Proof Research - Bull vs. Sendero Contours

[grizzlestomp]

Thanks to feedback on previous posts, decided I'm going with a Proof Research CF barrel for my GAP build.

I'm really interested in the Bull Contour barrel. It's only 10 ounces heavier than the Sendero contour (63oz vs 53oz in 26" .264). And it is still over a full pound lighter than the Bartlein Sendero contour I was looking at. Plus, it would seem that all the advertised benefits would only be that much better (i.e. greater stiffness, heat dissipation, etc.). Also, I think it would look pretty unique and badass.

Anyone have any experience with the Proof bull contour? Is it just overkill and not really have any advantages over the Sendero?

Rifle specs below:

6.5 GAP 4S
Templar V2 SA with integral 20 MOA rail and recoil lug - Still considering Tempest action
Manners EH-1 100% CF Stock (30oz) (per manners can accomodate either bull or sendero contours)
Triggertech 2# Trigger
APA SA DBM Floor Metal
March 2.5-25x42 (or 52) Scope with MTR-5 illuminated reticle
APA Little Bastard Brake (Gen 1 - fitted)

 

[Xander3Zero]

I would assume that just like a standard non-CF barrel, a bull contour isn't going to net you a huge gain over a sendero contour (unless we are talking really long strings of fire). I would guess that the majority of people who run heavy contour barrels do so for aesthetics/uniqueness rather than pure performance gain. Of course it will be stiffer, but I don't know how much real world performance you would actually gain over the sendero contour.

That being said, I doubt you could go wrong with either, and by the looks of your build that rifle is going to be one sweet piece no matter what.

 

[BurnOut]

I recently went through this same exercise, and due to the stock that I ended up with not having a fore end wide enough to accommodate a barrel channel wide enough for the full bull, I ended up going with the heavy Sendero contour. Believe what you read about the similarities to common M24 profiles. It's not OMGLIGHT, but the weight difference is absolutely noticeable compared to similarly sized steel barrels.

 

[surgeon260]

Proof's contours are kind of confusing. Per their website, they have:

1.) Sendero (1.20" breech)
2.) Light Sendero (1.20" breech)
3.) Sendero for .338 Calibers and Larger (1.25" breech)
4.) Bull (1.20" breech)

I am using the "Sendero for .338 Calibers and Larger" for my .28 Nosler in a Manners EH1. It is heavier than the Sendero, a few ounces lighter than the Bull, and in my opinion looks better because it has a taper (I am not a fan of the look of straight contour barrels, just my opinion). The 1.25" Sendero might be a happy medium between the normal Sendero and the straight Bull contour.

 

[grizzlestomp]

Huh. I'll have to call Proof again. One of their reps told me that I couldn't get the "Sendero for .338 Calibers and Larger (1.25" breach) chambered in 6.5mm. I think he said they used to, but can't anymore. Maybe if I but them a little bit they will agree to do it, I'm sure they have the capability.

That would be the ideal contour, at least based on my gut instinct.

 

[surgeon260]

That is weird. I am staring at one right now chambered in 7mm, I don't see why 6.5 would be any different. Sometimes I get the sense that they have their tooling set up a certain way and don't want to take the time to reconfigure it. Makes sense for a company that is in high demand and struggling to make enough barrels, but still weird. I would pay a premium to get the configuration I want. And Bartlein never says a peep when I request some random custom configuration.