Barrel Length

Take the max book velocity and then subtract 25 FPS for each barrel length difference to what you want.

Now plug it into a ballistic app and see what you actually lose....


Go chort!!!
Here's Bergers. Info.

205s 300PRC out of 26" barrel.

Go to a 22" well Tn. 25x4 =100fps less.

Then the other data is strelok. 205s @ 2850fps
 

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So at the max you listed at 400 yards, there is a 118 FPS difference.

Here is an example from my loads.
215 Berger in 300wm w/ 24" barrel and loaded short to fit in Ruger mag box (3.34" and anemic, I know, until you run the numbers) at 2686 FPS is 775 yards at 1798 FPS.

215 Berger in 308 Win w/20" barrel at 2493 FPS is 625 yards at 1792 FPS.

Both max "effective " functioning range. But the difference is negligible. 150 yards less range but 193 FPS difference from start velocity.

Not apples to apples and a totally different cartridge just to show the difference in velocity...not much really.

Add a can and you may a few FPS, but again not enough to matter.
 
I just bought a stock X-bolt Pro in .300 PRC and it has a 26" barrel plus removable brake. I would have leaned toward a 24" barrel except Browning did not offer it. They have lots of versions and all have 26" barrel except the "suppressor ready" version with a 22". Even their lightweight Pro and Mountain Pro rifles have 26" barrel, and that is with the lighter sporter barrel. Their "long range" and "target" rifles have 26" too; and that is with the heavy sporter barrel. Unless unduly influence by marketing hype; I have to assume that 26" length is best because they went with that length even on the Pro and Mountain Pro.
Best in my opinion, only means best selling. earlier on rifles had shorter barrels, in the last 10 years we've gone to a trend of long barrels, but with suppressor purchases on the rise I see barrels going back to being shorter in the future.
 
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LA/SA, makes no difference in barrel length, as it applies equally. Longer tubes allow more "work" to be done to the bullet. My 7WSM, 300 PRC, and 300 RUM all wear 30" barrels. Slap the 9" TBAC suppressor on, and it's a good sized affair. Carried that 19.2 lb (bare rifle) 7 miles thru the prairies of southern Colorado for late antelope doe three days ago. 450y shot with a 180 Berger at 3030 MV. Would the doe have noticed the 200-250 fps less with a 20" barrel? Doubt it. I might have noticed the 2 lbs less maybe.
Man you like to carry the weight. I don't think you were using a heavy enough bullet on that 100lbs Antelope either. Or did you wanted a workout. o_O 🤣
 
My opinion:
For an unsuppressed .300PRC, 26". No need to hobble a cartridge designed for longer range with good speed with heavy bullets by losing 4" of barrel length and 100-150+fps.

If your limits for hunting distances meet what your rifle can do, then either will work.

I have identical builds with only a barrel length difference (26" and 20"), and have never noticed any issues carrying a 26" w. 9" can vs a 20" w. 6.25" can. Both shoot tiny groups. Just one does it with 126-175fps more velocity depending on which load.

As far as "short barrels being more accurate", that is not true. But, short barrels can be more FORGIVING and easier to tune. It may just take a bit more work to get a long, skinny barrel to shoot well. And to shoot longer strings well.
 
Man you like to carry the weight. I don't think you were using a heavy enough bullet on that 100lbs Antelope either. Or did you wanted a workout. o_O 🤣
I don't necessarily "like" the weight, but I don't shy away from a Heavy rifle that is insanely accurate. As to the 180 7mm, it's just the wind. My wind calls suck and higher BC's stack a little more in my favor. The backup was an even heavier 300 PRC shooting the 245 Berger. I have taken PLENTY others with .243's and .308's, '06, etc. Oh, and 300 RUM's flinging heavies, too. My success formula may be different than others, as are my workouts. I tend not to argue with what I see as success.
 
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