I have an older Winchester model 70 XTR with a magnum bolt face that I'm going to build for long range (200-500 yds initially and possibly for use up to 1000 yds. later on) and have some issues to solve before I start.
I am leaning toward the 7mag as I can launch some reasonhable ~160 grain bullets with fairly high BC's at reasonable velocity. I figure that if I can keep velocity to around 3000 fps I'll get decent barrel life? What experiences do you guys have with barrel life at 3k fps or so?
My scopes of choice both have ~47 +/- MOA (internal adjustment, since none of my ballistic tables go beyond 500 yards, the only info I found on bullet drop suggests a 180 inch drop at 1k yds with a 600 yard zero. Would a +20 MOA mount provide sufficient elevation adjustment?
Barrel makers. I could use recommendations from MAJOR PLAYERS, like Shilen, Hart, Douglas, Lilja etc) NOT mom and pop SHOPS.
Barrel material? I prefer Stainless? Any reason why not?
I'm also leaning toward a "target" barrel without flutes, and a slight taper as opposed to a straight no taper barrel with flutes. Are there any good reasons to go heavier no taper with flutes other than fluting giving some more surface area for cooling?
I really appreciate any info you folks can provide.
TIA,
Gary
I am leaning toward the 7mag as I can launch some reasonhable ~160 grain bullets with fairly high BC's at reasonable velocity. I figure that if I can keep velocity to around 3000 fps I'll get decent barrel life? What experiences do you guys have with barrel life at 3k fps or so?
My scopes of choice both have ~47 +/- MOA (internal adjustment, since none of my ballistic tables go beyond 500 yards, the only info I found on bullet drop suggests a 180 inch drop at 1k yds with a 600 yard zero. Would a +20 MOA mount provide sufficient elevation adjustment?
Barrel makers. I could use recommendations from MAJOR PLAYERS, like Shilen, Hart, Douglas, Lilja etc) NOT mom and pop SHOPS.
Barrel material? I prefer Stainless? Any reason why not?
I'm also leaning toward a "target" barrel without flutes, and a slight taper as opposed to a straight no taper barrel with flutes. Are there any good reasons to go heavier no taper with flutes other than fluting giving some more surface area for cooling?
I really appreciate any info you folks can provide.
TIA,
Gary