Thread: Barrel length vs speed

Originally Posted by timattalon

As a general (approximate ) rule of thumb, for centrefires it is usually about the 50fps per inch when a barrel is shortened so the estimates of about 150fps would be within reason. As mentioned, in most rifles the projectile is accelerating rght up unto it exits the muzzle at which point the pressure behind it is released and it then relies on momentum.

This can be countered by using a faster burning powder that expends all of its energy in the time it takes to move the projectile to the muzzle, but to be hones, 100-200fps difference at the muzzle will not make much "real world" difference to most hunters.
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No not really. Faster powder for shorter barrels is a wide spread belief but its a myth, its not how internal ballistics work. The best burn rate for max velocity is dictated by the cartridge and the projectile regardless of barrel length.