My minimum barrel length is 4" for anything that could be used to take game because that is the minimum legal in Iowa and would believe some other states as well. I find 5-5.5" about perfect and 6-6.5" not bad either. As to cartridge, I believe anything 10MM to a 480 is workable for most hunting situations. I've hunted the X framed magnums. Had fun with them and enjoyed the experience but see the downsides and have that out of my system. I will likely never part with a 454 Raging Bull as it's too accurate to sell, I shoot it well (enough for me), and I will probably never have anyone I would care to give it to, who would want it.
