Thanks, Dober. For me, the 24" tube is more of a balance thing for shooting on the prairie and for heping out with a bit larger scope (Zeiss Conquest 4.5-14x44) than normal...not so much to do with gaining extra velocity. I just like the way a long action rifle feels with a 24" tube.
Hell, either a .260 or a .25-06 can make shots a heckuva lot farther than I can.