which is best for a short barrel?

[scottprice]

I will be having a 22 creed, 22–250 or 20 practical built as a dedicated coyote rifle. I'd like to have a relatively short barrel so it's still handy with a suppressor on it. Are any of these more conducive to a short barrel than the rest? I was thinking 18 to 20" if I can get away with it

I'd also consider a 6creed/243 if somebody can convince me that it won't blow big holes in the coyotes. I prefer no exits at all.

 

[RockAndSage]

Is your intent to preserve the pelts??

 

[scottprice]

Is your intent to preserve the pelts??

Correct

 

[Taudisio]

Out of your specs and choices, I would lean 20 practical. 22-250 if you live in a windy area.

 

[RockAndSage]

22 CM is designed more for the longer, heavier bullets - it's not something I'd use if pelt preservation was the priority. A lightweight, fast 22-250, the 20 practical, a 204 Ruger, or something else along those lines would be better for that application.

 

[Taudisio]

^ same thing I said with more words. 204 ruger would be a solid choice as well. Toss a 223 in there. Can’t really go wrong with those 4 options. They will all stomp coyotes. I kill them on the farm with a 17hmr.

 

[M44]

Be prepared for significant velocity loss with a 20 or 18 inch barrel.

 

[hereinaz]

Be prepared for significant velocity loss with a 20 or 18 inch barrel.

What barrel length are you starting from to say significant velocity loss?

 

[M44]

26 inch to 20 inch ...320 fps slower.

 

[hereinaz]

26 inch to 20 inch ...320 fps

Is that in general or a specific caliber/cartridge?

 

[RockAndSage]

Is that in general or a specific caliber/cartridge?

Yeah, I'm questioning that a bit too. As a general rule, it's 25-35 fps per inch, isn't it?

 

[hereinaz]

Yeah, I'm questioning that a bit too. As a general rule, it's 25-35 fps per inch, isn't it?

It can be higher loss once you drop below 19-20”.

It’s generally a slope growing in fps loss from as little as 10 fps from 30-29 and increasing until it’s 40-50 fps from 17-16”. The 25-35 is the typical range of loss in 26-20. But, it can be cartridge dependent, with “hot rods” losing more per inch than larger bore per powder grain.

I am curious about the specifics on it to file in the back of my head.

 

[M44]

The cartridge is 22-250 Ackley . I went to 20 inch for the same reason as you, reduce overall rifle length when a silencer is screwed on.

I've been shooting this cartridge with a 26 inch barrel for the past 29 years and was very satisfied with the results on coyotes. However, the silencer converted it to the equivalent of a telephone pole strapped across your back. I cannot honestly say I am happy with the shorter barrel. Accuracy is excellent, but the bullet performance is not. I've tried several different bullets, but lack of speed is the culprit. Like it or not I may just return to the longer one this season.

 

[hereinaz]

The cartridge is 22-250 Ackley . I went to 20 inch for the same reason as you, reduce overall rifle length when a silencer is screwed on.

I've been shooting this cartridge with a 26 inch barrel for the past 29 years and was very satisfied with the results on coyotes. However, the silencer converted it to the equivalent of a telephone pole strapped across your back. I cannot honestly say I am happy with the shorter barrel. Accuracy is excellent, but the bullet performance is not. I've tried several different bullets, but lack of speed is the culprit. Like it or not I may just return to the longer one this season.

What bullet?

Look at the “reflex” suppressors that don’t add as much total length. Might be a compromise.

 

[RockAndSage]

The cartridge is 22-250 Ackley . I went to 20 inch for the same reason as you, reduce overall rifle length when a silencer is screwed on.

I've been shooting this cartridge with a 26 inch barrel for the past 29 years and was very satisfied with the results on coyotes. However, the silencer converted it to the equivalent of a telephone pole strapped across your back. I cannot honestly say I am happy with the shorter barrel. Accuracy is excellent, but the bullet performance is not. I've tried several different bullets, but lack of speed is the culprit. Like it or not I may just return to the longer one this season.

Would a change in powders be worth considering?

 

[M44]

The 55 gr. Nosler bt is my favorite by far. It has a little thicker jacket which needs a velocity above 3900 to perform well. I'm shooting 53 gr. Vmax in the short barrel.

Also, I have become accustomed to holding on fur out to 300, but now that doesn't work. Hard to get used to.

And I have been looking at those AB silencers with the reflex. Seems we think alike .

 

[M44]

I use Gordon's for powder selection. You can run lots of different powders in the program. None achieve much added velocity when you factor in load density, burnt propellent, and pressure. The game changer is length of barrel.

 

[TxLite]

I have a 1:9tw 18” 22-250. With 60gr vmax I’m averaging ~3250 with varget and Lapua brass.

Editing to add- with 53gr I hit 3350 but with that 9 twist it didn’t do well for accuracy

 

[M44]

A funny story concerning coyotes and cartridges.

I drove up to central Wyoming to meet my calling partner for a small coyote contest. He had brought along his friend because it was a 3 man team event. I had never met this fellow before, but I could tell he was the kind who could take a little ribbing and also give it back.

We sat down at the table for a meal and during the course of the conversation, I asked him what he was shooting. He said a 204. I half jokingly replied that we needed to get ready for spinners and runners the next day. He scowled back not exactly happy with me .

Anyways, around noon my partner and I had shot 3 coyotes with his buddy not clicking off his safety. Next stand, in comes a coyote on his side and I stop him at 130. He shoots and the coyote wilts straight down. He looks at me and says with authority.... that ain't no f'n spinner. I look back at the coyote just in time to see him pop up and take off like a bat out of hell. I look over at the buddy and say... you are right. What we have here is a runner. My partner makes a circus shot and kills the coyote just before he drops into a canyon.
,

 

[Skerhunter]

I will be having a 22 creed, 22–250 or 20 practical built as a dedicated coyote rifle. I'd like to have a relatively short barrel so it's still handy with a suppressor on it. Are any of these more conducive to a short barrel than the rest? I was thinking 18 to 20" if I can get away with it

I'd also consider a 6creed/243 if somebody can convince me that it won't blow big holes in the coyotes. I prefer no exits at all.

20 practical 40gr vmax, 22-250 50 gr vmax and 53-62gr creed should run approximately the same speeds at the same barrel lengths (3800-4000 w standard 24” barrel). Pick your bullet and that should answer your question!

With a folding stock I don’t mind a 24” barrel (exact same length as collapsed 18” AR on a pack) - 20 is the shortest I go due to velocity loss.