Posted by David Dundas on Oct 08, 2019; 10:57am
URL: http://oldforum.flyshooter.com.au/Rimfire-Fly-Discussion-tp5710566p5710568.html

Hi Rob

Just my 2 cents worth on this one,
So many opinions on this one and everyone has had a barrel of xx length and will say it shot well.  Maximum velocity is reached at about 17 inches in a rimfire with STD ammo so really any length longer should be fine in theory. I myself have had a couple of short barrels of around 20 inches and while they have performed well, I would have prefered something around 24 inches. Now I own just one short barreled rifle which is on a Hunter class (light class) but it is yet to win a match, weight was an issue so gunsmith cut it short.
Just like with a CF your gunsmith will will decide the length and cut and crown the barrel where it is the tightest, so if weight is not an issue  then longer rather then shorter. Of course you want you rifle balanced and you don't want all your weight out the front of the rifle as it wont track that well in the bags.
My favourite barrel would be a Broughton 4C, this is what Kathy has on her rifle and it just shoots yet her rifle is the cheapest rifle I have. I would not hesistate to buy another  Broughton 4c or 5C in the future, of course there are many you would love to get your hands on.
The 200y Fly is a dam long way for that little rimfire to go and the ballistics on the bullet is terrible, with a BC of between 0.13 and 0.15 for the top ammo it really struggles in the wind. Find some ammo your rifle likes, no odd fliers\flippers, no odd shots which drops low for no reason and then you just have to worry about your left to right with the wind.
Never try to shoot when it appears dead still, one it never lasts long  and most often your shot will go high. If there is mirage around when very still then it may appear to boil, better shooters say never shoot the boil. Give me a little tickle from rigth to left just long enough to get all my shots away and you will see me smiling - rare unfortunately.

Enjoy and see you on the range,

Dave