In my new quest for a little more distance, I've seen a lot of mention of 77gr bullets thru a 1-9 barrel, some as short as 18". It would seem that 73gr is the accepted max for a 1-9 twist. When I get home from my summer job in Nov (I hope!), I will try a box of also recommended 73gr SMKs with some H335 or 4895. I tried some 69gr Hornadys, but didn't have time to really test them before leaving for the summer. I have added a Boyds AT 1 TH stock and 12x42 SWFA to my Axis, trigger's at about 1 1/2 lbs. Shooting Fiochhi 62gr ($.44 a piece no press in my 5th wheel!), I usually have two or three touching at 100 yards and repeatable hits on a 4" disc at 250. A good combo, not my questionable skill level. I will be doing a rifle class at 550yds soon after I get home. My question, there IS a question, is will a 26" 1-9 HB give a 77gr bullet a wee bit more time to spin up vs a 22"? I don't think an extra 100ish fps is worth a barrel change but the capability to shoot a heavier bullet might. An after market barrel is not in the budget, I am thinking a 26" 1-9 take off. Thoughts or opinions gentlemen?