Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Ask The Gunwriters 6.5 Creedmoor ideal barrel length for a hunting rifle.

22.5"

22.75"

I hunt wooded areas mostly and like a lightweight short barreled rifle..
Prefer 18"-20" barrels..
My favorite bolt action rifle is a M7 in .260 in a Wildcat stock..
You aren't going to lose much vel. by cutting the creed barrel down to 20" from 22 or 24"..

http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/2016/03/6-5-creedmoor-barrel-cut-down-velocity-tests/

Many years ago I went with a 23" barrel on a rifle because I couldn't decide between 22" and 24". I was very happy with it. Back then everybody seemed to be chopping their barrels back to 21" or 20" or even less.

I felt like an odd man out. I am happy to see so much agreement on this thread that 23" can be a very good choice for many situations.

Another odd length: I made up a semi-heavy varmint rifle and since weight wasn't too much of a consideration, I went with a 25" barrel on it. I have been very happy with that one, too.

For me, handling and balance are very important. A 23" barrel length in today's common barrel contours usually works out quite well.