24" or 28" muzzleloader

[black powder]

if both barrels have 1- 28 twist would the shorter barrel be more accurate.
less vibration ...both use the same load 100gr of T7 and a .250 gr. bullet

distance --- 100 yards

 

[choc-dog]

Generally the answer is yes, but there are other variables that would apply. Most of us shoot for "accuracy" and not necessarily velocity.

It would be more important to get the correct powder burn with a 28" inch barrel than sacrifice 4 inches of barrel for a 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch improvement in accuracy. Also there is no guarantee that the same charge weight will shoot accurately in both a 24" or a 28" barrel length.

Most ML barrel lenghts are 28" for a reason.

Chocdog

 

[MLKeith]

Barrel length has very little effect on accuracy. Longer barrels with longer sight planes and iron sights are easier to get good sight picture and consequently shoot somewhat more accurately. With a scope the difference goes away. The length of the barrel has more to do with full burn of the powder charge than accuracy. A fast burn powder like Tripple Seven will do fairly well in short barrels where as slower powder like real black or some of the ascorbic acid based powders will do better with longer barrels. In order to shoot "magnum" charges over 100 grains the longer barrel is a requirement.

 

[Mike Vaccaro]

All barrel lengths will vibrate, barrel length will change the frequency, size or shape of the vibration if you will. All barrels\guns will have a sweet spot where they like to shoot. This spot can be found by experimenting with different powders, amounts of powder, bullet types and weights.

Have fun. The experimenting is part of the fun. It's also very satisfying to work with a gun enough to see for yourself what it likes to shoot best. I have seen centerfire rifles that the owner said wouldn't shoot bettern than a 2" group at 100 yards. After working with the shooters form and different loads the gun easily began throwing one inch groups. This same process holds true for muzzleloaders.

And believe me there is much to be said about the person pulling the trigger. The shooting bench and rests also come into play when your trying to work up a load for a particular gun.

Have fun and good luck.
Henry