Is Longer Really Better?

[paco97]

If you have a choice between a 33in barrel or a 40in barrel, all else being equal, would the longer barrel be more accurate for a flintlock?

 

[Zonie]

IMO, both barrels are more accurate than the shooter usually is.

The 40 inch barrel will give higher velocities when using the same powder load, and it has a longer sight radius (further between the front and rear sights) which will help with accurate aiming.

On the negative side, the 40 inch long barrels tend to be "muzzle heavy" unless the barrels are swamped.
Some folks like a gun to be muzzle heavy because it doesn't move around as much but for offhand shooting it can be tiring if it needs to be held for some time while aiming.

 

[mikelange]

Chronographed tests by Sam Fadala (as per his "Black Powder Shooters Handbook", I believe it was called), indicated that, with modern powders, even maximum loads had combusted within approximately 32-33 inches, his conclusion being that any additional barrel length was actually creating drag on the ball or bullet, since from that point forward it was being propelled solely by momentum. I will admit right up front that I know little or nothing about the science relevant to ballistics, so I may be repeating erroneous information. Assuming Fadala to be right, though, for practical shooting purposes nothing over a 32-33" barrel is necessary.

That said, even though it has a straight 15/16" x 43" .50 caliber barrel, I wouldn't trade or shorten my longrifle for anything. Yeah, it's a little heavy out toward the muzzle, but the gun "hangs" beautifully for a deliberately-aimed offhand shot.

 

[Ridge]

As I understand it, eventually you do reach a point of diminished returns.

I here about this a good bit with .22's and .357 carbines. I would assume the same would apply to muzzleloaders.

All that being said though, I'd still take the longer barrel. I like the look/feel of them better.

 

[Swampman]

Longer is usually more historically accurate.

 

[Mike Brooks]

If you have a choice between a 33in barrel or a 40in barrel, all else being equal, would the longer barrel be more accurate for a flintlock?

Yes

 

[benvenuto]

Yes, but only because your sight radius is longer. With modern powders (not necessarily stronger, but more consistent in granulation) extra length isn't necessary. It is HC though :thumbsup:

 

[Zonie]

I think the data compiled by Dixie Gunworks years ago doesn't agree with Sam Fadala's thoughts.

Dixie tested a .40 caliber barrel and determined the 5 shot average velocity of a roundball with a number of different loads.
They then repeated the test after cutting the barrel off in 2 inch incriments.

The data is for a load of 47 grains of Dupont FFFg powder. The average velocitys reported are as follows (barrel length, velocity in FPS)
20", 1509
22", 1553
24", 1593
26", 1596
28", 1623
30", 1642
32", 1654
34", 1610 (this looks like a missprint to me. 1710?)
36", 1735
38", 1747
40", 1770

While the difference between 1642 FPS and 1770 FPS isn't a lot, the ball definitely isn't just coasting along between the 30 inch and the 40 inches of barrel length.

 

[Mike Brooks]

I'd just like to point out that a 40" barrel is a pretty stubby barrel in my estimation. :grin: More of a carbine length. :haha:

Seriously I've always shot RB better oput of long barrels, both rifled and smooth. I've always got better shot patterns out of long barrels to....noticably better.

 

[Toomuch_36]

If you have a choice between a 33in barrel or a 40in barrel, all else being equal, while the longer barrel be more accurate for a flintlock?

Yes

Effectively there would be two answers to this question.
1. In a rifle the barrel length does not effectively alter the accuracy mechanically. However the longer barrel will provide a greater sight radius which will improve your sighting abilities.
[url] 2.In[/url] a smooth bore (shooting shot) the longer barrel will provide longer reach and better shot patterns.

Toomuch
........
Shoot Flint

 

[jderrick]

I read in a blackpowder book (can't remember the name, I'll try to get that), that the point of diminishing returns (when the increased velocity of a longer barrel is overtaken by the increase in drag) is at about 42 inches. That's a long, long barrel. :shocked2: I've got just a 33 incher and still have trouble finding a long enough ramrod, case....

 

[bnail]

Mike, you are truly "La Longe Carabine!"
obviously over compensating :hmm:
What would Freud say? :winking:

 

[captgary]

Mike.

Say that rifle aint holding up the porch.

Or is it?? :hmm: :hmm: :hmm:

 

[musketman]

I believe the firearm evolved to longer barrels to help inferior powders burn to their fullest potential... (allowing maximum burn time)

Once powder refinement became a science and consistent in production, the barrel makers started offering barrels in shorter lengths...

This is how I see it...

 

[TANSTAAFL]

Aside from looks, the longer barrel for me gives a better sighting advantage.

 

[JOHN L. HINNANT]

Greetings paco97,

The real, definate advantage of the longer barrel is the longer sight radius. Al of factors being equal, this is the advantage

Even today with modern target rifles,long sight radius is still an important factor.

Best regards and good shooting,

John L. Hinnant

If you are not an Nra Member, why not? I am carrying your load.

 

[CoyoteJoe]

I've noticed that Sam Fadala often jumps to some rather strange conclusions. The Lyman #2 handbook edited by Fadala lists no barrels longer than 32" but the old number one Lyman book shows these velocities for a .50 roundball with 100 grains 3f.
28" barrel at 1875 fps, 32" at 1978 fps, 43" at 2095 fps. The energy gain is even more pronounced, 1561 ft.lb. from 32" and 1752 ft.lb from the 43" barrel.
With powder charges from 50 grains to 150 grains of 3f the longer barrel shows a worthwhile gain over the 32", and especially with the heaviest loads.
Sam Fadala, go soak your head. :grin:

 

[mikelange]

Like I said, I know little or nothing about the science and data involved in ballistics. This is a prime example of why it's a good idea to seek information from more than a single source -- as has been suggested in posts dealing with other issues on this forum.

BTW, in addition to the fact that I like the way they look and handle, I agree that the increased sight radius on longer barrels can only help in terms of accuracy -- both the shooting and historical kinds.

 

[jderrick]

That book I mentioned above is the "Home Guide to Muzzleloaders" by George C. Nonte, Jr.

It says: "By ballistics theory, an inch of barrel about 28 inches will produce about 8FPS more velocity, tapering off as you increase barrel length inch by inch.

"It is likely that barrels longer than 42 inches begin to lose velocity. Some modern makers think this is the ultimate length...."

 

[Toomuch_36]

Greetings paco97,

The real, definate advantage of the longer barrel is the longer sight radius. Al of factors being equal, this is the advantage

Even today with modern target rifles,long sight radius is still an important factor.

Best regards and good shooting,

John L. Hinnant

If you are not an Nra Member, why not? I am carrying your load.

Correct you are.

N.R.A.-life, N.M.L.R.A.-anual
Toomuch
..........
Shoot Flint