7mm-08 barrel choice (proof vs bartlein)

[elkaholic]

Extra twist can sometimes help bullet expansion as long as it's not too dramatic--- I know a guy that did some terminal ballistic gel testing using identical ammo, barrel length, but different twist rates and an deecrease in length/twist of only 1", (ex: going from a 1:11 to a 1:10, so faster twist) actually made the bullets expand faster and to a larger diameter---especially when using barnes monolithic bullets. He said accuracy was comparable, and velocity difference was negligible

I've done that same testing and even though some dispute it, I know it's true!

 

[lancetkenyon]

Stockys has a .284" 24" 1:9" Proof Sendero Light in stock right now. You can probably shorten that to 23" or slightly less with a SA cartridge.

Stiffer than a light contour steel, and about as light as a #3 contour. If you want lighter, 22" #2 Bartlein might be a better option.

 

[PHX1212]

Are you planning on using a suppressor?
If not, a Bartlein 2b contour would be perfect for lighter weight hunting rifle. I have a 7mm08 with 22.5" Brux 3 contour which is pretty similar to Bartlein 2b. Oregon Miley was kind enough to sell it to me, he's built plenty of 7mm08's and would be a good source of info.

I will not use a suppressor. I will just use a muzzle break. A 2b would be ideal, but I found a 3 in stock so I wouldn't have to wait months for one to be made from the manufacturer. I'm glad yours worked well for you.

 

[PHX1212]

The extra twist shouldn't hurt anything, if you want the carbon barrel go for it, but the fluted steel barrel would likely be lighter. According to lilja's calculator, you wpuld loose about 8 oz or so from strait fluting, probably slightly more from spiral fluting, so you would be at 48 oz or so, then have your smith cut the shank back to where only 1" of shank is in front of the action, and finish at 22", and you will be significantly lighter with the steel barrel.

Where you save weight with carbon barrels the most is of you go heavy contour. A steel barrel with a .900" muzzle is significantly heavier than a same contour carbon barrel, obviously. But you will always be able to go lighter with a slim contour steel barrel.

Another option for carbon barrels , if that's what you really want, is look at carbon six or hells canyon armory, both can get the twist/contour you want.

Thanks for the great info. Really the only reason I wanted a proof was because I can get 30% off on their barrels. I also have many friends who have had great success with their products. The light weight was also very appealing.

However they do not offer the twist I want in the length or contour I want anymore. That's what made me consider a 3 contour then spiral fluting. It's looking like that's what I'll do. Also after reading your comment it makes me feel confident I will be at the same weight as a 24" lisght sendero ender or slightly below.

 

[PHX1212]

I just ordered a Bartlein #3 in 9 twist. Thank you all who gave me input on what to get. I'll be sure to post the final weight once I get it cut down to final length and spiral fluted.

 

[codyadams]

I just ordered a Bartlein #3 in 9 twist. Thank you all who gave me input on what to get. I'll be sure to post the final weight once I get it cut down to final length and spiral fluted.

If ordering strait from them you can have them flute it for you. You may have a hookup, but if not it's just one less step ya gotta take

 

[PHX1212]

If ordering strait from them you can have them flute it for you. You may have a hookup, but if not it's just one less step ya gotta take

I ordered from red hawk since they had the barrel in stock ready to ship. If I went through Bartlein it would have been months. Thanks for the idea though.

 

[codyadams]

I ordered from red hawk since they had the barrel in stock ready to ship. If I went through Bartlein it would have been months. Thanks for the idea though.

No problem. LRI does a good job and are pretty quick, $175. You may already have someone lined put though

 

[Michael O'Connor]

I did the same thing with a Brux on my 270SS. #3 fluted at 21". The rifle package, scope and all, with manners EH4 and TI Razor action weighs exactly 7 lbs

You shouldn't tell everyone about that rifle Rich. Now we will have a hard time buying 170 Berger EOL and RL-26.

 

[elkaholic]

You shouldn't tell everyone about that rifle Rich. Now we will have a hard time buying 170 Berger EOL and RL-26.

It also kicks the bageez out of ya!!
I think I need a limbsaver

 

[Michael O'Connor]

It also kicks the bageez out of ya!!
I think I need a limbsaver

But, you do have a good recipe there for a 25 SST deer hunting rig. LOL

 

[dragonfly]

I'm building a "light" hunting rifle/occasional range gun. Main focus is weight reduction. I want a Proof, but the twist rates available limit me to a 24" 9 twist sendero contour at 49oz. Ideally I wanted a 22" 9 twist light sendero at 44oz, but they only offer a 8.4 twist. I believe that will be too fast for my application since I plan to use 140gr bergers or Sierras. I also wanted the shorter barrel for maneuverability.

My other option is a Bartlein in a #3 contour with a 9 twist. Advertised weight is 56oz at a 26" length. I wonder what the weight would be if I cut it back to 22", and had it spiral fluted. I would assume the 4" of barrel is a decent amount of weight, and the flutes would contribute a few oz loss as well.

The prices will be about the same when all work is done to the Bartlein, so cost is negligible. Any advice or experience will be greatly appreciated.

The (4) inches of barrel, that you take is equal to (4) in. of lost performance.

 

[elkaholic]

But, you do have a good recipe there for a 25 SST deer hunting rig. LOL

Recipes aren't really there yet as far as I know but several powders have reached 3350' so there should be plenty of good options.

 

[PHX1212]

The (4) inches of barrel, that you take is equal to (4) in. of lost performance.

Lost performance being velocity? Accuracy will not suffer at all. I'll be able to make plenty of velocity in a 22" barrel for hunting purposes. This will not be a 1000yrd paper puncher.