Barrel length and velocities?

[rWt]

I have been looking at bolt action rifles lately and note the various barrel lengths you can get-anywhere from 16.5"-24" is the range I have looked at.

The shorter barrels are on the most compact models, followed by 18 1/2", 20", 22" and then 24".

Are there any rules of thumb regarding the velocity changes one can expect as the barrel lengths change? I'm curious about calibers from .243-.308.

I seem to remember something like 100 fps per inch, but that was a long, long time ago and my memory is fuzzy.

[coldtriggerfinger]

With my 6.5 Creedmoor I lost 30 fps per inch when I chopped the barrel from 26" to 18.6" .
However, chopping the barrel was one of the best thing rifle wise I've ever done. I still have plenty of velocity to do what I use the rifle for and it is so much handier to have with me .

[cmillard]

Check out rifleshooter.com, he did extensive barrel length velocity testing

[eskimo36]

Reloads can be tailored to shorter barrels to increase efficiency. You want to get it all burned before the bullet exits. As reloaders, we have the ability to make it work for us.

[rWt]

Thanks all!