My custom .257 Roberts has a 22" barrel and I'd see no reason to want for longer. It's a moderate capacity/velocity round and 22" is far handier, at least in my hands. My 25/06 wears a 24" barrel and I think it is justified there, however. I have found an excellent site for reasonably priced quality .257 Roberts fodder and feel free to PM me for the info, if you'd like. No more costly than factory ammo for some much more common rounds @ $20/box. I've used a lot of chamberings loaded by them and have found all to give excellent performance. I seriously considered the E.R. Shaw MKVII for a .450 marlin bolt rifle I was wanting to build. I have one of their barrels on a Savage 110 in .338/06 and I am more than pleased with it's finish and performance. For a semi custom rifle at that price break, I think it's an excellent value/$$. Best of luck with your new rifles! 
