Bartlein 3b or 4

[Gobears16]

Help me decide. I’m having Spartan Rifles build a 28nosler and was wonder what you guys would rather have? This rifle will be a long range hunting rifle that would be packed 1-2miles tops, so not looking for super light weight but not looking for a dedicated bench gun either. I’ve already ordered a McMillan Game Hunter with a Bix’ n Andy trigger. The difference between the two seems to be about 8 ounces. Is #4 worth the extra weight for long range?

 

[samson7x]

For hunting, I'd pick the 3b.

 

[Another Casual]

3B is akin to other makers #5. I wouldn't go heavier than that on a hunting gun. Upside is there should be enough to thread for a surpressor if you're so inclined.

 

[b6graham]

Just me. But that's not a very far hike. Personally I'd go even heavier cause I'd want to stretch it out at the range and it'd get a lot more use there than a hunt or two

 

[Gobears16]

Graham, that’s what I’m thinking too. I’ve got a Kimber Montana for my backpack type hunts. Does the #4 allow for longer shot strings with the thicker barrel or does it not make a difference between the two?

 

[5RWill]

Our 3B finished at 23" spiral fluted and decked out is still 11.5lbs or so. Of course minus the can and bipod it's a moderate 9lbs. Of the two i'd go 3B it offers enough barrel that i would put a 5-10 shot string through it with the SAUM pictured below. Though it heats up noticeably faster than any other barrel i run but the rest aren't magnums either. Honestly if i had it to do over i'd go Proof sendero light. By the time you have a 3B coated and fluted it's nearly the same price.

 

[Ledzep]

I agree with the proof comment. Especially on a hunting gun. I have a 21" brux #4 and a 28" proof and they weigh and shoot the same.

 

[Diver160651]

I have a 7RM at Spartan now. It shoots lights out and has been my long range hunter but is 14lbs with the tall Atlas, heavier Rifles only sling and a beefy scope. The current barrel is a 8TW fluted Sendero that I will spin back on from time to time.

But I am saving over 2 lbs by having him spin on a Proof.. for longer hikes. That should bring it down more in the 12lbs range with all the crap that adds up...

BTW I am NOT going to the 28 because in CA you must use solids and I am easily getting 3250fps with 140 Barnes TTSX and 3100 with 168s. Barrel life is already very, very short. Plus I can easily grab Ammo anywhere.

Are you in Northern Ca?

 

[schmi015]

3B is the way to go. Its like goldilocks-just right. I have one on a tikka action in 6.5 saum at 23 inches and its much more pleasant to carry than my 300wsm with light palma at 25inches. I'm going through the dilemma similar to yours do you go 3 or 3b?

 

[Gobears16]

I have a 7RM at Spartan now. It shoots lights out and has been my long range hunter but is 14lbs with the tall Atlas, heavier Rifles only sling and a beefy scope. The current barrel is a 8TW fluted Sendero that I will spin back on from time to time.

But I am saving over 2 lbs by having him spin on a Proof.. for longer hikes. That should bring it down more in the 12lbs range with all the crap that adds up...

BTW I am NOT going to the 28 because in CA you must use solids and I am easily getting 3250fps with 140 Barnes TTSX and 3100 with 168s. Barrel life is already very, very short. Plus I can easily grab Ammo anywhere.

Are you in Northern Ca?

Yes I’m in NorCal (Walnut Creek). This will be my out of state rifle and I handload so the 28nos looks like it checks all the boxes. For Cali hunting I’ve got .243 and .270 that hammer hogs and blacktails with solids.

I’m definitely looking at a proof now that you guys are talking so highly about them.

 

[Mooseknuckles]

I have a #4 lt b on my 300 winmag. It’s almost a little too heavy to pack for long distance. I would lean more towards a #3 or 3b