Proof CF Barrel vs SS Bartlein Sporter

[Cold_Bore_88]

Good morning all,

I tossing around the idea of a lightweight hunting build. Coming from relatively heavy rifles in the past (2 builds from SAC in .308 and .338 with 22” Heavy Palma and 26” M24 contours, respectively) I now have the urge to build a lighter hunt/stalk gun.

I have read all kinds of different reviews on the internet but decided to finally throw it up here.

Keeping weight in mind I compare a Proof CF barrel with that of a similar weight SS barrel. At roughly 3.25 lbs with a CF barrel, I can get a medium sporter or standard sporter SS barrel. Aesthetics are obviously a factor here because everyone likes a fat barrel (especially if I go with a chassis build).

In short, what’s your opinion on the following?

1. Are the CF barrels durable? I know this may sound stupid but I am hard on guns.

2. Will there be any major performance loss in a sporter in 2-3 shot groups vs a CF? Am I splitting hairs here?

3. Would a heavier sporter with flutes shave any realistic weight?


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[Graywolf.260]

I've been looking at this as well. Seems like a Bartlein 2B or even #3 is pretty close in weight to a Proof Sendero. Unless you want a thicker barrel for some reason or you just want a cf cause it looks badass it doesn't seem worth it. Given how #3s shoot sustained, in my experience they make for great precision/hunters. Proof Sendero light vs # 3 Bartlein is maybe 5 oz lighter? But for the same price you can have the Bartlein chambered threaded and mounted...ymmv

 

[Cold_Bore_88]

I've been looking at this as well. Seems like a Bartlein 2B or even #3 is pretty close in weight to a Proof Sendero. Unless you want a thicker barrel for some reason or you just want a cf cause it looks badass it doesn't seem worth it. Given how #3s shoot sustained, in my experience they make for great precision/hunters. Proof Sendero light vs # 3 Bartlein is maybe 5 oz lighter? But for the same price you can have the Bartlein chambered threaded and mounted...ymmv

Thanks for the feedback. I am of the same mindset at this point.


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[stwcattle]

This year i have built a 6.5x284 Norma and a 6 Creed hunting rifles with Proof CF barrels dropped in Manners EH1 stocks.
These rifles flat out shoot. Both rifle shoot .25moa. I am a huge fan of these barrels.
I'm not sure that the CF barrel will work for you if you planning a build around a Manners EH2 or similar stock. I run a Bartlein 2B in my EH2.
The Proof barrel looks really good and sits really nice in a EH1.

 

[BurnOut]

I just had this argument with myself and received my Proof barrel yesterday. It'll be my first experience with a CF barrel, so I'll be interested to see how it performs.

I based my decision on the barrel section of Litz's latest book where there was a statement to the effect of, CF barrels are stiffer than all-steel barrels not of the same *profile*, but of the same *weight*. I butchered the quote, but the gist of it is there... anyhow, it'll be something a little different to play with.

 

[NateVA]

I went with a Proof carbon fiber barrel for my new build mainly as a way to keep the balance of the rifle more towards the center.

In regards to your question about fluting a slightly heavier contour sporter barrel, it would likely be purely cosmetic.

 

[Ledzep]

The shorter barrel length you go with, the more diminishing the attractions for a CF barrel are. However, anything over 20-22" is typically going to be lighter with CF unless you go absolute pencil contour. Another cool thing with the CF barrels is that the muzzle is always thick enough to thread for a brake/suppressor. "Worth it", as always is up to the end user. I have had great luck with my Proof barrel, and have another on order for another little project.

 

[jbuck88]

The shorter barrel length you go with, the more diminishing the attractions for a CF barrel are. However, anything over 20-22" is typically going to be lighter with CF unless you go absolute pencil contour. Another cool thing with the CF barrels is that the muzzle is always thick enough to thread for a brake/suppressor. "Worth it", as always is up to the end user. I have had great luck with my Proof barrel, and have another on order for another little project.

This.

I am am strongly considering a proof just because It will be large enough to thread for a suppressor.

 

[stwcattle]

The shorter barrel length you go with, the more diminishing the attractions for a CF barrel are. However, anything over 20-22" is typically going to be lighter with CF unless you go absolute pencil contour. Another cool thing with the CF barrels is that the muzzle is always thick enough to thread for a brake/suppressor. "Worth it", as always is up to the end user. I have had great luck with my Proof barrel, and have another on order for another little project.

Thanks Ledzep, A very good point I forgot to mention is the ability to run my 5/8-24 direct thread suppressors that i run on heavy barrels on the Proof CF barrel's.

 

[B-P-UU]

I can't decide on this either.. seems like the guys that like them, like them.. but I agree, results seem mixed at best.

 

[Gilly]

I questioned if proof would be as good or accurate as my bartlien heavier contours when putting together my 6.5 SAUM build. Ended up going proof because if I had a heavy enough profile bartlien to thread 5/8x24 It needed fluted to get weight even close to proof sendero of same length add cost to cerekote stainless barrel and cost is near equal. I was skeptical clear up until shooting the rifle. Load development was piece of cake it will shoot as well as any of my other rifles and actually feel like it’s my most accurate rifle at the moment of 3 SAC built rifles the other two being bartlien m24’s. I’ve had multiple hits on steel at 1582 yards furthest I’ve attempted to date. I would have no hesitation going that route again if Weight is a concern and I really like how it centers the balance of 26” rifle not being muzzle heavy or awkward.

 

[brianf]

Proof are great barrels have 2 for my AI.
Your kind of fighting yourself on this one.
you want a fat barrel for the looks (can't blame you) but you are looking to put a light weight hunter together with a chassis.
They really don't go together more often than not, most chassis are heavier than a "regular hunting" stock.
If its a pure hunting rifle a nice #3 thin light weight barrel , will shoot just as good as a proof for a group or two if your smith does equal work.
you are only putting 2 maybe 3 rounds at one time, no difference in cold bore accuracy.

 

[Cold_Bore_88]

Proof are great barrels have 2 for my AI.
Your kind of fighting yourself on this one.
you want a fat barrel for the looks (can't blame you) but you are looking to put a light weight hunter together with a chassis.
They really don't go together more often than not, most chassis are heavier than a "regular hunting" stock.
If its a pure hunting rifle a nice #3 thin light weight barrel , will shoot just as good as a proof for a group or two if your smith does equal work.
you are only putting 2 maybe 3 rounds at one time, no difference in cold bore accuracy.

You are absolutely right. The PR CF barrel is purely an aesthetic consideration.


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