Quick Answer
Barrel length has a minor effect on .45-70 performance, but a 22-inch barrel can provide better ballistics and a more manageable recoil.
Barrel Length and Ballistics
The .45-70 Government cartridge is known for its effective performance against large game like bears. While barrel length has a minor effect on overall performance, a longer barrel can improve ballistics. A 22-inch barrel, for example, can provide a muzzle velocity gain of around 100-150 fps compared to a 16-inch barrel.
Recoil and Manageability
A longer barrel can also help to reduce recoil, making the rifle more manageable for follow-up shots. This is particularly important when hunting bears, where a quick recovery is essential for a second shot. With a 22-inch barrel, the recoil impulse is reduced, allowing for faster tracking and more accurate follow-up shots.
Practical Considerations
In practice, the difference between a 16-inch and 22-inch barrel is relatively small for most hunting scenarios. However, for those who plan to engage larger game at longer ranges (beyond 100 yards), a longer barrel can provide a noticeable advantage. Additionally, a longer barrel can also help to reduce muzzle rise, making the rifle more stable and predictable.
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