Barrel length is only one part of what makes up an accurate barrel so don't worry too much. You will find a decrease in velocity due to the shorter barrel.

For all intents and purposes, the 22" barrel won't shoot any different than a 24" pipe, except for a slight decrease of about 80 +/- fps velocity as mentioned by ChesterGolf.

Shooter skill or error is far more important than length of barrel, even though I admit that when shopping for a new 30-06, I went for a Remington 700 stainless SPS with 24" barrel and standard Limbsaver Recoil Pad. I believe the 7mm Mag in this model has a 26" barrel.

Remington 700 SPS Stainless

In short, longer is better, but don't let the barrel's length be a major deal breaker.

Good luck and happy hunting!

Steve

P.S. Stainless price at Sportsman's Warehouse for all calibers is $469. Blued is $399.

Not dramatically, but I would go ahead and get the longer barrel

IMO it's a mistake to buy any 7mm Magnum with a barrel less than 24 inches. Considering the velocity you lose going shorter than that, you may as well just save money and get a 280 Remington.

I have to agree with Cap O. However I don't thnk that this would affect your accuracy much. I think I would have to go with the longer barrel.

Also the shorter the barell the more recoil and the louder it will be.

I had a remington 700 ss/syn 7 mag.but it had a 24" tube.Mag's really need the extra length to burn up the powder.