20", for me, is carbine length for rifle ctgs. a 20' .358 will easily do 2,200fps with a 250gr. and handle moose to 200yards very easily - even at 2,150fps mv.

I know what even shorter barrels can do - and even short cartridges like a M94 Trapper .45 Colt. (.44 mag pressure) 1,584fps with 300gr. cast HP's handled 2 elk for me - easily from 100yards, and then with W680(now H116), 340gr. at 1,740fps - same presure - .44mag level 16" bl. BTW - That's .,450 #2 Musket ballistics IIRC.

Short barrels work, but any more, I just can't stand the noise. My favourite hunting rifles now have 24" to 26" bls.