.308 Barrel Types

[bigmyk2k]

So, I am a longtime shotgun shooter- I love pheasant hunting- but I am looking to get into the bolt-action rifle business. I want to do this both for the pure joy of shooting, and possibly to go Deer/Elk hunting in the future.

Most hunting rifles seem to come with the lighter barrels, and there is also the option of a heavier match-type barrel, and then the fluted barrels seem to be a cross (weight savings and heat dissipation along with increased accuracy).

I am a big guy, and it seems to me like we're talking about a pound or so weight difference, which seems almost irrelevant to me, slung on my shoulder. Having minimal rifle experience, I know that- at least starting out- either will shoot better than me, but I also like to eschew entry-level equipment that I am going to want to upgrade in a season or two.

My question is this:
For people that have experience with at least two of the barrel types, why would I want to pick one over the other? I am inclined towards a fluted or heavier match grade barrel, but I am not set in stone.

Thanks in advance for the advice![Beer]

[Tim K]

I lean towards heavier barrels, but I don't hunt. I will be competing in a 30 mile precision rifle match carrying a 17# rifle, though, so weight doesn't scare me either.

In my experience, barrel quality is more important to accuracy than the barrel contour. In your shoes, I might go look at a Lilja barrel or the like in one of the lighter contours.

[tmjohnson]

You'll know the difference when you pack a bull barrel rifle up and down the mountains for a day or two. Those 2 extra pounds make a lot of difference in my opinion.

[RonMexico]

I use a heavy "tactical twist" 1:10 on my 308. I like it because you can toss heavier pills at larger animals like elk. Several ammo manufactures make 168 gr loads for big game.

[bigmyk2k]

You'll know the difference when you pack a bull barrel rifle up and down the mountains for a day or two. Those 2 extra pounds make a lot of difference in my opinion.

I understand that sentiment, knowing the difference in my arms between my Ithaca 37 and my Browning A5 after a few days in the field. But, I have also done 75 miles on the Colorado Trail with a 60lb pack before too. When the load is carried by my shoulders, back and legs, it isn't anywhere near as big an issue.

Where do you feel the difference? Are you actually carrying it at the ready, or slung over your shoulder?

[bigmyk2k]

I use a heavy "tactical twist" 1:10 on my 308. I like it because you can toss heavier pills at larger animals like elk. Several ammo manufactures make 168 gr loads for big game.

Any manufacturers that you recommend? Also, doesn't the bullet length and rifling twist factor into the ballistics? I found a good discussion on that once...

[Tim K]

Any manufacturers that you recommend? Also, doesn't the bullet length and rifling twist factor into the ballistics? I found a good discussion on that once...

http://www.riflebarrels.com/

[tmjohnson]

The weight of guns is relative When I was in my 20's and 30's I carried a Remington 700 VS and never thought anything about it, Now that I'm older i have become more sensative to the extra weight. Hate to admit it but I am gettin old.
As to your question about how I carry, I carry with a shoulder sling.

[bigmyk2k]

Thanks for the input, guys!

It seems like the best route is to get the rifle, and work with it for a while, as I save up for an upgraded barrel.

That lilja website has a ton of info! (Wish it weren't blocked at work)

[tmjohnson]

Don't under estimate factory barrels. Factory barrels are capable of pretty good accuracy with little or no tweaking. Give the rifle a chance to prove its self before you drop big money on a custom barrel and gunsmithing.
I have 2 Remington 700 VS in 308 and 7-08 that will shoot way better than most.

[spqrzilla]

I am a big guy, and it seems to me like we're talking about a pound or so weight difference, which seems almost irrelevant to me, slung on my shoulder.

Not at all irrelevant. Not least because it won't always be slung.

[waxthis]

Don't under estimate factory barrels. Factory barrels are capable of pretty good accuracy with little or no tweaking. Give the rifle a chance to prove its self before you drop big money on a custom barrel and gunsmithing.
I have 2 Remington 700 VS in 308 and 7-08 that will shoot way better than most.


^^^^^^^

Good advice...
[Beer]

[buckshotbarlow]

I love all my savage tubes, they shoot great. For custom barrels I run shilen. For hunting a 3/4 contour is very nice, and not 2 hard on the body.

[CO Hugh]

I have a barrel with a #1 contour, featherweight, and noticed that it is hard to group after 5 rounds, it gets hot and has to cool. So you may want to compare differences in weights and contours for your intended use.

If you are using for hunting and will probably never fire more than 5 shots at a time, go with a light barrel.

[bigmyk2k]

I would be using it for hunting, but I would also be using it for grouping and range practice.
So, in the field, it is unlikely to have heat issues, but on the range...
On a standard barrel, how long between shots to avoid overheating, or how long between groups to allow cool down.
I know this will vary by rifle and barrel, but I am just asking for ballpark. Are we talking a few minutes, or an hour plus?