Ordering my 338 Win mag, barrel Length

Im ordering my 338 but Im not sure what barrel length to order 22 24 26 they all have 1:10 twist.
What will the primary use of this 338 be? In brush or timber? Open areas? Your height and weight?
For a brush gun or dedicated timber gun I would go 22.
I am 6 3"" and hate to carry a big gun in the timber or woods and I typically carry a rem model 7 with 18" on those hunts.
In the open sage type hunts I don't care if the gun has 26in and even a brake 29 in is fine.

I had an old friend who had a custom 338 with a 21in barrel and the gun was sweet to carry and shoot>> it was his bear gun.
 
Im ordering my 338 but Im not sure what barrel length to order 22 24 26 they all have 1:10 twist.
Any update? I'm curious as I don't yet own a 338 WM (I'm a 30-06 and 7mm Rem Mag guy) but this cartridge passes my "cartridge confidence test" for that next step up. 338 WM or 375 Ruger...
 
I agree, 26" is nice if you're hunting open country, and or not hiking vary far. Another thing to consider is muzzle blast. I notice a big difference between 22" and 26" with the magnums that I own (even without muzzle brakes). But that said, if you're hunting brush and timber, 26" can be a pain. I feel that 24" is a good compromise for most situations.
My dad with his 26" in .264 Win Mag. pre '64 Model 70

1599247868233.png

I'd say he hunts some thick darn brush

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But he can point that thing like a shotgun...

1599248043241.png

That rifle has the balance I searched for when I bought mine. Although if someone had a light synthetic stock I could see how a longer barrel might upset the balance.

That said, does anyone look at the balance point on Rifles?

ETA: Google answered me...
 
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I have a 26” barrel on my 300 mag and I know inside a pop up for deer it’s a PIA. My 338 has a 24” barrel and I like it.
 
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