packgoatguy
Well-Known Member
I know the subject of steel barrels vs carbon fiber is oft debated... but I haven't found a comprehensive comparison between ultralight or lightweight steel barrel contours/fluted steel barrels vs CF barrels... for accuracy and weight purposes.
For example, i have a Kimber Mountain Ascent, with fluted barrel is a very lightweight rifle in a short action (sub 5lbs). However, while the first shot on a cold barrel is consistent (sub half MOA if targets layered one on top over each other over time), it tends to wander after the 3rd shot, and 5 shot groups without allowing full cooling are not great at all. I assume this is due to the lightweight profile and flutes doesnt keep the poi constant when it heats up a bit. Would a CF barrel of a similar weight fix this?
I see a lot of relatively lightweight hunting rifles using CF barrels and Titanium actions and CF Stocks to get into the 6-7lb bare rifle weight range (Fierce, Christensen Arms, etc) ... but others like MG ARMS, NULA, Oregonsmithing, etc offer 5-6lb rifles using all steel barrels, and all steel actions with Kevlar Stocks. Is there going to be a difference in accuracy between the two approaches? What about combining the weight savings of the Kevlar Stock seen in a lot of lightweight rifles with the Titanium action and CF barrel?
Not really looking for a debate on the cost of components... I get it that some options are cheaper than others... just looking for ultimate effectiveness.
Also, any lightweight option I shoot with a break, so recoil isn't a major consideration either. Just looking for what will give the most weight savings and most consistent groups.
For example, i have a Kimber Mountain Ascent, with fluted barrel is a very lightweight rifle in a short action (sub 5lbs). However, while the first shot on a cold barrel is consistent (sub half MOA if targets layered one on top over each other over time), it tends to wander after the 3rd shot, and 5 shot groups without allowing full cooling are not great at all. I assume this is due to the lightweight profile and flutes doesnt keep the poi constant when it heats up a bit. Would a CF barrel of a similar weight fix this?
I see a lot of relatively lightweight hunting rifles using CF barrels and Titanium actions and CF Stocks to get into the 6-7lb bare rifle weight range (Fierce, Christensen Arms, etc) ... but others like MG ARMS, NULA, Oregonsmithing, etc offer 5-6lb rifles using all steel barrels, and all steel actions with Kevlar Stocks. Is there going to be a difference in accuracy between the two approaches? What about combining the weight savings of the Kevlar Stock seen in a lot of lightweight rifles with the Titanium action and CF barrel?
Not really looking for a debate on the cost of components... I get it that some options are cheaper than others... just looking for ultimate effectiveness.
Also, any lightweight option I shoot with a break, so recoil isn't a major consideration either. Just looking for what will give the most weight savings and most consistent groups.