What contour?

[slm9s]

I need your help ordering a new barrel for my Weatherby Mark V that currently a 270wby that I'd like to switch to 7wby or 7RM. It has a sporter barrel with brake currently and I'm thinking of a heavier barrel so I can shoot it more than 3 times before having to let it cool for 20 minutes.

I doubt that I'll ever use it hunting again, at least not hiking it up our hills all day, so it will be a range toy for long range practice. (I have access to 1100 yards)

So it currently has a sporter weight beautiful blued barrel. What contour would you guys choose? Most blanks are stainless, can stainless be blued? I'd like to keep the classic Weatherby blued look. I don't mind it being heavy, but I don't want the bull-barrel look either.

Thoughts on twist and length? I'll probably shoot heavier bullets for long range, the 180 berger looks good, but I've had good luck with the 162 Amax as well.

Thanks.

 

[Jayman_10X]

Re: What contour?

Well, from what you describe I would ask if you still plan on using the factory stock? If so I know you can still fit a Remington Sendero contour, with some custom fitting. That contour would allow for more shooting and not a significant amount of weight increase. You could still hunt comfortably with it. I would run a 24" barrel with a 1:9 twist. A good smith can blue the barrel at your preference.

A lot of good barrel makers out there - in no particular order: Bartlein, Broughton, Hart, Kreiger, Douglas, Obermeyer, Brux, Benchmark, Rock Creek, Schneider, etc., etc. I would say find the barrel/seller with the least wait time and run with it. Bugholes here is a great source.

 

[MagnumSecurity]

Re: What contour?

Good advice from Jayman. I am no expert on Weatherby's, but I believe they are not free floated. If you keep the stock, I would pillar bed it and free float the barrel.

 

[swampbuck]

Re: What contour?

Stainless won't blue, most people coat their stainless barrel with somthing like cerakote if they want a black finish. Krieger and a few other barrel makers will make a Chrome Moly steel barrel that will blue. The stainless barrels are the most durable and weather proof. Everything is a trade off.

 

[slm9s]

Re: What contour?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jayman_10X</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Well, from what you describe I would ask if you still plan on using the factory stock? </div></div>

Yes, its a beauty and already has hunting "character" marks. I'll have no problem having it opened up a little if needed. Like I said, I shot my first elk with it so I'm not worried about resale value.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MagnumSecurity</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Good advice from Jayman. I am no expert on Weatherby's, but I believe they are not free floated. </div></div>

The rifle has a custom barrel already on it and I live about an hour from the gunsmith. Its been freefloated already.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Swampbuck</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Stainless won't blue, most people coat their stainless barrel with somthing like cerakote if they want a black finish. Krieger and a few other barrel makers will make a Chrome Moly steel barrel that will blue. The stainless barrels are the most durable and weather proof. Everything is a trade off.</div></div>

Good info, thanks. Sounds like finding a CM barrel will be the hard part. Is there a large difference in durability between SS and CM? I'd like to keep the blued look.

Anyone know a source of CM barrels?

 

[HoytFlinger]

Re: What contour?

I'd go with a 8.5 twist and a Heavy Palma contour barrel. With the 8.5 you'll be set for the 180s and the 195s when they come out.