Re: Triangular Barrels vs. Fluted Barrels
Do a search, been discussed quite a bit.
We purchased a 700VTR last summer (.223).
My opinion- probably hype. Near as I can surmise, the built in brake also has little effect. Not that you really need a brake on a .223 anyway... It would be interesting to hear from those with the .308 version if they believe the brake is functional. With that said, Remington obviously put a ton of $$ into R&D before releasing this to market, and they ain't stoopid...
Would I buy another? Sure.
The gun shoots sub-moa 5 shot groups with the handloads it likes. So, the triangular barrel shoots no worse, near as I can tell, than a round barrel. No evidence that it shoots better, tho.
I haven't seen any convincing evidence that fluted barrels do anything for accuracy, either. Reduce weight- yes.
I would buy a fluted, heavy barrel over a standard barrel for the weight savings IF it were a hunting weapon. I would prefer the extra weight- and mass- of a non-fluted barrel for a benchrest gun.
One other consideration is the triangular barrel precludes aftermarket mods, such as flash suppressors or cans.