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Barrel Profile: Heavy for Hunters

What is the ideal heavy barrel profile for [hike-in, hike-out] and walk'n'stalk hunting out west?

  • #3 Heavy Sporter

  • #3B Light Bull Sporter

  • Remington Varmint

  • Light Palma

  • Medium Palma

  • Other [write in the comments]

  • Screw it! M24 profile or heavier. FTW!

Results are only viewable after voting.
Bakwa

Bakwa

Prophetic Marksman
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    • Mar 22, 2017
    1,691
    1,155
    FL
    How heavy is too heavy of a barrel contour for a [hike-in, hike-out] hunter in your opinion?

    I'm re-barreling a long action Pre64 Mod 70 for an out west hunt this fall. It's going to be in 30-06 and likely 24".
    Based on your experiences and preferences, what would you choose?

    And please don't respond with "lift more weights" to justify a heavier barrel. If that were a reasonable rationale for carrying heavier barreled rifles, there would be more guys just hitting the gym and walking around the Rockys with 28" MTU barrels.
    There is a reasonable point of diminishing returns for weight carried and comfort of the hunter. I want to find out where that point is roughly at.

    Cheers
     
    Haha, two years ago I was in between builds so all I had was a proof comp contour…I still went. Was definitely heavier than I would have liked.
     
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    Where “out west”?
    Varies a LOT and if wilderness hunt 8 miles in on foot, horse, private ranch, etc.

    Lift more weights. 🤣
    No really.
    If you are in the mtns, loads of leg and core work save you a lot of pain later. AMHIK.
    Not lifting for the rifle weight, though picking a rifle that shoots really well and easily at 9 lbs is better than one you shoot very mediocre at 6 lbs, this is a choice I have seen made. And regretted come shooting time more than once.

    I would go 3 or 3b on that build. Want to build similar, but wanting a H&H length action and going big for AK moose/bear.
    24” is really nice.
    22” is where most of mine are except one Sako ‘06.
     
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    powdahound76 said:
    Where “out west”?
    Varies a LOT and if wilderness hunt 8 miles in on foot, horse, private ranch, etc.

    Lift more weights. 🤣
    No really.
    If you are in the mtns, loads of leg and core work save you a lot of pain later. AMHIK.
    Not lifting for the rifle weight, though picking a rifle that shoots really well and easily at 9 lbs is better than one you shoot very mediocre at 6 lbs, this is a choice I have seen made. And regretted come shooting time more than once.
    Click to expand...
    ^^^. This is how I typically think as well. If you live at sea level and are hunting in the Rockies any cardio prep you can do is going to be crucial. Air is pretty f-ing thin at 10,000 feet!
     
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    RedDirtRifleman said:
    I mean give them a little credit. If it’s a Viper it should be Filipino, not Chinese.

    But yeah, they’re really just all in on those 3-15 erectors. How many do they make now? Venom, Viper HD, Viper PST2 SFP and FFP, LHT in 2 objective sizes.
    Click to expand...

    powdahound76 said:
    Where “out west”?
    Varies a LOT and if wilderness hunt 8 miles in on foot, horse, private ranch, etc.

    Lift more weights. 🤣
    No really.
    If you are in the mtns, loads of leg and core work save you a lot of pain later. AMHIK.
    Not lifting for the rifle weight, though picking a rifle that shoots really well and easily at 9 lbs is better than one you shoot very mediocre at 6 lbs, this is a choice I have seen made. And regretted come shooting time more than once.

    I would go 3 or 3b on that build. Want to build similar, but wanting a H&H length action and going big for AK moose/bear.
    24” is really nice.
    22” is where most of mine are except one Sako ‘06.
    Click to expand...
    I'll likely be in CO, GMU 54-55. Some mountains/hilltops, some flatland. Hiking in and out, 2-10miles.
     
    Bakwa said:
    How heavy is too heavy of a barrel contour for a [hike-in, hike-out] hunter in your opinion?

    I'm re-barreling a long action Pre64 Mod 70 for an out west hunt this fall. It's going to be in 30-06 and likely 24".
    Based on your experiences and preferences, what would you choose?

    And please don't respond with "lift more weights" to justify a heavier barrel. If that were a reasonable rationale for carrying heavier barreled rifles, there would be more guys just hitting the gym and walking around the Rockys with 28" MTU barrels.
    There is a reasonable point of diminishing returns for weight carried and comfort of the hunter. I want to find out where that point is roughly at.

    Cheers
    Click to expand...
    I'm using #2B which isn't super light but not heavy either. It is heavy enough to be very accurate though.
     
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    Reactions: Buzzinga, powdahound76, Supersubes and 1 other person
    Long Range 338 said:
    ^^^. This is how I typically think as well. If you live at sea level and are hunting in the Rockies any cardio prep you can do is going to be crucial. Air is pretty f-ing thin at 10,000 feet!
    Click to expand...
    Sorry for the derail.

    If you want to feel like you’re gonna die like you do in the mountains at home this WILL do it.

    A couple miles of hills with a 45lb pack at 900’ ASL and this torture device leaves my ass kicked.

    1715347436045.png
     
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    Long Range 338 said:
    ^^^. This is how I typically think as well. If you live at sea level and are hunting in the Rockies any cardio prep you can do is going to be crucial. Air is pretty f-ing thin at 10,000 feet!
    Click to expand...
    I get it. I did a decent amount of stuff in the mountains when I was a bit younger and playing with cool guys.
    I'm doing a Mountain Athlete peak bagger program as prep for this year. Rob Shaul hasn't failed me yet. :cool:
     
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    Always been a fan of the Med. Palma or Rem Varmint, basically the same profile.
    If I were to go lighter would most likely be a light Palma or #3B as those would be a good compromise but still not light by any means.
    I agree with all of the recommendations on cardio training since the weight of your rifle barrel will be one of the last things on your mind once you get above 8500' and are exerting you self.
    From my front porch I'm looking at the Grand Mesa which is were I prefer to go to camp, hike and fish and has an average altitude on top of 10,400'.
    If your not in some kind of decent shape moderate exercise at that altitude and your sucking hind tit.
     
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    Reactions: Modoc, powdahound76 and Bakwa
    Bakwa said:
    Is that before or after scoping it?
    What scope?
    Click to expand...
    That’s rife has a Minox ZP5 Spuhr mount, all in about 12.5. We don’t do much longer walking one of the kids has a razor we use to get from base camp to hunting spot I’m old and can’t get around in the mountains like I use to
     
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    I dont know that program and do loads of box steps, lunges, and squats.

    Many of my hunts have me on what feels like a stairway for 1-2 miles at a time.

    If you hit Denver on your trip, hit me up.
    I know where good BBQ is and have some good whisky to celebrate a good hunt (before, after, or both!!)
     
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    powdahound76 said:
    I dont know that program and do loads of box steps, lunges, and squats.

    Many of my hunts have me on what feels like a stairway for 1-2 miles at a time.

    If you hit Denver on your trip, hit me up.
    I know where good BBQ is and have some good whisky to celebrate a good hunt (before, after, or both!!)
    Click to expand...
    Many thanks!
    I'll let you know.

    Yeah this program consists of many lunges, squats, jumping lunges, jumping squats, box step-ups, box jumps, etc...
    I also have a football stadium that I run bleachers at. Just trying to be healthy enough to enjoy myself in the mountains. I've seen others get altitude sickness and it doesn't look fun.
     
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    Altitude sickness happens to the fittest and healthy too.

    Slow entry helps.

    Once took care of a high level professional athlete who got terrible sick.
    A good friend who lives at 8k feet has a son who went to Aus for 8 weeks one summer.
    Super fit kid, high level athlete in high school and college.
    Got re-entry HAPE.

    Fit helps a lot.
    Does not exclude. Dont ignore symptoms just because one is younger and fit.

    Hydrate all the time.
    Stay a day at lower elevations (5-6k ft) if possible.


    And in case no one mentioned, show us a pic of this rifle when done!!!!

    I have a flat top Game Warden on the shelf begging for a pre64 build for mtn hunting…..
     
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    If you are worried about altitude obviously being in shape is number one, but taking Diamox starting a day or 2 before being at altitude will help. Makes anything carbonated taste like shit, but sure beats altitude sickness. I've seen folks come up here and get it so bad they end up in the hospital. Usually exacerbated by too much booze and not enough water.
     
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    Litterally every single barrel on every single rifle is an M24 contour these days. However. The rifle I built last year is likely going to be my hunting rifle for many many years to come.
    18" carbon fiber pipe is great on a hunting platform, even in an m24
     
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    Does the existence of carbon fiber barrels change anything with respect to barrel profile for a hunting rifle, or do they not save enough weight to matter?
     
    Based on my personal experience alone.
    I have found Sporter barrels to be more consistent between 22"-24".
    18"- 20" is manageable with a can and very handy.
    However, based on your chamber selection of 30-06 at 24"; a 3B is likely to be very consistent.
    A #3 Sporter I wouldn't go longer than 22".
    The shorter length stiffens the barrel up a little.
    The long skinny barrels seem to get more finicky.
     
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    Well articulated.
    This was roughly my thought as well, which is why I didn't list anything lighter than a #3.
    Cheers
     
    I have a 26" 5.5 krieger, which I believe is the same as the 3b bartlein, on my newest hunting rifle. Puts the entire rifle at just over 10lbs with a manners carbon fiber stock and razor lht scope. Very manageable weight wise in the back country and having a couple extra pounds over a pencil barrel has made it much more balanced and pleasant to shoot.
     
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    powdahound76 said:
    I dont know that program and do loads of box steps, lunges, and squats.

    Many of my hunts have me on what feels like a stairway for 1-2 miles at a time.

    If you hit Denver on your trip, hit me up.
    I know where good BBQ is and have some good whisky to celebrate a good hunt (before, after, or both!!)
    Click to expand...
    Good deal, I was worried that with the California influence you would be down to tofu and soybean burgers.
     
    • Haha
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    larryh128 said:
    Good deal, I was worried that with the California influence you would be down to tofu and soybean burgers.
    Click to expand...

    No chance.
    Loads of commies around, and still plenty of folks who know whats up.

    Someone has to work and take care of stuff besides “tech”, colleges, and micro brews….. 😉


    This rifle, what scope you thinking?

    Im used to ffp in 3-12 and run it. Works well. I see another CO hunter chasing down a 3-12 lrts illum in the PX.
    May try the vx5 3-15 sfp though. Got a buddy that loves it and he is a successful hunter and expert shooter. Saves me some oz for sure.
     
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    Like others said, this is a personal choice. Brady from go hunt carries like a 14-15lb rifle a lot of places. I usually fall in the camp of, I’ll carry something heavier to make better shots. That said, I hunt with an about 11-11.5 lb (including double pull) 300 wsm. I am very confident shooting it, but I can still shoot my 6.5cm of the same weight a little better positionally.
     
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    powdahound76 said:
    This rifle, what scope you thinking?

    Im used to ffp in 3-12 and run it. Works well. I see another CO hunter chasing down a 3-12 lrts illum in the PX.
    May try the vx5 3-15 sfp though. Got a buddy that loves it and he is a successful hunter and expert shooter. Saves me some oz for sure.
    Click to expand...
    I have a Leica Amplus 6 2.5-15 set aside already. It's decent.
     
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    Totally depends on cartridge for me too. I just did a fluted medium Palma on a 300 Norma. But if going non fluted I’d probably go 3b.
     
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    There is a lot of individual preferences and nuances involved in hunting rifles. My preferences is 7-8lb bare for shootability and carry weight. Barrel length and profile might be dictated by your desire to use a can or not. I used a proof carbon on my 300wsm because I needed girth for a suppressor but didn't want to weight of a rem Varmint contour.

    My lightest rifle is a kimber Montana which is accurate but takes a lot of focus and a stable rest for me to shoot well.

    You can also cheat some weight by carrying your rifle from your pack vs a sling. I have one of those kifaru gun barer slings and really like it.

    So I'd probably shoot for around 7lbs on a 30-06 and be happy.
     
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    Buzzinga said:
    I'd put a Bartlein featherweight barrel on that bad boy and call it a day, keep it at 8.5 lbs with a scope That additional weight is extra and unneeded and will do you no favors.
    Click to expand...
    I think that would be up to the individual with what they want to compromise on. Personally I'd rather compromise a couple extra pounds for the added stability of the rifle. A couple extra pounds on a 60-70lb pack isn't going to be very noticeable to me, but a little bit extra weight on my rifle when getting in position for a shot is. YMMV
     
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    HMRamateur said:
    I think that would be up to the individual with what they want to compromise on. Personally I'd rather compromise a couple extra pounds for the added stability of the rifle. A couple extra pounds on a 60-70lb pack isn't going to be very noticeable to me, but a little bit extra weight on my rifle when getting in position for a shot is. YMMV
    Click to expand...
    Yeah, that's totally cool :cool:
     
    Last edited:
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    Whatever gives you needed muzzle diameter at your desired finish length sufficient for 5/8x24 threads to attach your muzzle device. I recommend light palma.
     
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    voted light palma, but how you carry/manage your rifle is going to make more of a difference than +/- 1.5lb on just a barrel
     
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    I’m probably going light Palma on my next build, but it’ll rarely ever get toted more than a mile. Half that most days. Of course, it’ll be for Fudding around in Tennessee and I’ll want to screw my can on it.

    I’ve long held the opinion that anything much over 10 lbs. all up for a mountain/walking hunting rig is tantamount to self-flagellation.

    Big Bore rifles being carried against genuinely large game being the exception.
     
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    I lived in north Idaho for 8.5 years and found a rifle not over 8.5# scoped and loaded was best for my hike in hunts. So, whatever barrel profile gets you closest to that. Also, I much preferred my 270 since it had a 22” barrel to my 300 win with a 24” barrel.
     
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    On a sporter/hunting type rifle, going to heavy on the barrel can make the gun nose heavy and kind of a pita to carry and shoot.
    If the rifle had a good balance with the factory barrel I wouldn’t go much bigger.
    Same thought in the optic. A 2lb scope mounted 2”+ over the bore on a light rifle makes it handle and carry like crap.

    Obviously if you drive to your hunting spot and shoot from a blind or bipod, you can just run a truck axle and call it good.
     
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    Bakwa said:
    Well articulated.
    This was roughly my thought as well, which is why I didn't list anything lighter than a #3.
    Cheers
    Click to expand...
    Hey mate, I built a 280AI specifically as long range (hike in) hunting rig with a 26” CMC/howa sporter profile tube. It was a little more finicky to get dialled in with loads, but wouldn’t change it for a heavier profile barrel. Have also shot it offhand a few times at running animals while stalking and the balance is sweet as. Overall weight loaded with 10 rounds, ZCO420 and bipod is 11.4lbs.

    Sorry as doesn’t answer your heavy profile poll but thought worth mentioning.
     
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    Bakwa said:
    How heavy is too heavy of a barrel contour for a [hike-in, hike-out] hunter in your opinion?

    I'm re-barreling a long action Pre64 Mod 70 for an out west hunt this fall. It's going to be in 30-06 and likely 24".
    Based on your experiences and preferences, what would you choose?

    And please don't respond with "lift more weights" to justify a heavier barrel. If that were a reasonable rationale for carrying heavier barreled rifles, there would be more guys just hitting the gym and walking around the Rockys with 28" MTU barrels.
    There is a reasonable point of diminishing returns for weight carried and comfort of the hunter. I want to find out where that point is roughly at.

    Cheers
    Click to expand...
    The better you stalking ability, the closer you can take the shot. The less total weight you have to pack the better. I like 6lb guns, but when I find a 5lb that shoots within 50 yds of a 6, I'll own a 5. In the field where you get to pick the range, lite is right. And the old saying is still 100% true, Its not what you hit them with, its where you hit them at. Choices, its all about choices, a 22 in their eye, is much better than a 50bmg flying by. Stalking/field-craft ability is king, when its real and no game. Heavy guns suck in the field.
     
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