How much does muzzleloader barrel length actually affect velocity?
It's generally expected that a longer muzzleloader barrel will produce higher velocities by giving the powder more time to burn and accelerate the projectile. But how significant is the difference?
We decided to put that idea to the test by comparing two muzzleloaders at opposite ends of the barrel-length spectrum: the CVA Optima XP Short Barrel with an 18-inch barrel and the Traditions Vortek StrikerFire LDR with a 30-inch barrel.
That's a 12-inch difference in barrel length.
Using the same powder charge and measuring velocity with a chronograph, we were able to see just how much difference those additional 12 inches made.
18-Inch vs. 30-Inch Muzzleloader Barrel
For this test, we used:
- CVA Optima XP Short Barrel — 18-inch barrel
- Traditions Vortek StrikerFire LDR — 30-inch barrel
- 150 grains by volume of Triple Seven
- The same test methodology for both muzzleloaders
- Chronograph data to measure velocity
The 150-grain charge was selected specifically to exaggerate the barrel-length comparison and examine velocity differences between the two rifles. This was a testing load and was not presented as CVA's recommended load for the Optima XP Short Barrel.
Always follow the powder and charge recommendations published by the manufacturer for your specific muzzleloader.
CVA Optima XP Short Barrel Velocity Results
We started with the CVA Optima XP Short Barrel.
With only an 18-inch barrel, we expected the short-barreled Optima to produce noticeably lower velocities than the 30-inch Traditions.
What surprised us was how well the short barrel performed.
We attempted a five-shot string, although the chronograph failed to record the final two shots because of the amount of smoke produced.
The three recorded velocities were:
- 1,826 FPS
- 1,853 FPS
- 1,822 FPS
That put all three recorded shots within a relatively tight velocity range.
The Optima XP Short Barrel also produced considerably more velocity than we expected from an 18-inch muzzleloader barrel.
There appeared to be a significant amount of smoke during the testing, potentially indicating that some of the large powder charge wasn't being completely burned within the short barrel.
Even so, the results showed that an 18-inch muzzleloader barrel can still generate substantial velocity.
Traditions Vortek StrikerFire LDR Velocity Results
Next, we moved to the Traditions Vortek StrikerFire LDR and its 30-inch barrel.
We kept the powder charge the same so we could compare the results with the 18-inch Optima.
The recorded velocities were:
- 2,096 FPS
- 2,110 FPS
- 1,980 FPS
- 1,797 FPS
- 2,044 FPS after swabbing the barrel
The first two shots were both above 2,000 FPS and relatively close together.
Velocity then began dropping significantly on the third and fourth shots.
After seeing the decline, we gave the barrel a quick cleaning before firing the fifth shot. Velocity immediately climbed back to 2,044 FPS.
That introduced another interesting variable into the test: barrel fouling.
Does a Longer Muzzleloader Barrel Increase Velocity?
Based on this test, yes.
The 30-inch Traditions produced roughly 250 FPS more velocity than the 18-inch CVA during the higher-velocity portion of the test.
That's a meaningful difference from an additional 12 inches of barrel.
The longer barrel gives expanding gases more time to accelerate the projectile before it exits the muzzle. With a large powder charge, that additional barrel length can provide more opportunity to take advantage of the available propellant.
However, our test also showed that barrel length isn't the only variable affecting muzzleloader velocity.
Barrel Fouling Can Affect Velocity
One of the most interesting results wasn't actually related to barrel length.
It was what happened as the Traditions barrel became fouled.
The first two shots produced 2,096 and 2,110 FPS. The next two dropped to 1,980 and eventually 1,797 FPS.
After a quick barrel swab, the next shot returned to 2,044 FPS.
That's a significant change.
If you're seeing unexpected velocity changes or inconsistencies while developing a muzzleloader load, barrel condition is one of the variables worth investigating.
Some muzzleloaders may shoot several rounds consistently before they need to be swabbed. Others may perform better when cleaned more frequently.
The best way to find out is to test your particular muzzleloader and load.
Does a Short Muzzleloader Barrel Still Produce Good Velocity?
One of the biggest takeaways from this test was the performance of the 18-inch CVA Optima XP Short Barrel.
While it didn't match the velocity of the 30-inch Traditions, the three recorded shots were still between 1,822 and 1,853 FPS.
That's worth considering because barrel length involves tradeoffs.
A longer barrel may provide additional velocity, but a shorter barrel creates a much more compact muzzleloader.
For hunters moving through thick timber, hunting from confined blinds, or simply wanting a more maneuverable rifle, that shorter overall package can be an advantage.
The question isn't necessarily whether a longer or shorter barrel is better. It's what combination of size and performance makes sense for your application.
Does More Barrel Length Always Mean More Muzzleloader Velocity?
Our test demonstrated a clear velocity advantage with the 30-inch barrel, but it shouldn't be interpreted as a universal FPS-per-inch formula.
These were two different muzzleloaders with different barrels. We weren't taking one barrel and progressively shortening it while keeping every other variable identical.
Powder choice, powder charge, projectile, bore dimensions, barrel condition, ignition system, temperature, and the individual muzzleloader can all influence velocity.
For that reason, you shouldn't assume that adding a certain number of inches to a muzzleloader barrel will always produce a specific increase in FPS.
What our test does show is the general effect: the longer 30-inch barrel produced substantially higher velocities than the 18-inch barrel when tested with the same powder charge.
Barrel Length Isn't the Only Thing That Matters
Velocity is important, but it shouldn't be the only consideration when choosing a muzzleloader.
A 30-inch barrel may give you additional velocity, but you're also carrying a longer rifle.
An 18-inch barrel sacrifices some velocity while creating a significantly shorter and more maneuverable package.
Your intended hunting environment, expected shooting distances, muzzleloader setup, and personal preferences should all factor into the decision.
Accuracy matters as well.
Our velocity testing showed that the short-barreled Optima produced more velocity than we initially expected, but velocity data alone doesn't tell us how the two rifles compare downrange. Accuracy testing would be another important part of evaluating the complete performance of each setup.
How Much Did Barrel Length Affect Velocity in Our Test?
The difference between these two muzzleloaders was significant.
The 18-inch CVA Optima XP Short Barrel produced recorded velocities of 1,826, 1,853, and 1,822 FPS.
The 30-inch Traditions Vortek StrikerFire LDR initially produced 2,096 and 2,110 FPS before fouling appeared to affect subsequent shots. After swabbing the barrel, velocity returned to 2,044 FPS.
Overall, the longer barrel provided approximately 250 FPS more velocity during the comparable higher-velocity shots.
At the same time, the test demonstrated that a compact 18-inch muzzleloader can still generate substantial velocity.
That's why barrel length should be viewed as one part of the complete muzzleloader setup. Longer barrels can provide a velocity advantage, while shorter barrels can offer significant benefits in portability and maneuverability.
Whatever barrel length you choose, spend time at the range testing your particular muzzleloader and load. Pay attention to velocity, accuracy, and how barrel fouling affects consistency so you understand exactly how your setup performs.
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