Re: What barrel contour are you guy's using
I'm nearly a beginner at this stuff...but here's my take on it as I'm ready to re-barrel two of our Savages.
If it's a target or benchrest gun, the shortest length that will provide the required velocity, and the heaviest contour available.
If I were a hunter (and I'm not, yet- anyway), I would go the complete opposite direction. Lightest weight possible for carry. Hunting is all about that first cold-bore shot counting, and maybe one or two follow-ups. Barrel heating up is a non-issue.
I just purchased a Savage 10 FM Sierra lightweight "mountain rifle" as they're known for a target build. 6.25 lbs with a lightwieght stock and pillar bedded. I'm going to remove the action for a varmint barrel and benchrest stock for my target shooting. If I get into hunting, I'll put the action back into the lightweight stock, re-install the 7-.08 lightweight barrel, and go hunting...