Barrel length for a hunting rifle

[Alan]

I am looking at rifles and can't decide between 20 inch or 22 inch barrel. Does it actually matter for deer hunting inside 300 yards? I know the ballistics are different but is it enough to care about in real hunting situations?

 

[Chuck]

Not really. Inside 300 yards, you won’t notice much difference, pick the length that balances and carries better for you.

 

[Alan]

Not really. Inside 300 yards, you won’t notice much difference, pick the length that balances and carries better for you.

Handling and comfort matter more than tiny velocity differences at normal deer ranges.