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Gunsmithing Short .308 barrel contour

F

Fletcher/AAC

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Apr 23, 2008
189
2
43
ATL
#1
I am rebarreling my .308 and am set on an 18" length.

I am trying to go as light as possible with this build and have selected all the lightest components, and I am about to order a barrel.

My question is how light of a contour barrel can I go to and hang a 19oz. silencer off the end. Is a number 4 profile barrel too small?
 
#2
Re: Short .308 barrel contour

the problem with any small contour barrel is heat. So if you use a custom barrel it'll be accurate but not accurate as long on a string of shots. all depends on how many shots in a row you want to do.

I'd take a look at a sendero contour (rem's factory varmint contour) I bet you don't gain but 4 or 5 oz.
 
#4
Re: Short .308 barrel contour

Well, it does help a little.

I am trying to throw a rifle together that weighs around 10 lbs all up...no more than 11lbs.

Surgeon 591
HTG Edge
Surgeon DBM
AAC Cyclone K
NF 2.5-10x32
NF Aluminum rings

If you look at the link below, it gives the amount of taper at a given length. According to that, a number 4 profile barrel would be .729" at the muzzle at 18" length. It also gives the formula to reach the approximate weight, which would be 2.942lbs.

However, using the same formula with the number 5 profile barrel, it would be .779" at the muzzle and 3.217lbs. The same chart notes that the #5 contour can be fluted for roughly .5lbs of weight savings, which would bring the total weight to 2.717lbs.

If that math adds up, then the components would weigh 10.16 lbs.


Info on contours and weights


If that math adds up, then the components would weigh 10.16 lbs for the whole rifle, unloaded.
 
#5
Re: Short .308 barrel contour

I personally would look at the Sendero contour also. I would give string shots the nudge before weight savings that minute. If you are making a hunting rifle, go for it, but you can save weight by doing BDL bottom metal instead of mag fed. If you are building a tac/match rifle, then add the extra 1/2 pound and roll with it.

What made you decide on 10 pounds as the magic weight?
 
#6
Re: Short .308 barrel contour

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Fbomb</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Well, it does help a little.

I am trying to throw a rifle together that weighs around 10 lbs all up...no more than 11lbs.

Surgeon 591
HTG Edge
Surgeon DBM
AAC Cyclone K
NF 2.5-10x32
NF Aluminum rings

If you look at the link below, it gives the amount of taper at a given length. According to that, a number 4 profile barrel would be .729" at the muzzle at 18" length. It also gives the formula to reach the approximate weight, which would be 2.942lbs.

However, using the same formula with the number 5 profile barrel, it would be .779" at the muzzle and 3.217lbs. The same chart notes that the #5 contour can be fluted for roughly .5lbs of weight savings, which would bring the total weight to 2.717lbs.

If that math adds up, then the components would weigh 10.16 lbs.


Info on contours and weights


If that math adds up, then the components would weigh 10.16 lbs for the whole rifle, unloaded.


</div></div>

I can tell you that my SKX contour barrel, which has a finished length of 19" (1.2" Breech Dia, 3" Breech length straight tapering to .750" Muzzle Dia) weighs just under 4 lbs prior to threading/chambering and fluting. Looking at your list of components, and having just finished the design of a rifle package weighing under 10 lbs (with the barrel dims I mentioned) in full load-out, you'll be in the 11 to 12 lb range. Shaving weight isn't easy, as I plan to be under 9 lbs and those last few ounces are kicking my butt.
 
#7
Re: Short .308 barrel contour

I am putting a finish on an 18.5" PSS contour tonite. In a B&C stock, the balance is great and the weight is not bad at all. But, I am not sure what you would consider heavy.

david
 
#8
Re: Short .308 barrel contour

Item Weight Lb Weight Oz
RSR 2 2.6
Surgeon DBM 6
Barrel 2.717
Stock 2.1
Rings 4.9
Silencer 19
NF Compact 19

That is the list with weights published by the manufacturer. I did not account for the magazine weight or the trigger weight as I could not find information on it, but the weights are adding up to 10.035 lbs now that I look at it again.

Regardless, it will be much lighter than my current setup of a 22" #7 Broughton barreled 591 with a T2-A, Silencer, NF F1, and a harris bipod.

Mike, what components did you use on your 10 lb build?
 
#9
Re: Short .308 barrel contour

Looking at some numbers I saved. I have a factory rem 700 LTR 20" barrel (just the barrel) at exactly 3lbs 8oz. Now figure you'd save about 2.5-3oz per inch at 18" your at 3lbs 2oz maybe 3lbs 1oz when you thread it for your can. So your saving approx 6oz over a sendero/ltr/pss contour.


http://www.remingtonle.com/rifles/700pltr.htm
 
#15
Re: Short .308 barrel contour

This is interesting, i can no longer shoot off hand so its down in the dirt. I have a short Stevens action in a choate tatical stock and want to put a 18" heavy tube on it and a bi pod. Fluting would be nice but not required. It will be a 308 with a palma reamer chamber from Dave K. Scope will be the new vortex with badger rings. Any body have any comments that might help me out? thanks. MM
 
#16
Re: Short .308 barrel contour

Informative thread with some good ideas. I have a LV countour on the way for a 18" - 20" build. I have not made up my mind yet as to exactly what length I want to go with. Might settle on 18.5". The contour kinda picked me cause that was all Bruno Shooters had in stock in the cal / twist I needed. But I think it will do fine as I am not looking to squeeze out every ounce of weight I can get. Plus I like the idea of a thicker barrel for longer strings of fire and a wider contact shoulder between the barrel and suppressor this build is for.
 
#18
Re: Short .308 barrel contour

Thanks 300WSM. i would like it to absorb recoil and still be able to move in it's axes.It's going to be for varmint and target nothing special. I have a 300WM weighing in at 27 lbs right now and that is for the bench. MM
 
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