30-30 marlin I could expect about a 100 fps difference between each rifle roughly?? So if a 24" barrel shoots them at 2400 FPS at the muzzle a 20" barrel would have 2200 FPS at the muzzle, 2100 fps in the 18", and 2000 fps in the little 16"....roughly??
 
#5 ·
Re: 16.25" vs. 20" barrel in 30-30

I have all four barrel lengths. The shortest barrel is the best for the truck. I would not lose any sleep over velocity. All four shoot well and have plenty of power for most needs. I have taken game with them all. If the velocity matters, I have not noticed it.

77 Winchester Trapper 16"
Marlin 336 18.5"
63 Marlin 336 20"
Cowboy Conversion 24"
Cowboy 24"


Papalote
 
#6 ·
Re: 16.25" vs. 20" barrel in 30-30

I have two 30-30s in 20” & 24” and 444’s in 22” & 24” and, in my limited experience, have found that my longer barrels shoot a little tighter and prefer around ½ grain more powder in my hand loads. Plus given the believe that longer barrels give more velocity, I do believe there is an advantage to longer barrels that more than offsets the slightly shorter barrel advantage
 
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#8 ·
Re: 16.25" vs. 20" barrel in 30-30

alaska_lanche said:
Thanks guys. If just shooting leverrevs in each marlin (16, 18, and 20) 30-30 marlin I could expect about a 100 fps difference between each rifle roughly?? So if a 24" barrel shoots them at 2400 FPS at the muzzle a 20" barrel would have 2200 FPS at the muzzle, 2100 fps in the 18", and 2000 fps in the little 16"....roughly??
A few years ago, I chrono'd 35Rem Lever Evolution ammo in my 16.25" 336/35 @ 2144 FPS...........That surprised me, but the MUZZLE BLAST surprised me a lot more! :eek: :eek: :eek:...................I'd rather shoot my Hand Loads.......They're load, but not so load, it sounds like the world is coming apart!

Tom
NRA LIFE
 
#9 ·
Re: 16.25" vs. 20" barrel in 30-30

martin3175 said:
Always thought the 20" modle provides ideal balance of balance and portabilty
That too, it just carries right. I put a 9 round ammo carrier on the 336XLR to balance out the heavier barrel. Makes the whole thing a little heavier, but it feels alot better. If I had one of those shortie barrel rifles I would probubly have to change out the stock to something lighter. That's just my preference.
 
#11 ·
Re: 16.25" vs. 20" barrel in 30-30

The 336 SC 30-30 in a 20" barrel is so perfect it's hard to beat "as is". And like Eli said the 20" handles fine in the thick stuff and your kids will not be terrified of the muzzle blast.

Good Luck
 
#14 ·
Re: 16.25" vs. 20" barrel in 30-30

I don't really like the 16.25 inch barrels. I like the 20", and am really starting to like the 18.5" barrels. I have my 336 texan 18.5, my guide gun and my 1894c and after carrying them in the wood's (also in and out of the truck) they are pretty handy. If the only choice is the 16 or 20 make mine a 20". The velocity loss in either 30-30 or .35 rem with 16 or 20" barrel would be of no concern to me.
Karl
 
#18 ·
Re: 16.25" vs. 20" barrel in 30-30

I like them all, 16.25, 18, 20,24". I have a 336 Texan with a 18.5" barrel and it is real handy as a scout rifle. Shoot 30-30 Leverevolutions in it and lose about 55 FPS for 5.5" shorter than 24' test loads. I also have a 16.25" Marlin Marauder in .35 Rem and is a real handy truck gun, don't ever hunt with it but its in truck just to be handy in case of problems.
Real hunting gun is a 20" .32 Win Special with Leverevolutin rounds it has outstanding accuracy with the Hornady round. Need to find some Leverevolution powder to see if I can match Hornady.


"fk"

PS, too many rifles damn Marlinitis.
 
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