I am building a custom 300 win mag. and am trying to decide between a number 4 and 5 contour. I like the weight savings of a 4, but am I sacrifing too much weight? I am a little concerned about muzzle jump with a lighter 4 contour barrel. For a good all around hunting/long range gun, what is everyone's take on this. I am afraid of getting too light of a contour, but also don't want to have to carry a pipe around in the woods.
- Thread starter dan25
- Start date
Re: Still deciding on barrel contour.
For a rifle that is going to be carried, I would not consider a #4 too light. A bit chunky, honestly.
Decide what the purpose of the rifle will be - for targets or for hunting, and build for that in mind. A multi-purpose rifle generally does nothing as well as it could, as you sacrifice certain things to make the rifle fit many roles. Jack of all trades, master of none, if you will.
If you are concerned with muzzle jump, bet a brake installed for range practice. You can always take it off for hunting if you want.
For a rifle that is going to be carried, I would not consider a #4 too light. A bit chunky, honestly.
Decide what the purpose of the rifle will be - for targets or for hunting, and build for that in mind. A multi-purpose rifle generally does nothing as well as it could, as you sacrifice certain things to make the rifle fit many roles. Jack of all trades, master of none, if you will.
If you are concerned with muzzle jump, bet a brake installed for range practice. You can always take it off for hunting if you want.
Re: Still deciding on barrel contour.
When actually shooting a deer or elk I cant say I even remember the recoil. Not even if a follow up shot is needed. Adrenalin seems to mask it pretty well.
At the range its another story.. LOL
Kimber Montana in 300wsm and a 180 Accubond backs up pretty good.
I hunted with a couple folks with breaks, MISERABLE to be around.
I had one on a prior rifle in a 300WM and took it off for hunting.
I agree with define the purpose first then pick the rifle, my hunting rifles generally have never been good high round count target shooting, I don't like too much weight when walking...
Dave
When actually shooting a deer or elk I cant say I even remember the recoil. Not even if a follow up shot is needed. Adrenalin seems to mask it pretty well.
At the range its another story.. LOL
Kimber Montana in 300wsm and a 180 Accubond backs up pretty good.
I hunted with a couple folks with breaks, MISERABLE to be around.
I had one on a prior rifle in a 300WM and took it off for hunting.
I agree with define the purpose first then pick the rifle, my hunting rifles generally have never been good high round count target shooting, I don't like too much weight when walking...
Dave
Re: Still deciding on barrel contour.
Just go heavy, carrying that extra weight will be good exercise for you.
Just go heavy, carrying that extra weight will be good exercise for you.
Re: Still deciding on barrel contour.
I agree that you need to decide whether this rifle is going to be for hunting or long range shooting. For hunting, I like light and ultra portable. For long range shooting, I like the have a heavy profile barrel.
I tend to put a whole lot more rounds through a target rifle, than I do a hunting rifle, so with a target rifle, I go with a heavy profile barrel that maintains it's thickness at the breech for 5" or so. This allows me a couple of setbacks before I have to replace the barrel. The heavy weight also helps with the shooting too.
I agree that you need to decide whether this rifle is going to be for hunting or long range shooting. For hunting, I like light and ultra portable. For long range shooting, I like the have a heavy profile barrel.
I tend to put a whole lot more rounds through a target rifle, than I do a hunting rifle, so with a target rifle, I go with a heavy profile barrel that maintains it's thickness at the breech for 5" or so. This allows me a couple of setbacks before I have to replace the barrel. The heavy weight also helps with the shooting too.
Re: Still deciding on barrel contour.
I say split the difference and go 5 fluted.
I say split the difference and go 5 fluted.
Re: Still deciding on barrel contour.
Yeah a number 4 will do a thousand yards if you can hold it still enough. Heavier would be easier. Also lighter will heat up faster. But if you can hold it still enough and the rifle cools between shots then your cold bore should be on par with heavier barrels. Definately not match material.
Yeah a number 4 will do a thousand yards if you can hold it still enough. Heavier would be easier. Also lighter will heat up faster. But if you can hold it still enough and the rifle cools between shots then your cold bore should be on par with heavier barrels. Definately not match material.
Re: Still deciding on barrel contour.
I'm with everyone else, build the rifle to your needs. A light and more portable hunting rifle is going to be a different build then a target rifle. For my hunting rifles I try to keep it lighter, but not overly light but I don't have mountain ranges like some folks to climb. I think of you want the heavier profile but lose some weight fluting would be a nice option, and it looks good too!
I'm with everyone else, build the rifle to your needs. A light and more portable hunting rifle is going to be a different build then a target rifle. For my hunting rifles I try to keep it lighter, but not overly light but I don't have mountain ranges like some folks to climb. I think of you want the heavier profile but lose some weight fluting would be a nice option, and it looks good too!
Re: Still deciding on barrel contour.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Swampbuck</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I say split the difference and go 5 fluted. </div></div>
+1. Perfect solution if you can not make up your mind.
My choice. Number 4 with brake. If concerend about hunting take it off. If you carrying a 300 set up for longrangehunting hunting you have plenty of time for ear protection
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Swampbuck</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I say split the difference and go 5 fluted. </div></div>
+1. Perfect solution if you can not make up your mind.
My choice. Number 4 with brake. If concerend about hunting take it off. If you carrying a 300 set up for longrangehunting hunting you have plenty of time for ear protection
Re: Still deciding on barrel contour.
I agree that you need to decide whether this rifle is going to be for hunting or long range shooting. I had one on a prior rifle in a 300WM and took it off for hunting.
I agree that you need to decide whether this rifle is going to be for hunting or long range shooting. I had one on a prior rifle in a 300WM and took it off for hunting.
