Why bore diameter matters more than barrel length

In this episode, Tim Sundles breaks down one of the most misunderstood topics in rifle ballistics: how case capacity, bore diameter, powder burn rate, and barrel length actually work together. Using examples like the .458 Win Mag, .338, 7mm Rem Mag, and .264 Win Mag, Tim explains why bigger bore cartridges don’t need long barrels, why smaller bores demand slower powders and more barrel length, and why chasing velocity often comes with tradeoffs in portability, accuracy, and barrel life. This is a practical, experience-driven look at internal ballistics, learned over decades of handloading, hunting, and real use in the field.