20" vs 24" Barrel?

[drewthebrave]

If you plan to hunt with Hornady SST, it's capable of expansion at a velocity of 1800 FPS based on real world results. With my 18" barrel, that cartridge maintains that velocity past 400 yards. Technically, Hornady says the SST should expand as low as 1600 FPS, and an 18" barrel will hold that speed past 550 yards. Unless you're hunting near the limits of that distance, a 20" barrel ought to suit you well.