What say you, experts? Is that an inherently contradictory proposition? Also, my COL is limited to 2.95" Just trying to get max velocity from a 22" tube without spraying too much unburned powder downrange. TIA

Shouldn't take an expert to tell you to go for it if that's what you want.

I had one in an 18" barrel, albeit a slightly different platform.......

I have 6.5-284s with 22", 24", and 26" barrels that don't seem to produce any meaningful performances differences due to barrel length. My 22" barrel, a rechambered 6.5x55 Winchester XTR Featherweight, is slightly faster than my others, but it is also the only long action of the group.

I've had them up to 30" in length, and yes, length does matter.

IIRC, the 18" gun was 300 fps slower than the 30's with identical loads.

Thirty inch 1.450" barrel in a barrel block.....62 pounds of kick ass.......

I have had 6.5-284's in 15", 17", and 18", and have shot all of them past 1000 yards.
Not a problem-Go for it!

I typically cut my barrels to about 25" in that caliber. I haven't had one as short as 22" but it should still be a great shooter. You will likely loose about 75 fps over a 26" barrel. There are always trade-offs with barrel length. Best thing about longer barrels is less muzzle blast for the shooter.

I ran a 25” barrel on mine mostly for a bit of extra speed and for some heft and the calming factor that provides on longer shots.

A 22” barrel should work just fine, although it will lose a bit of speed (not enough to make a big difference) and will be a bit louder and “jumpier” than a longer barrel.

It’s a great cartridge that is one of the best for all-around hunting we have.

MIne is a 26" Krieger, but 22" will work if that's what ya want.

DF

I just ordered mine at 24.

IIRC, JB likes 24".

DF

Mine is 23" and has another 6" of suppressor on that. Probably leave it long for more open country hunting. After fighting oak brush with it, came close to chopping it to 19". May do that still but have other options for the next oak brush outing.

My 6.5 saum has a 24” barrel that very well might get chopped to 22” this off season. I’d not sweat it

My PRC wears a 22"er....

seems to work just fine, near, or far....

Nice deer Don! Tell Percey I said hey.

I'm building one right now with a 30" heavy palma. Should rock for long range steel. Don't plan on hunting with it unless I'm in open country like Wyoming. Too heavy and long to pack.

Why not make it an even 4 foot? hell, why not go 5 feet with that line of thinking....

30" barrels are standard in F class etc. You act like its unheard of...guessing yours is 30" with that can. I don't run suppressors.

MIne is 26" without a can. It seems OK, maybe a bit awkward in a tight box blind, but no real issue.

DF