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16" vs 20" for 44M rifle?

geobex
I'm considering buying a 44M lever action rifle. Is there any disadvantage with the longer barrel and a pistol cartridge?
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8 comments

Date Votes
  • llama
    44 magnum? No, plenty of powder to keep burnin'.

    Something like a 45acp? You'll loose velocity
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  • CS8161
    http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/44mag.html

    Looks like after 17-18", velocity starts to go down, not up.
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  • tsr1965
    Like anything, if you are shooting factory loads, yes they are made to shoot and perform to their full advantage in shorter barrels. If you decide to load your own, you can tailor the loads to your rifle. by doing so, you can pick up substantial performance in rifle length barrels.

    To answer your question, the 20" will perform better, velocity wise, even with factory loads.

    Best

    EDIT 1

    quote:http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/44mag.html


    The results of the minimal data they show are skewed. They don't even cover the whole range from 16-20", and some data shows a drop off, then another increase in velocity. I deem it unreliable, in the real world.

    Best
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  • beantownshootah
    quote:Originally posted by geobex
    I'm considering buying a 44M lever action rifle. Is there any disadvantage with the longer barrel and a pistol cartridge?


    The question is what. . .20" vs 16" or rifle vs pistol?

    Rifle significantly outperforms a revolver ballistically with the same loads. The stock and longer sight radius make it easier to hit with a rifle. And the more controlled recoil also potentially increase rate of fire with a lever action gun vs a revolver.

    So no contest with respect to power AND accuracy. . .rifle wins.

    If the question is 20" vs 16" barreled rifle, the longer barrel is a little harder to carry through brush or operate in tight spaces. That's the disadvantage.

    Advantage is a longer sight radius if you're using iron sights, potentially making it a little easier to aim.

    With most loads there is negligible ballistic difference between a 16" and a 20" bbl. In fact, with some loads you'll actually LOSE velocity with the longer barrel, though again, not enough to mean anything.

    IMO unless you're absolutely trying to wring max accuracy out of iron sights, the 16" rifle is the way to go with this, if you have the choice.

    Edit: Oh, longer barrel is also a little QUIETER since the blast exits 4" further from your ears.
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  • dcs shooters
    Marlin did their homework on the 1894 44mag and put a 20" barrel on them for maximum velocity [;)]
    Bought mine about '74 to hunt hogs in FLA. Had no problem carrying it through the swamps there [^]
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  • charliemeyer007
    The shorter one is handier in the truck.
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  • Ambrose
    Can't help you with the 16" vs 20", however I have a Winchester 94 with a 20" and a Remington 788 with a 22" (I also have a Ruger 77/44 18 1/2" but haven't fired it yet). The 22" Remington 22" is faster by 58 to 92 fps with identical loads depending on load used.

    As an example for a given load:

    7 1/2" Blackhawk: 1352 fps
    20" Winchester: 1784 fps
    22" Remington: 1876 fps
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  • geobex
    Thanks for all the input. It was a great help. Ordered the 20" minutes ago. Again thanks to all. Have a Merry Christmas.
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