Probably the same one that would get you the highest velocity out of a 24-inch barrel...more or less.
You may be right, that's why I'm asking here.
Let me be a little more specific which may help the experts answer my question.
From what I understand, if I shoot a large case caliber like 26 nosler it may not shoot any faster than a .260 would if using a short barrel. I think this is because the shorter barrel will only allow so much powder to burn and you get no benefit of having more powder in a larger case because only so much will burn.
Also I think I read that out of a short barrel a larger caliber bullet will have a faster muzzel velocity because the larger diameter of the barrel will allow more powder to burn than a smaller diameter barrel.
I guess my question is, what size cartridge would give the most complete burn in a 16" barrel without a ton of muzzle flash and would a light weight 308 have a faster muzzle velocity than a similar weight .243?