Chasing elk for several years in CO, I understand your desire for a light-weight rifle, but personally, I don't think I would go below a 22" barrel length in this caliber. If I were buying one for hunting, it would probably be a model with a 24" barrel.
I recently ordered a Ruger M77 Mark II in 6.5 CM that will be used as a benchrest rifle for punching paper and steel. It will have a 28" heavy barrel. Since most benchrest rifles have longer barrels, I would assume that barrel length has something to do with maximizing velocity and long range accuracy, but I'm certainly no expert.
Last edited by Biggs300; 01/14/17.
