17 HMR barrel length and velocity
I'm debating with myself whether to get a 16" or 20" barreled 17 HMR. The balance and handling are of really no consequence for this particular application. However, I do want to achieve, as near as practically possible, the suggested factory velocities in order to maximize the ballistics of the 17 HMR. Yes, I know the factory numbers come from the manufacturers test guns and is only a guideline which may or may not be reproducible in any given rifle, but it is, as far as I'm concerned, a starting point.
I have read various tables that purport to show the difference between the two is negligible. Most show a greater difference from round to round, from the same box of ammunition, than between the 16" and 20" lengths. A couple actually show the 16" equal to, or even a few fps faster than, the 20" barrel.
My question is: Has anyone here actually chronographed those barrel lengths? If so, what were you results? Yes, I realize that different barrels of equal length can/will give different velocities but I'm trying to establish a "trend" using information from everyday folks that don't have any skin in the game, so to speak.
