Do you have the opportunity to handle both barrel lengths prior to buying one? I found I liked the 16" version better, it just felt and balanced better to me.
1700 fps is doable with 250's, pushing it with 300 and up in the 16 inch. Accuracy and consistency was much better under 1500 fps. Recoil might be a limiting factor as you go higher in these little rifles.
I carry this rifle every day Im home. I replaced the saftey lever on top of the bolt with a Skinner from Steves Gunz, and a taller front sight. My most accurate loads are between 1400 and 1500 fps with 300 to 335 grain bullets. 300 grain Speer Deep Curls over a Ruger only level of w296 or h110 is my preferred load.
The 16" barrel really wakes up the 45 Colt. Jacketed 250 grain hp that goes 950 fps in my Smith Model 25 Mountain Gun, gets 1240 fps in the Rossi 16".
Good luck with your choice.
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