What's too long?

[L. Cooper]

I don't think there is an answer that is meaningful in the real world. I suspect that with the right powder choice, any of those rounds can benefit from a barrel length that is absolutely ridiculous for any real field uses.

I am fully aware that every rifle I own would "benefit" from more length in terms of pure velocity, but I have limits to what is practical.

The game too poses more limits to my barrel length. I won't carry a 26 inch barrel into the bush after white tails, for example. (Actually, I won't carry anything longer than 24 inches for any reason other than pole vaulting. I want to enjoy carrying my rifles.) The longest barrels I own are 24 inches, and the shortest is 18.

So, truth is, I don't know how long you have to make a .30-06 barrel to get the absolute maximum velocity out of the cartridge, and, with all those powders out there with varying rates, I'm not sure there is a definitive answer.

I'll be interested to see if anyone does know.