280 AI barrel selection

[Rok1167]

I have a personal predicament selecting the contour for a 280 AI. Pretty much set on it being a Criterion for prefit application. This is intended to be a hunting rifle where weight is a strong consideration.

The Criterion sporter contour options are limited:
-Sporter @ 24", 2.95 lb, muzzle dia 0.593
-Heavy Sporter @ 24", 3.38 lb, muzzle dia 0.705

The internal struggles are:
1. is there an accuracy difference between those two options, generally?
2. a 9/16 thread on the Sporter contour does not leave enough shoulder for a break. A 1/2 thread leave less than recommended barrel thickness.

Any input on those items would be greatly appreciated. This is the first time diving into something like this.

 

[MagMan]

Save a half pound somewhere else. I have a 1/2-28 brake on my 280. No problems.

 

[just country]

morning, HART Barrels, tell them what u want!!!
justme gbot tum

 

[Deputy819]

Here's a print of the exact Criterion barrel I have in .280AI (heavy sporter). It went into a Savage action and bedded into a B&C stock. I wouldn't hesitate a bit to pack it around on a hunt as is. Like MagMan said..."Save a half pound somewhere else." The recoil imho isn't substantial enough to warrant a brake, but to each his own. Good luck with your decision. You're gonna love that Criterion prefit no matter which way you go.

 

[lancetkenyon]

Either one will work. But....You are only talking 6.5oz. If you want to go with the heavier contour (which I probably would....
Take a pis$ before you hit the trail. 6.5oz gone.
Drink a half bottle of water at the truck to prehydrate....8 oz gone.
Only tale 2 knives instead of 3, 6+ oz gone.
Leave one granola bar out of your pack. 6 oz gone.

 

[Hatrick]

I would like to know how that contour affects the balance and point ability before I decided on 7oz.

 

[xsn10s]

I'd say how a rifle balances or feels in your hand is a consideration also. But if you mainly shoot prone, off a pack, or with shooting sticks it won't matter unless you can't lighten your load elsewhere.

 

[xsn10s]

I would like to know how that contour affects the balance and point ability before I decided on 7oz.

Beat me to it lol.

 

[Rok1167]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I'll go with the heavier contour.

Related, is there any significant accuracy difference between barrels of this sporter type contour?

 

[Chopaka81]

I had my sendaro tapered bbl fluted to save some weight.

 

[vancewalker007]

I've found a little barrel heavy rifle settles better on field rests like sticks or tripods. You'll never notice 6ish more ounces. Now if you want a sheep rifle drop the 6 ounces go with a super light stock and forget about the heavier barrel and be happy with a standard range hunting rifle.

 

[Montucky Roamer]

Chances are the lighter barrel will be every bit as accurate as the heavier one (for 3-5 shots) but weight makes it easier to shoot generally. I had a 300 win with a 3b Bart Savage prefit, .730 24" I think, It was quite front heavy. All depends on use and balance preference. If your tracking bulls with it in your hands or only packing it to a stand or ridgetop then plunking it down are two different things. I do both , I went carbon on my new build. Love the balance of this one.
Anyway, some thoughts.