338 Lapua barrel for Surgeon 1581/XL

[bhol]

I have a Surgeon action on order in 1581/XL for a 338 Lapua build. What would you guys recommend on barrel contour and length. I was thinking a 26" 1 in 10 twist. But I was wondering if a longer barrel would be a better choice, 28" or so. Any suggestions or information would be helpful as I'm pretty new to this long range stuff.

Thanks

[mt_archer]

Originally Posted by bhol

I have a Surgeon action on order in 1581/XL for a 338 Lapua build. What would you guys recommend on barrel contour and length. I was thinking a 26" 1 in 10 twist. But I was wondering if a longer barrel would be a better choice, 28" or so. Any suggestions or information would be helpful as I'm pretty new to this long range stuff.

Thanks

26" will be adequate, but if this is a heavy build for long range, a couple extra inches will help. 10 is great all around twist, but the 9 & 9.3 twist might be better to run 300 grain bullets and the new longer bullets. My last build with 1:10 (kreiger #17, 28") in lapua ai just doesn't like 300 gr, but is awesome with 250's, so next one will be 1:9. Unless you go carbon wrap, you probably want at least #7, and heavier is better, especially for longer length. You can save some weight with fluting, but not much. I'd suggest you figure out goal weight and work backward. Also plan ahead on what bullet you want to shoot. That may influence your choice of stock and bottom metal, too.

[Edd]

For that action, you will have to get a custom contour. If you get a target taper it will be really heavy. I'd consider a Palma style contour with custom dimensions. Look at a Bartlein #12 contour with the A and D dimensions increased by .100". Then you can cut it to whatever length you want.

[C.O. Shooter]

This guy has a barrel for sale you might be interested in!

custom 338 build parts

[Edd]

Originally Posted by C.O. Shooter

This guy has a barrel for sale you might be interested in!

custom 338 build parts

That barrel is not correct for a 1581 action. It's for a 1086 action.

[C.O. Shooter]

O my bad!

[azsugarbear]

I have always liked the 28" length for the 338 Lapua for all-around balance and feel. The best "overall" compromise, IMHO. I'm currently putting together components for a 338 Lapua AI and decided to go another couple of inches (30") due to the increase in case capacity. In either case, the contour was/will be a heavy Palma. Not exactly carry guns. So, there's my two cents.