does anyone have an opinion as to what would be considered too short a barrel for the 300 win cartridge...i am wanting a shorter one to carry on horseback for elk, and i have seen some lever actions but they are short....i am just curious what is typically too short to keep the cartridge from achieving its potential....thanks

I would say anything under 24" you will lose speed 300 win mag seems to like slower burning powders and with a short barell that just dosn't work to well. the case in pretty large and just my opinion it's pushing overbore capacity so you need that extra length to burn some of that slow powder..good luck...thats just my 2 cents

Keith

I'd agree with the 24" limitation, although I've seen them with 22". You'll lose about 50-60 fps with the shorter barrel, depending on ammunition type and loading.

The only problems I've encountered when horseback hunting is with barrels 26" and longer. If you have the old saddle scabbard for lever guns, yes - they're way too short for bolt guns. I have several scabbards (leather and fabric) that are made for the 24" barreled bolt gun and they work fine. Cabela's has a good selection.

i appreciate your input...i have seen 22 inch lever gun...if 50 or so is all ill lose should not effect them at the 300 yard range...thats what i am considering is buying a lever gun to be a little more handy, just something i am kicking around rigght now...thanks againI'd agree with the 24" limitation, although I've seen them with 22". You'll lose about 50-60 fps with the shorter barrel, depending on ammunition type and loading.

The only problems I've encountered when horseback hunting is with barrels 26" and longer. If you have the old saddle scabbard for lever guns, yes - they're way too short for bolt guns. I have several scabbards (leather and fabric) that are made for the 24" barreled bolt gun and they work fine. Cabela's has a good selection.

Buy the barrel length you want, then chamber in a cartridge that will give you the velocity you need. If it ends up kicking too hard or becoming too loud, start over :)

Seriously, if you think that you really want a .300 (or whatever) for elk, then just get the barrel length you want. Handiness beats a few fps... the .300 will always be faster than the smaller cases, no matter what the barrel length.

Well all said is true but one thing to remember, if you end up with a gun that you built and it has say a 22-24" tube and you find out it kicks to hard then the next logical option would be a muzzle break then you right back to where you started you just added an inch or two ..ohh yeah and if it was to loud! because the tube was to short ..well the muzzle break is not gunna help you here any as well ..it will be louder than ****!!! I would seriously consider just doing a 300 Win Mag in a 24" and no muzzle break the recoil is totaly mild (atleast I think so) when your shooting at critters you won't even notice and just learn to live with the extra 2 inces..because I"m pretty sure you will lose more than just 50fps with a 22...like I said before you have the slowpowder issue to deal with..sure you could load a different powder but check around and do some reading most 300's like slower powders with either a compressed load or close to it. good luck sorry I started babbling.

Keith

WELL i appreciate the input...i have a sako cusom deluxe....24/38 barrel i normally use...but this year we are gonna pack in on horseback for a few days...my question had nothing to do with recoil or noise...i simply want to buy a lever action that is shorter to carry on the horse...and i want to make sure that i wont lose the long range capabilities of this round...that is my main concern any input on that concern? thanks....scott
Well all said is true but one thing to remember, if you end up with a gun that you built and it has say a 22-24" tube and you find out it kicks to hard then the next logical option would be a muzzle break then you right back to where you started you just added an inch or two ..ohh yeah and if it was to loud! because the tube was to short ..well the muzzle break is not gunna help you here any as well ..it will be louder than ****!!! I would seriously consider just doing a 300 Win Mag in a 24" and no muzzle break the recoil is totaly mild (atleast I think so) when your shooting at critters you won't even notice and just learn to live with the extra 2 inces..because I"m pretty sure you will lose more than just 50fps with a 22...like I said before you have the slowpowder issue to deal with..sure you could load a different powder but check around and do some reading most 300's like slower powders with either a compressed load or close to it. good luck sorry I started babbling.

Keith

If your going to shoot a magnum, then get the benefit of all the velocity and energy across the board. I along with others tend to believe that a length of 26 inches is the best for all around hunting. Some have in opted to install 30 or 32 inch barrels on long range shooters! However that is NOT practical for hunting in the dark timber. I will also agree that 24 inches is the shortest length barrel that should be on any magnum rifle. It would create to much muzzle blast and more muzzle jump from the short barrel.

Well all said is true but one thing to remember, if you end up with a gun that you built and it has say a 22-24" tube and you find out it kicks to hard then the next logical option would be a muzzle break then you right back to where you started you just added an inch or two ..ohh yeah and if it was to loud! because the tube was to short ..well the muzzle break is not gunna help you here any as well ..it will be louder than ****!!! I would seriously consider just doing a 300 Win Mag in a 24" and no muzzle break the recoil is totaly mild (atleast I think so) when your shooting at critters you won't even notice and just learn to live with the extra 2 inces..because I"m pretty sure you will lose more than just 50fps with a 22...like I said before you have the slowpowder issue to deal with..sure you could load a different powder but check around and do some reading most 300's like slower powders with either a compressed load or close to it. good luck sorry I started babbling.

Keith


Sorry Scott I guess I did get a little off the subject.
Keith