How much velocity am I really losing. Seems like a lot of 25-06 rifles come with 22" tubes . I figure I am losing 100-120 FPS by dropping to a 22". YOu never know these things unless you chronograph them but has anyone chronographed a 22" long 25-06?
Like you said, you never know what your actual velocity is until you chronograph it. In additon, to know HOW MUCH YOU LOST, you'd have to start with a 24" tube and chrongraph it at 24", then cut it to 22" and chrono it again. It is possible
for a rifle with a 22" barrel to have a higher MV with a given load than some other barrel which is 24" long shooting the same load.
As far as bullet stability is concerned, all one needs for thisis a barrel long enough to impart the correct spin to the bullet. For example, in .38 Special & .357 Magnum, 2" is enough............